The Main Event
RACE DAY
Saturday, April 1, 2023
ABOUT THE CUP
The Carolina Cup & National Steeplechase Museum at Springdale Race Course
in Camden, South Carolina.
The Carolina Cup is a South Carolina tradition that has achieved premier social event status in the state. This annual ‘rite of spring’ draws over 30,000 fans from across the world to enjoy the riveting sport of steeplechase horse racing. Mark your calendars and get to shopping, the Carolina Cup Races bring a flurry of bright, spring fashions and extravagant tailgate parties. From the Hospitality Terrace to our Vendor Village, friends and family unite for an exciting afternoon of racing.
Learn more about The Cup, tickets and experiences.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
9:00 a.m. | All Gates Open
9:15 a.m. | Paddock Shoppes & Vendor Village Open
10:00 a.m. | Truvista Kid’s Zone Open
11:00 a.m. | Hospitality Luncheon Tents Open
11:30 a.m. | Hat Contest Judging Sponsored by WachFox 57
Location: Front of the Grandstand
12:50 p.m. | Color Presentation
12:55 p.m. | National Anthem
1:00 p.m. | Horses to the Paddock Sponsored by Karesh at Beechwood
1:30 p.m. | Post Time
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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The General Admission Ticket grants you access to the grounds, but there is no reserved seating with this ticket. You can explore the Vendor Village, the Paddock Shoppes and visit all of your friends at their tailgating spaces. You can not enter the Grandstands or any of the Luncheon Tents with this ticket.
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Yes, we have food vendors set up in the Infield, as well as the Paddock Shoppes. You could also purchase a ticket to one of our luncheon tents, The Post & Paddock and The Turf Club.
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Yes, all race goers entering the racecourse must have a scannable General Admission Ticket for entry. The Post & Paddock Ticket only allows you entrance to The Post & Paddock once you are on the grounds.
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Yes, you may bring chairs that do not block any guests view of the racecourse. You may not block any tailgating spaces with these chairs, but you can use them on open areas of the fence or in the Vendor Village.
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Children 12 and under are free.
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No, we are fortunate enough to have a very large venue making it difficult to sell out of General Admission Tickets. However, there are a limited amount of Reserved Tailgating Spaces in the Front Row, Infield, East & West Rail and Restricted areas. There is also a limited amount of The Meadow tailgating packages which can sell out as well.
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No pull grills or charcoal grills. Personal size gas grills are permitted.
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We love dogs. However, for the safety of the dogs, the horses, and other guests, we do not allow dogs at the races.
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Yes, you will have the first right of refusal each year on your tailgating space. If you fail to renew your tailgating space, the space will open to the general public and may be sold from that point forward.
2022 Tailgating Space Renewal Dates:
Space Renewals: January 2 – January 27
Open to General Public: February 1
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Please be respectful of your tailgate neighbors and do not overcrowd your tailgating space or theirs. If you feel that your group has outgrown your space, consider moving to The Meadow where we can accommodate groups of 10 – 50 people.
-
The races will run rain or shine. We always hope for good weather, but we strongly suggest packing a rain jacket just in case!
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Your payment will be submitted as a donation to the Carolina Cup Racing Association as we do not offer refunds.
-
You can reserve a 10 x 10 tent to be placed on your tailgating space for an additional fee. This can be added when you renew or purchase your tailgating space, or you can also call the office for details.
-
Gates open at 9:00am. The first race is 1:30pm, so there is plenty of time to arrive, park, unpack, and shop before the horses run.
-
There is no official dress code at the races. However, most women wear bright sundresses and hats, while men wear dress shirts, slacks and often a bright colored tie. Feel free to browse our Facebook or Instagram pages for inspiration! There will be a best dressed and best hat competition held each year which you might just win!
-
We want all of our guests to be safe! If you have had too much fun and need to leave your car, please do. We have overnight security but it’s at your own risk.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
-
The General Admission Ticket grants you access to the grounds, but there is no reserved seating with this ticket. You can explore the Vendor Village, the Paddock Shoppes and visit all of your friends at their tailgating spaces. You can not enter the Grandstands or any of the Luncheon Tents with this ticket.
-
Yes, we have food vendors set up in the Infield, as well as the Paddock Shoppes. You could also purchase a ticket to one of our luncheon tents, The Post & Paddock and The Turf Club.
-
Yes, all race goers entering the racecourse must have a scannable General Admission Ticket for entry. The Post & Paddock Ticket only allows you entrance to The Post & Paddock once you are on the grounds.
-
Yes, you may bring chairs that do not block any patrons view of the racecourse. You may not block any tailgating spaces with these chairs, but you can use them on open areas of the fence or in the Vendor Village.
-
Children 12 and under are free.
-
No, we are fortunate enough to have a very large venue making it difficult to sell out of General Admission Tickets. However, there are a limited amount of Reserved Tailgating Spaces in the Front Row, Infield, East & West Rail and Restricted areas. There is also a limited amount of The Meadow tailgating packages which can sell out as well.
-
Yes, gas grills only. Please do not bring charcoal grills.
-
We love dogs. However, for the safety of the dogs, the horses, and other guests, we do not allow dogs at the races.
-
Yes, you will have the first right of refusal each year on your tailgating space. If you fail to renew your tailgating space, the space will open to the general public and may be sold from that point forward.
2022 Tailgating Space Renewal Dates:
Space Renewals: January 3 – January 28
Open to General Public: January 31
-
Please be respectful of your tailgate neighbors and do not overcrowd your tailgating space or theirs. If you feel that your group has outgrown your space, consider moving to The Meadow where we can accommodate groups of 10 – 50 people.
-
The races will run rain or shine. We always hope for good weather, but we strongly suggest packing a rain jacket just in case!
-
Your payment will be submitted as a donation to the Carolina Cup Racing Association as we do not offer refunds.
-
You can reserve a 10 x 10 tent to be placed on your tailgating space for an additional fee. This can be added when you renew or purchase your tailgating space, or you can also call the office for details.
-
Gates open at 9:00am. The first race is 1:30pm, so there is plenty of time to arrive, park, unpack, and shop before the horses run.
-
There is no official dress code at the races. However, most women wear bright sundresses and hats, while men wear dress shirts, slacks and often a bright colored tie. Feel free to browse our Facebook or Instagram pages for inspiration! There will be a best dressed and best hat competition held each year which you might just win!
-
We want all of our guests to be safe! If you have had too much fun and need to leave your car, please do. We have overnight security but it’s at your own risk.
Carolina Cup Racing Association
Management
Toby Edwards, Executive Director
Jeff Teter, Director of Racing Operations & Facilities
Carolina Cup Racing Association Board of Directors
Mr. William B. Cox, Jr., Chairman
Mr. Walter Long, Vice Chair
Mr. Rick Reames III, Secretary/Treasurer
Mr. Julian H. Burns, MG, USA
Mrs. Hope H. Cooper
Mrs. Kate Dalton
Mr. Michael DeBenedetti
Mayor Alfred Mae Drakeford
Mr. Tom Mullikin
Mr. R. Don Terrell
Mr. Richard Valentine
Carolina Cup Racing Association
Management
Toby Edwards, Executive Director
Jeff Teter, Director of Racing Operations & Facilities
Carolina Cup Racing Association Board of Directors
Mr. William B. Cox, Jr., Chairman
Mr. Walter Long, Vice Chair
Mr. Rick Reames III, Secretary/Treasurer
Mr. Julian H. Burns, MG, USA
Mrs. Hope H. Cooper
Mrs. Kate Dalton
Mr. Michael DeBenedetti
Mayor Alfred Mae Drakeford
Mr. Tom Mullikin
Mr. R. Don Terrell
Mr. Richard Valentine
CAROLINA CUP RACING ASSOCIATION
200 Knights Hill Road, Camden, SC 29020
(803) 432-6513
info@carolinacup.org
Races run to benefit the Health Resource District of Kershaw County.
