Saturday, March 15, 2025

Schedule of Events

10 AM: Gates Open

11:30 AM: Opening Ceremony

12 PM: First Race Begins

Purchase Tickets

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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

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Purchase Tickets Online

Click Here

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
Unique Expressions – 1521 Whiskey Rd, Aiken (in the Mitchell Shopping Center)
Odell Weeks Activity Center – 1700 Whiskey Rd, Aiken
Aiken Visitor Center & Train Museum – 406 Park Ave, 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

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

Lodging in Aiken

Get in Touch

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