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HISTORY OF THE AIKEN TRIALS
Begun in 1942 as a way to give young horses in training the enlightening opportunity to experience every aspect of live racing, the Aiken Trials has become a time honored tradition as the first leg of Aiken's Triple Crown events, held annually for three consecutive Saturdays in March.
Sponsored by WRDW, All Star Tents and Events, Atlantic Broadband, Meybohm Realtors, and AB Beverage Co. Inc., the Aiken Trials draws upwards of 10,000 spectators who enjoy a day of family fun that includes extravagant tailgating spreads, assorted vendors and good natured side betting. The event is a major fundraiser for the charitable organization. The Aiken Steeplechase and Aiken Polo, make up the other two events.
There are six races on the program consisting of five races for two year olds and maidens (horses that may have started in a race, but have never won), running a ¼ mile to 4 ½ furlongs, and one race for older horses that have already won.
The jockeys 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!
Events
- "Train Here, Win Anywhere"
76th AIKEN TRIALS
Aiken Training Track
March 17, 2018
- Gates open at 10:00 am
- Vendors and concessions open at 11:00 am
- Tent party starts at 11:00 am
- Opening Ceremonies
- Carriage Parade begins at 1:00 pm
- Races start at 2:00 pm
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE
Tickets also available at the Aiken Training Track, Aiken Saddlery, All Star Tents and Events, Odell Weeks, Floyd & Green, Aiken Visitors Center (laurens) and Train Museum (Park Ave) and Communigraphics in North Augusta or at select ticket outlets throughout the CSRA.
HISTORIC STABLE AND BARN EXPERIENCE
Aiken Training Track
9 am - 11:15 am
▪ May 12 (rain date May 19 )
$30 per person
Walk in the hoof prints of racing immortals like Kelso, Swale, Pleasant Colony, Tom Fool, Gallorette, Shuvee and many more!
See the locations of the most iconic racing stables that have trained their horses in Aiken. Claiborne, Greentree Stable, Rokeby Stable, Dogwood Stable, Buckland Farm, Bohemia Stable have all trained at the historic Aiken Training Track.
Participants will visit 5-6 historic barns and stables. You will be close to the horses, trainers and exercise riders, so bring your camera!
Space is limited and the registration deadline is Thursday before each tour.
Participants should wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes
BREAKFAST AT THE GALLOPS
Aiken Training Track
March 16, 2018 -- 8-10 AM
Watch Aiken's Future Racing Stars Workout
This will be an opportunity to observe juveniles who are preparing to go to the races and older campaigners, work before leaving to go to the racetrack. Local trainers will be on hand to talk to participants about the various training methods used to train Aiken's equine athletes.
A light breakfast will be served. Those in attendance should enter the Two Notch Road entrance that is closest to Audubon Drive. Vehicles must stop for all horses.
A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to support the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame & Museum.
For more information: 803-643-2121 or 803-642-7631 or email halloffame@cityofaikensc.gov.
RIDE THE RAIL
Aiken Training Track
DUE TO WEATHER AND TRACK CONDITIONS RIDE THE RAIL POSTPONED UNTIL APRIL 8, 2018
11am - 2pm
ENTRY SUBMISSION EXTENDED
Event will begin at 11am with the Walk-trot-canter-gallop division.
Around noon, we will start the walk-trot-canter division and at 1pm we will finish with the walk-trot group.
We are looking forward to our first Ride the Rail event!
Thank you for your support and please support our vendors
.
Bring your horse and enjoy a jog or gallop on the training track.
For more information, contact Wendy Gutfarb at 508-265-3055 or RideTheRailAiken@gmail.com
All materials need to be downloaded and reviewed by participants.
All applications must be submitted by mail or dropped off at Aiken Training Track office during office hours (M-F 9-12).
Proof of Coggins MUST be submitted with the application as well as the fee of $50 per horse/rider combination.
No rider will be allowed on track without properly completed paperwork.
NO EXCEPTIONS.
AIKEN TRAINED HORSE OF THE YEAR
Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame & Museum
March 18, 2018
History
- "Train Here, Win Anywhere"
In 1941 renowned horsemen Fred H. Post and his son William, came to Aiken to play polo. Aiken was considered at the time (and still is today!) a National polo capital and Aiken's lure as a 'Winter Colony' for wealthy Northerners was well established by that time. The comfortable climate of mild winters and early springs combined with the sandy soil was ideal for the pursuit of a variety of equestrian activities. Post, impressed by the area, decided to construct the Aiken Training Track to condition his flat racers. He found the perfect location along Two Notch Road where his track would be surrounded by established polo fields, quiet dirt roads and within hacking distance of the Hitchcock Woods, which at over 2,000 acres is one of America's largest urban forests.
It didn't take long for the Aiken Training Track to be considered one of the finest training centers in the country when horses trained here started earning their Championship laurels in 1942, starting with Elkridge, a Champion Steeplechaser. Famous horse owners with names like, Greentree, Vanderbilt, Rokeby and Claiborne Farm started sending their horses to Winter in the South under the care of future Hall of Fame trainers Mackenzie (Mack) Miller, John Gaver, William Burch, Woody Stephens and many others.
Since that time 39 Champion Thoroughbreds have been crowned. They are pictured below by the year their title was earned. Thanks to the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing and Hall of Fame Museum for providing all the images and information on this page!
AIKEN TRIALS
Begun in 1942 as a way to give young horses in training the enlightening opportunity to experience every aspect of live racing, the Aiken Trials has become a time honored tradition as the first leg of Aiken's Triple Crown events, held annually for three consecutive Saturdays in March.
Sponsored by WRDW, All Star Tents and Events, Atlantic Broadband, Meybohm Realtors, and AB Beverage Co. Inc., the Aiken Trials draws upwards of 10,000 spectators who enjoy a day of family fun that includes extravagant tailgating spreads, assorted vendors and good natured side betting. The event is a major fundraiser for the charitable organization. The Aiken Steeplechase and Aiken Polo, make up the other two events.
There are six races on the program consisting of five races for two year olds and maidens (horses that may have started in a race, but have never won), running a ¼ mile to 4 ½ furlongs, and one race for older horses that have already won.
The jockeys 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!