The Great Meadow racecourse in The Plains will hold informal practices races on Sept. 13 in part to test out a re-routing of the course in advance of the International Gold Cup slated for Oct. 25.

The practice races, which will not be open to the public, also afford younger, less experienced horses the chance to practice jumping hurdles with other horses, said Al Griffin, co-president of the Virginia Gold Cup Association and president of the presiding National Steeplechase Association.