THE STEEPLECHASE AT CALLAWAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2007

The Steeplechase at Callaway will host its 23rd Running on Saturday, November 3rd on the beautiful grounds of Callaway Gardens. Steeplechasing is a competitive sporting event that provides spectators an opportunity to watch the thrills, smarts and athletic ability of Thoroughbred race horses jump over 52” high hurdles at premium speeds. These Thoroughbreds, almost all of them converted from flat racing, compete in 12 states at some 36 National Steeplechase Association (NSA) stops both in the spring and fall of every year. They have lineages proven with official Jockey Club registration papers, and are ridden by the top steeplechase jockeys in the nation.

 From meets held on the nation’s finest racetracks throughout the east, south and as far west as Kentucky and Tennessee, there are a total of 225 individual races providing purses worth a combined total of $5 million. The Steeplechase at Callaway has been one of these meets for the past 22 years. Mason Lampton, Race Chairman, was the visionary who combined his love of steeplechasing with the community’s needs. “Our mission has always been to support the arts in the community, using the steeplechase as a vehicle to do so,” says Mason. He continues, “This has proven to be a positive experience for everyone, both in the area of adding an additional sporting event which is entertaining for anyone at any age, as well as allowing us to contribute a total of $2.3 million to the arts in the region."

This year’s total purse for The Steeplechase at Callaway is $215,000, making it the fourth largest purse in the nation. “It is extremely important to keep our purse at the upper level,” says Mason, “…so you have quality horses who put on a quality show. It ensures your race has the best trainers and riders so our patrons are watching the best of the best in steeplechasing. After all, without the horses, there is no steeplechase!”

Thanks to the generosity and long-standing support of Aflac, The Steeplechase at Callaway continues the tradition of the Aflac U.S. Supreme Hurdle Novice Series Race with a total purse of $100,000 for this race alone. “The Steeplechase at Callaway is a high-energy, premiere event. What it has done for the arts in our region is tremendous, and Aflac is truly proud of its long association with this pre-eminent landmark in steeplechase racing,” says Kathelen Amos, President, Aflac Foundation.

Another great, faithful benefactor, Don Leebern, III, with Georgia Crown, also enthusiastically embraces our Race with their sponsorship of the Crown Royal Sport of Queens Stakes. This race is for fillies and mares and carries a purse of $50,000. “We are honored to be able to support an event of this quality in our community,” says Don Leebern, III. “It has always been a great day for me; enjoying family and friends, as well as watching the Thoroughbreds compete.” “We continue to target amateur racing as well,” says Mason, “and remain faithfully supported with the sponsorship of our Collie Jennings Mullin Amateur Hurdle by Mr. and Mrs. Sandy Kasten and Ms. Wells Mullin and Columbus Bank and Trust; as well, the W. C. Bradley Co. sponsors our Timber Race; and SunTrust continues their support of the SunTrust Maiden Hurdle.”

The 2-3/8 mile course at Callaway Gardens has been cited as one of the most beautiful in the United States. The 200 acre site is cradled in hardwoods and statuesque Georgia pines with rolling hills overlooking Pine Mountain Ridge. The plush turf and fully irrigated oval track is a challenge for horses and their mounts. A 20’x 27’ video screen allows our patrons to follow the horses completely around the track. One is able to see the start, the back stretch and the finish on this screen.

OTHER ACTIVITIES
Our 2007 Race Director, Jenny Adams, begins our pre-race activities with The Steeplechase Children’s Art Contest. Sponsored by GEO Technical this year, this art contest will award “Best of Show;” First Place High School Winner; First Place Middle School Winner; First Place Lower School Winner and Three Dimensional First Place Winner. A total value of $850 will be awarded to winning students, along with a gift certificate from G&H Art Company for the winning students’ art teacher. Artwork will be on exhibit in the museum during the month of October and then will be removed to be displayed at the Wachovia Race Arcade at The Steeplechase at Callaway Race Day.

 Chasers Eve, the kick off of Steeplechase weekend, will be held on Friday evening, November 2nd. This event, sponsored by J. Smith Lanier & Co., is an upscale evening where guests will enjoy a show-stopping entertainment band, dine from chef-attended food stations and enjoy bidding on a variety of auction items. Guests attire will be cocktail casual: chic, comfortable wear. Tickets are $150 each and maybe be purchased through The Steeplechase at Callaway office (706-324-6252).

Race Day always has something new and this year we have several to introduce. First, and most exciting for the children, will be a Stick Pony Race sponsored by JD Kinders’ Furniture. “Mason Lampton has talked about how much fun the children have in a stick pony race held at his Point-to-Point gathering in Fitzpatrick, Alabama every year. I just wanted to provide the same great activity for our patrons,” says Jenny. Children of all ages will dash down the track on a stick pony to claim prizes and experience the thrill of the ‘chase! “Next new on the agenda will be the opportunity for Terrace Box holders to enter the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer ‘Best Box’ Contest. Whether you choose a theme or bring heirloom silver, the judges will be patrolling the Terrace area to see who’s sporting the best box,” continues Jenny. “Speaking of our Terraces, be on the lookout for the display of our new terrace design which will be constructed in 2008. This past year, we have been hard at work with landscape architects from Jordan, Jones, and Goulding to re-design the terrace area; these changes will help us continue to grow and provide an even better day for our sponsors and patrons. I am thrilled to showcase the changes we have planned and to introduce everyone to what they will see in 2008!” On top of these additions, her Magazine will be conducting a “Make-It, Take-It” competition, where the winning recipes from the magazine’s contest will be featured with a “tasting” opportunity for our patrons in the Wachovia Race Arcade area Race Day. The Wachovia Race Arcade, mentioned earlier as displaying the winning artwork from the children’s art contest, is located directly behind the Terrace Boxes and will also house the works of regional artists; retail vendors selling jewelry, hats, and metalwork; and your steeplechase souvenirs!

A tradition in its own right, Galloping Gourmets will again showcase the chefs’ competition with prize money raised to a total of $2,000 this year. Regional chefs will present their signature dish for a chance at first place recognition in the Winner’s Circle. W. J. Deutsch Company, a Georgia Crown wine distributor, will pair a wine with each delectable for patrons to enjoy. You may participate in the chefs’ tasting with a Galloping Gourmets ticket for $20. The Post-Chase Celebration is included in box-seat and tent ticket packages only.

“Our infield continues to be full of activities to keep the family busy for an entire day,” says Jenny. Children will be entertained with a rock wall, bungee jumps, face painters, and a blacksmith demonstration. Sunny 100 is sponsoring the Tailgate Competition, so be sure to bring a ribbon to tie on the antenna of your car if you plan to participate. Southern Views is sponsoring our extremely popular Hat Contest. Winning categories will be “Most Whimsical,” “Most Beautiful,” “Best Children’s Hat,” and “The Red Hat Society CategoryTM.” Our annual Jack Russell Terrier Races, sponsored by Callaway Gardens Living, will have three separate heats. Come early as they will run at 11:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 12:45 p.m. The Taste of the Chase will again have Country’s Barbeque, and other concessions will be present in the Infield to offer sandwiches, lemonade, ice cream and funnel cakes.

Box seats range from $325 for six to $550 for six. Tent packages begin at $650 for six and are available for entertaining larger families or corporate guests by calling the Steeplechase Office. Infield tickets range in price from $25 per person, plus $20 for your car, to a Reserved Rail Package at $270 for six. The Reserved Rail package includes one vehicle. Active military and their families may purchase tickets at a reduced rate through The Steeplechase office. Remember, not only is The Steeplechase a fun-filled day for the family, it benefits the Arts. Since 1985 this event has distributed all net proceeds ($2.3 million) to The Columbus Museum; Columbus Symphony Orchestra; The Springer Opera House; The Historic Columbus Foundation, Inc.; Ida Cason Callaway Foundation; and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University. For tickets and more information about The Steeplechase at Callaway, please call the Steeplechase Office at 706-324-6252.

THE LAMPTON BRONZE

The Lampton Bronze was established at the 20th Running of The Steeplechase at Callaway by Friends of the Steeplechase. Named to honor Mary Lu and Mason Lampton for their vision and dedication in bringing this race to our community, and supporting the Arts in the process, the bronze was created as a perpetual trophy to be presented annually to a Steeplechase volunteer who best exemplifies the Lamptons’ leadership and commitment to this event. Last year two 20-year veteran volunteers of The Steeplechase at Callaway were honored: Jake Burrus for his faithful support as both a Paddock Judge and Stable Coordinator under the Operations Division of The Steeplechase, and Betty Lindsey for her many years of service under the Race Committee as Race Day Cashier. This year’s Lampton Bronze Volunteer Award will be presented during opening ceremonies, prior to the first pony race.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT TAMMY B. BECK EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR THE STEEPLECHASE AT CALLAWAY 706-324-6252 (OFFICE) 706-593-2896 (CELL) tbeck@knology.net