Aiken Trials kicks off the Triple Crown

The 68th edition of the Aiken Trials will once again feature Thoroughbred racing's stars of tomorrow as well as veteran campaigners looking to return to form at the racetrack this spring.

The first leg of the Aiken Triple Crown will be held Saturday, with gates opening at 10 a.m. The race card will be composed of six contests and will be conducted at the Aiken Training Track, a public training facility located on Two Notch Road. Post time for the first race is 2 p.m.

The safe, controlled and family-oriented environment attracts people of all ages, who have an opportunity to experience the excitement of Thoroughbred racing.

The day's activities will feature a carriage parade at 1 p.m. The races will also feature a Polo Pony race sponsored by the Aiken Horse.

The sponsors for this year's Aiken Trials include the The Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum, AllStar Rents, Aiken Land Conservancy, Atlantic Broadband, Boots, Bridles and Britches, Vista Bank, Meybohm Relators and AB Beverage Co. Inc.

Spectators welcome the opportunity to be part of a day that includes great flat racing, socializing with their friends and enjoying a virtual cornucopia of gastronomical delights as tailgating is encouraged.

The day's races provide the 2-year-olds or juvenile horses with an invaluable experience, getting an opportunity to showcase their talents before a large crowd prior to leaving to compete at the racetrack. The 4¬½-furlong races written for older horses serve as a means of conditioning, so they'll be fit when they return to the races in the spring.

This year's Aiken Trials will not feature a tent party, but individual sponsors will have cabanas that are close to the finish line.

General admission tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. Parking tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate.

General admission tickets can be purchased at AllStar Rents, the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center, Aiken Saddlery and Supply, Boots, Bridles and Britches and Anything Goes in North Augusta.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 278-4TIX or at www.tixonline.com.

For more information, visit www.theaikentrainingtrack.com.

Contact Ben Baugh at bbaugh@aikenstandard.com.