803.648.4631
Coming March 2026
Schedule of Events
10 AM: Gates Open
11:30 AM: Opening Ceremony
12 PM: First Race Begins
2025 Race Results
First Trial - The Coward Trophy
Two Year Olds
One-Quarter Mile From the Pole
Sponsored by Helen Naylor, and Jack Wetzel
Grooms Award Sponsored by tbSales
Second Trial - The Willard Freeman Cup
The Jerry Napp “Yellow Cat” Memorial Polo Pony Race
One-Quarter Mile From the Pole
Sponsored by AB Beverage
Grooms Award Sponsored by Equine Divine
Third Trial - The Gaver Trophy/ Dr. Rebekah Brady Memorial Trophy
Four and One Half Furlongs From the Gate
Sponsored by Southern Equine Service
Grooms Award Sponsored by Southern Equine Service
Ladies Side Saddle Race
Half Mile Standing Start
Sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Paul Clark
Grooms Award Sponsored by Camp Leaping Horn
Ticket Information
General admission tickets/parking passes are now on sale for the Aiken Trials.
Everyone age 6 years and older must have a valid admission ticket.
Advanced General Admission
$25
Advanced General Admission Parking
$25
Tent Permit (for reserved tailgate spaces)
$20
Purchase Tickets Online
Purchase Tickets In Person
Beginning in late January, tickets may be purchased locally at the following locations:
- Aiken Training Track Office – 538 Two Notch Rd, Aiken
- Aiken Saddlery – 1090 East Pine Log Rd, Aiken
- Odell Weeks Activity Center – 1700 Whiskey Rd, Aiken
- Aiken Visitor Center & Train Museum – 406 Park Ave, Aiken
- Local Threads Aiken – 124 Laurens St NW, Aiken
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs a ticket?
Everyone age 6 and over needs a ticket. All vehicles need a parking pass.
Are dogs allowed?
Well-behaved dogs allowed, and must be on a leash for the entire event.
What time can I start setting up my tailgate space?
Gates open at 10am!
What time can Vendors start setting up their merchandise space?
Vendor set-up begins at 8am.
What time do the races start?
Opening Ceremonies begin at 11:30am, and the first race kicks off at Noon.
Do we need both parking and entry passes?
Every car needs a parking pass, and every spectator age 6 and older needs a wristband/ticket.
Our Sponsors
Our Vendors
History of the Aiken Trials
Beginning in 1942, the Aiken Trials has given young horses in training the enlightening opportunity to experience every aspect of live racing. This has become a time-honored tradition as the first leg of Aiken’s Triple crown, held annually for three consecutive Saturdays in March. The Aiken Steeplechase and Pacers & Polo make up the other two events.
The Aiken Trials draws upwards of 10000 spectators who enjoy a day of family fun that includes tailgating, vendors and competitive racing.
We are anticipating five races on the program consisting of four races for two-year-olds and maidens (horses that may have started in a race, but have never won), running a 1/4 mile to 4 1/2 furlongs, and one race for older horses that have already won. As in the past several years, Pony races will also be featured.
The jockeys typically are local exercise riders who have an afternoon in the spotlight after paying their dues exercising horses each morning (in all weather) throughout the year. Occasionally, a trainer has brought in a licensed jockey to compete; making some exciting competition for the exercise riders!
Please join us for the 82nd Running of the Aiken Trials! See you there, rain or shine!
Location
Aiken Training Track
538 Two Notch Rd SE
Aiken, SC 29801
Where to Stay?
For recommendations on where to stay, please visit the link below
Get in Touch
Copyright © 2025 | Website by Thomas Agency Group