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Great Meadow Foundation Celebrates the 100th Running of the Virginia Gold Cup and Announces Major Racecourse Upgrades

The Plains, VA - May 27, 2025

The Great Meadow Foundation (GMF) was honored to host the 100th running of the Virginia Gold Cup on May 3rd and extends its congratulations to the Virginia Gold Cup Association (VGCA) for another successful day of steeplechase racing. With over 30,000 spectators in attendance, the event “sold out” for the first time since the pandemic and the crowd brought electrifying energy throughout the day. This year’s running marked a proud milestone and a reaffirmation of the Virginia Gold Cup’s 40-year legacy at Great Meadow, a partnership that remains a top priority for GMF.

In preparation for the 2025 season, significant investments were made to optimize turf conditions and ensure long-term course sustainability, including the drilling of two new wells to remove the threat of drought. With the grounds now improved, GMF is launching the next phase of its comprehensive racecourse renovation plan: a complete overhaul of the north and south turns.

Expanding the turn lanes and adjusting the pitch to favor the horses have been goals of ours for years,” said Dulany Morison, Race Committee Chair. “Thanks to the generosity of our longtime supporter, Michael Smith, this vision will soon become a reality. These improvements will be game-changing, and we’re proud to partner with VGCA to move them forward as quickly as possible.”

As part of this next phase, GMF is collaborating with course consultants, leading trainers, and industry experts to determine enhancements that will provide the safest and highest-quality steeplechase experience. “It is wonderful to see Great Meadow investing such significant resources and energy into the racecourse,” said Dr. Will Allison, Chair of the Virginia Gold Cup Association. “We look forward to continuing our work together to provide the best sporting conditions possible.”

Construction is expected to take at least one year, and discussions are already underway to establish a temporary race route that avoids impacted areas during the transition. To support this change, VGCA will host a schooling opportunity in the fall, giving jockeys, trainers, and owners the chance to preview the revised route and offer feedback ahead of the International Gold Cup on October 25th.

These developments mark an exciting new chapter for steeplechase racing in Virginia, as GMF and VGCA advance their shared commitment to establishing the premier steeplechase course in the nation. For more information on Great Meadow, visit greatmeadow.org.