Aikenites get set for Trials

It's an annual rite of passage for Thoroughbred racing enthusiasts and interested spectators. The 67th edition of the Aiken Trials will be held Saturday.

The Aiken Trials will benefit the Aiken Land Conservancy, the Aiken Jaycees and the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum. This year's race card will feature a polo pony race. The polo ponies will race from a standing start, and will run the length of a polo field, approximately 300 yards. There will also be a short polo demonstration by the Aiken Polo Club.

Sponsors for this year's races include Meybohm Realtors; Atlantic Broadband; Boots, Bridles and Britches; The Aiken Jaycees; OCD Pellets; AllStar Rents; The Aiken Horse; Cable Vantage; the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum; the Aiken Land Conservancy; AB Beverage Co. Inc.; and Vista Bank.

The festivities begin Thursday with the Breakfast at the Gallops, a fundraiser for the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum, held at the Aiken Training Track's clockers stand. Those attending the event will have an opportunity to learn more about the sport of Thoroughbred racing, as trainers based at the facility discuss the sport and answer questions. The cost per ticket is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. The event will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. For more information, call 642-7650.

The Starting Gate Party is scheduled for Thursday evening and will feature music by Anybody's Guess. The dinner will be catered by Papa Russ' Catering by Jennifer, and the meal will have a barbecue theme with a varied menu. Tickets to the Starting Gate Party are $50 in advance and $60 at the door. The Starting Gate Party will be held on the infield of the Aiken Training Track.

The stable rate for the Starting Gate Party for the purchase of ten tickets is $450 instead of $500.

The VIP Tent Party will be held Saturday. Those in the attendance at the tent party will have an opportunity to watch the races on TV, and there will be a live feed of the day's races. The buffet luncheon is being catered by Up Your Alley, and will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There will be an open bar, and music will be provided by the jazz ensemble Southern Nights. The cost per ticket is $90 in advance and $100 at the door. The VIP Tent Party will be held in proximity to the finish line, providing spectators with an outstanding view.

The cost for infield corporate tickets is $200, infield rail are $100, infield row 2 are $75, outfield rail are $100, outfield row 2 are $75, outfield row 3 are $70 and outfield back railan camper space are $70. The reserved parking includes one vehicle pass and five general admission tickets.

General admission tickets to the event are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. General admission parking is $10 in advance and $15 at the gate.

General admission tickets can be purchased at AllStar Rents Inc.; H. Odell Weeks Activities Center; Aiken Saddlery & Supply; Women's Echoes; Boots, Bridles & Britches; and Anything Goes Gifts in North Augusta.

The gates open at 10 a.m. The concession vendors open at 11 a.m. and the carriage parade is scheduled for 1 p.m.

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

For more information visit www.theaikentrainingtrack.com.