Why Attend the Queen's Cup?

The Calm before the Parade of the Day - photo by Jamey Price Photography Daily Morsels from the Green Goddess . . . APRIL 24, 2010 - It was 5:00 am when I woke the security guard up at the gate . . . I was the first to arrive at the Queen's Cup Steeplechase last Saturday morning to start brewing the coffee.  The stars were out and shining in the sky, not having to compete with the city lights.  It was still cool outside and I was all alone on acres of pristine green grass, groomed all year just for this one single day of horseracing.  The creepers played their blissful song and kept me company while the coffee brewed nearby.  I made my way down to the stables where a few thoroughbreds were stirring.  I got lost in their beauty . . . these horses are amazing, majestic animals.  I want to open up the gates and let them run free.  Alas, thousands of volunteers and guests will soon descend upon these grounds sipping mint juleps and donning fancy hats and seersucker suits.  Only the horses and myself will understand the calm before the parade of the day.   APRIL 25, 2009 - It was 5:00 am . . . I was the first to arrive at the Queen's Cup Steeplechase last Saturday morning to start brewing the coffee.  The stars were out and shining in the sky, not having to compete with the city lights.  It was still cool outside and I was all alone on acres of pristine green grass, groomed all year just for this one single day of horseracing.  The creepers played their blissful song and kept me company while the coffee brewed nearby.  I made my way down to the stables where a few thoroughbreds were stirring.  I got lost in their beauty . . . these horses are amazing, majestic animals.  I want to open up the gates and let them run free.  Alas, thousands of volunteers and guests will soon descend upon these grounds sipping mint juleps and donning fancy hats and seersucker suits.  Only the horses and myself will understand the calm before the parade of the day.

Why the Queen's Cup is the Spring Time Place to Be the Last Saturday in April

Where pretty women gather with handsome men in their best dressed spring attire The Queen's Cup is held on the grounds of Brooklandwoodtm Racecourse which prides itself on providing first class racing in a unique and inspiring setting. Sponsors and racegoers alike over the years have enjoyed not only fantastic hospitality and scenery but horseracing of the highest order Attending the Queen’s Cup is a wonderful way to ring in spring! The Queen’s Cup is Always the last Saturday in April, when the weather in Charlotte is typically warm, and the flowers are in bloom, fragrantly scenting the air. The smell of freshly cut green grass, the sun warm, and a sense of peace and renewal fills the atmosphere  Since 1995, families and friends enjoy reconnecting and socializing at the Queen’s Cup, which has long been known for bringing people together Children love seeing the majestic and athletic horses up close - adults do to! Kids can even ride ponies themselves! The Discovery Place Kids Zone also provides great fun for your energetic little ones Horses aren’t the only animals that will impress you at the Queen’s Cup.  The Carolina Raptor Center is on site with some spectacular birds of prey, and the Carolina Jack Russell Terrier Club sponsors the adorably fun terrier races.  (Come early--the puppies race first!). Tailgating contests, live music and delicious food offerings create high-energy - a fun atmosphere that makes you appreciate life and glad you came out to see for yourself what the Queen's Cup is all about You get to experience five live thoroughbred races, all featuring beautiful and athletic horses, galloping over two miles at 30 mph, thundering full speed to be the first place winner. This is professional horse racing in the highest order The Queen's Cup is charitable; since 1995, the Charlotte Steeplechase Association, the organizing sponsor of the event, has donated over $450,000 to local and regional charities.  Your attendance means the Association has that much more to donate to those in the community who need it most Unlike some sporting event, everyone walks away happy looking forward to next year's Queen's Cup Want to experience a Taste of the 'Chase before hand, watch The Last Saturday in April presentation made from the 2009 races by photographer, Jamey Price. Better watched in HD mode Watch horses fly, then watch the presentation Fly Baby Fly, better watched in HD mode We would like to welcome back everyone to celebrate our 15th annual running in 2010 in the anticipation that we will witness yet more competitive racing and a high level of socializing And for those who have not yet experienced a day's racing at the Queen's Cup discover what a gloriously uplifting experience it is. We encourage you to Experience the Thrill of the 'Chase®!