80 YEARS OF CHAMPIONS
03.18.23
10am: Gates Open
11:30: Opening Ceremony
First Race at Noon
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, all proceeds will be donated to F.O.T.A.S. – Friends of the Animal Shelter, Aiken SC.)
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
OFF-SITE TICKET OUTLETS:
Aiken County Visitors Center 133 Laurens Street NW, Aiken
Aiken Saddlery 1090 East Pine Log Road, Aiken
Unique Expressions 1521 Whiskey Road, Aiken (in the Mitchell Shopping Center)
Odell Weeks Activity Center, 1700 Whiskey Road
Aiken Visitor Center & Train Museum, 406 Park Avenue
TICKETS ARE CASH ONLY AT THE GATE.
ALL PURCHASES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.
More information at AikenTrainingTrack.com
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.
Sponsors
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!
Website design by Alison South Marketing