Horse races are a favorite family outing in Chester County
Just as there were hints of a very early spring – temperatures in the 60s, flowers popping up and
birds everywhere, reality hit us with a mid-March snow storm. But don’t despair, a sure sign of
spring in Chester County is just weeks away! The Brandywine Hills Point-to-Point, slated for
Sunday, April 2 at Red Clay Alliance’s Myrick Conservation Center on Route 842, approximately six miles west of West Chester and three miles east of Unionville is an annual spring outing for many families, as well as horse racing enthusiasts. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the races, making them the oldest of all the point-to-point races in the Delaware Valley.
Despite their long history, the Brandywine Hills races have remained a casual, family-oriented
event. Leashed dogs are welcome too. Admission is as low as $20 a carload and there are a
multitude of kids’ activities planned.
The course provides good visibility for spectators to watch the beautiful horses gallop flat out
while they negotiate challenging jumps along the rolling course. Premium parking spots along
the final approach to the finish line are ideal for a tailgate party or purchase lunch from Hickory
House Catering.
The gates open at 11:00 a.m. with the children’s pony races kicking off the action at 12:30 p.m.
Don’t miss the chance to see these young future jockeys as they gallop down the home stretch to
the cheers of their families. Then it’s time for the pro jockeys to ride. Five timber races– ladies,
novice, heavyweight, open and foxhunter are each run over a course of 17 solidly built jumps
over the approximately three-mile course.
Another highlight of race day is the ongoing suspense as raffle tickets are pulled throughout the
event for an amazing assortment of prizes. Tickets are just $10 with prizes including a one-week
stay in a Hawaii condo, original artwork, Devon Horse Show box seats, a carriage ride, and
numerous dining gift cards. Ticket holders do not have to be present to win.
Radnor Hunt is the presenting sponsor. Additional sponsors include: Carol Atterbury, Capital & Security Management Inc., James A. Cochrane Inc.-Realtor, Rafael & TJ Costa, J. Clifton Edgar, Dr. & Mrs. Roy Feldman, J. Gallagher Septic and Wastewater Control Inc., Holly Gross Group, Helen Groves, Sally Hagele & Hank Lloyd, Wes & Mary Hardin, The Herr Family, Hickory House Catering, Dallas Krapf, Landhope Farms, Michael & Anne Moran, Rodman W. Moorhead III, Jim & Diana Perella, Deborah F. Robinson, Riley Riper Hollin & Colagreco, Dr. & Mrs. Donald J. Rosato, Mr. & Mrs. John Swayne, Sycamore Racing and Margot Mohr Teeter-Remax, Thrivent Financial and The Whip Tavern.
See www.brandywineredclay.org or call 610-793-1090 for more information or to purchase parking passes and/or raffle tickets in advance.
Over the past decade, the popular race day has raised over $200,000 for the Brandywine Valley Association and its programs. Brandywine Valley Association and Red Clay Valley Association merged as of June 30, 2015 to form Brandywine Red Clay Alliance. With over 70 years of experience, the association will continue to reach out for clean-up volunteers, undertake improvements in both watersheds, turn more red streams blue, advocate with a stronger voice, and educate school children in local districts.
