81 YEARS OF CHAMPIONS

03.16.24

March 16, 2024

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. The Aiken Steeplechase and Pacers & Polo make up the other two events.

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.

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!

5 Thoroughbred Races, Pony Races, and more!

Vendor Village, Food Trucks, Hat Contest (no entry fee)

Tailgate Contest ($5 fee)

724 Two Notch Road
Southeast Aiken, SC 29801

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.

Ticket Pricing

General Admission Tickets

$25 available in advance and at the gate

General Admission Parking

$20 in advance or at the gate

Purchase Your Tickets

In Person:

Aiken Training Track Office, 538 Two Notch Road, mornings 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (office accepts cash, check, or credit card) CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS WILL INCUR A PROCESSING FEE.

By Phone:

(803) 648-4631

TICKETS ARE CASH ONLY AT THE GATE.

ALL PURCHASES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.

More information at AikenTrainingTrack.com

WHERE TO STAY

Tent Permits

This is a rain-or-shine event. Be sure to purchase a Tent Permit so you’re prepared whatever the weather. Permits may be purchased in the Track Office for $20.

Tent Policy

Tent Permit includes 1 additional General Admission Parking pass for your vehicle.
Tent and vehicle may NOT occupy the same spot.
You must provide your own 10’ x 10’ or smaller tent and properly secure it to the ground.
Tents in the Clocker Stand Patron area may be no wider than 8′.
Tent Permit must hang visibly from your tent at all times.
All tents will be inspected for permits and properly secured installation in the interest of safety for our attendees and horses.
No sidewalls are permitted on the rail in order to maintain a fair view of the track.

Vendors

Aiken Training Track
Georgann Crawford
Equine Rescue of Aiken
Fresh-N-Ready
Funnel Cake Lounge
Beth Harpham
Lac’ds Boutique
Lazee Dayz Kravings
Palmetto Bowls
Poppy’s Kettle Corn
Michelle Robbins
Southside Gallery
SuzieQ’s
Sweet Cream Treats
Taquizas La Peña Bernal
Walton Options for Independent Living

We thank you for supporting our vendors!

Winners

First Trial – Two Year Olds

The Coward Trophy

Sponsored by The Richard L. Duchossois Family, In Memory of Richard L. Duchossois

One-Quarter Mile

Place	Horse	Owner	Trainer	Rider	Time
1	Mii Amo	Legion Racing	Travis Durr	Brody Durr	24.0
2	Unheard	Legion Racing	Travis Durr	Rakeem Pauling
3	Unnamed (Prenuptial Vow 21)	Allen Poindexter	Cary Frommer	Ismael Gonzalez
4	Major Mayhem	R Marie Farms	Rebekah Hurt	Lizzie Quinn
5	Attrayant	Kirkwood Stables	Cary Frommer	Ismael Benitez
6	Unnamed (California Breeze 21)	Stuart Morris	Jason McCutchen	Lamont Smalls

Second Trial – Two Year Olds

The Gaver Trophy

The Dr. Rebekah Brady Memorial Trophy

Sponsored by Southern Equine Service

One-Quarter Mile

Place	Horse	Owner	Trainer	Rider	Time
1	Callin My Name	Mason & Walker McCutchen	Jason McCutchen	Lamont Smalls	21.2
2	Unnamed (Thunder Lilly 21)	Riri Stables	Cary Frommer	Roberto Benitez
3	Tunechi	Legion Racing	Travis Durr	Rakeem Pauling
4	Unnamed (Seeking Options 21)	Riri Stables	Cary Frommer	Ismael Gonzalez

Third Trial -Three Year Olds and Upwards

The Von StadeTrophy

Place	Horse	Owner	Trainer	Rider	Time
1	Dante’s Fire	Pathfinder Racing	Neil Morris	Ivan Cruz	1:49.3
2	Seismic Wave	William Russell	Neil Morris	Charles Bennett
3	Junonia	Kinross Corporation	Neil Morris	Joseph Sharp

Fourth Trial -Three Year Olds and Upwards

The City of Aiken Trophy

Sponsored by Meybohm Real Estate

Four and One-Half Furlongs

Place	Horse	Owner	Trainer	Rider	Time
1	Sinful Dancer	Kimberly Smith	David Figueroa	Makaia Paige Carpenter	55.0
2	He Is Bonafide	R. Marie Farms	Rebekah Hurt	Kathleen Wilson
3	American Bound	Terry Hutto	Marion L Cuttino	Joe Sharp
4	Cacio E Pepe	Mr. Amore Stables LLC	Travis Durr	Rakeem Pauling

Fifth Trial -Three Year Olds and Upwards

The Iselin Hall of Fame Trophy

Place	Horse	Owner	Trainer	Rider	Time
1	Say It Loud	Cherry Knoll Farm	Peter Pugh	Caroline Pugh	55.4
2	Study Committee	Carson Ann McCutchen	Jason McCutchen	Lamont Smalls
3	Brown Liquor Man	James M Miller	Wes Carter	Rakeem Pauling
4	Noble Gem	Quail Ridge Farm	Neil Morris	Ivan Cruz

Foxhunter Challenge Race

Sponsored by: Helen Naylor, In Memory of the Mare, Roxy

Three Quarter Mile

Place	Horse	Owner	Trainer	Rider
1	In Effect	Pathfinder Racing	Neil Morris	Cedar Grove Hounds
Other entries:
	Zella	Alicia Brigode	Josh Daniels	Aiken Hounds
	True Up	Stacy Armstrong	Stacy Armstrong	Whiskey Road Fox Hounds
	Knockout Kick	Kristin Schlachter	Kristin Schlachter	Rose Tree-Blue Mountain Hunt
	Sweet Lady Mary	Mr. & Mrs. Ismael Gomez	Ismael Gomez	Rose Tree-Blue Mountain Hung
	Family Tree	Irvin Naylor	Trey Bennett	Cedar Grove Hounds
	Zeke	Alicia Brigode	Alicia Brigode	Aiken Hounds