Steeplechasing

The name "steeplechasing" came from the quaint custom of horsemen (and ladies, when so inclined) to challenge one another to a race, often selecting the most notable and identifiable landscape feature - usually a far away church steeple - as the finish line. These impromptu races often took the form of a deadout run straight cross-country, hurtling every obstacle in the way - including hedges, walls, brush, livestock, and irate farmers - much to the exhilaration of the riders and whatever spectators happened to be standing within view.

In its more modern form, this delightful sport still involves a blistering gallop over fences and brush, however it now takes on far tamer turf, and is generally found in the company of "the finer set" who dress to the nines for the occasion, dragging out the china, silver and caviar for an appropriate "tailgate picnic" while ostensively viewing the galloping field from the vantage point of an enclosed paddock or a gentle, well-groomed hillside.

Among the more famous steeplechases are Ascot (which is known for not only for its astounding ability to encourage the most ostentatious ladies hats imaginable, but also played a delightful and memorable part in the movie My Fair Lady), The Grand National (another which found its way to the silver screen, launching a young Elizabeth Taylor to Hollywood stardom in the movie National Velvet), and The Maryland Hunt Cup (an American institution that proudly boasts a heritage predating the Revolutionary War).

Sub-Categories:

Jumping For Fun - Covers Point-to-Point steeplechasing in the UK and Eire. Includes photos, news, FAQ, message board, and related links.
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Racenews - UK horse racing and steeplechase news.
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UK-Jumping - A guide to horses, people and places involved in jump racing in the UK
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The Racing Pages - A UK horse racing web site with the emphasis on national hunt racing. Included is a Grand National and Aintree section and also a Welsh National and Chepstow area.
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Arkle - A tribute to Arkle containing a summary of his career and his pedigree.
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Winning Post - Information and links for National Hunt Horse Racing in the UK. Includes Grand National Steeplechase and Cheltenham Festival coverage.
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Virginia Steeplechase - Calendar of Virginia steeplechasing races. Links to race sites, dates, times, and locations.
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Dawn Run - The story of the first horse to complete the Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup double.
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WebPony Horse Search Engine - Steeplechasing - Directory of links to steeplechasing websites as well as other horse related sites.
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The English Grand National - Information on the current season's Grand National as it becomes available, plus past winners and other information.
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The Steeplechase Studio - Offers tips, analysis, previews, reviews, horses to follow and articles for National Hunt racing (jumping) in Britain.
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Point to Point - Wales - Information about Point to Pointing in the UK, specifically Wales and Borders (Midlands). Includes dates, venues & feedback from the public.
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Greyhound Derby - Features history of the race and members badges from 59 racecourses.
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Web Search for Steeplechasing Racing Equestrian Sports - News search for Steeplechasing Racing Equestrian Sports - encyclopedia entries for Steeplechasing Racing Equestrian Sports