Montpelier Hunt Races

Montpelier Hunt Races Tickets available.

Call 540.672.0014 or online.

PLEASE NOTE: The House and Visitor Center will be CLOSED to the general public on November 2. House tours will be available to Race ticket-holders between 10 AM and 2 PM.

Bring Your Family and Friends for a Fun Day of Horse Racing, Tailgating, Hat Contests, and More

Gates Open: 9 AM
Terrier Races: 10:15 AM
First Post Time: 12:30 PM
Last Post Time: Approx. 4:05 PM

Other Race Day Activities

Jack Russel Terrier Races
Near the flat track: 10:15 AM

Stick Horse Races
For children 2-11, on the Racecourse in front of the Race Tower, Enter @ Montpelier Store Tent before 11:15

Tailgate Contest
No entry fee, just let the office know prior to race day that you would like to be judged (540-672-0014 or email info@montpelierraces.org.). Great prizes and lots of fun ! More information can be found on our Race Day Information page and Facebook

Hat Contest
Always a big hit and right after the second race on the racecourse in front of the Race Tower. Judged on elegance, or best race theme, even a group prize! Sponsored by Dubarry of Ireland.

A Brief History of the Hunt Races

In 1901, William duPont purchased the Montpelier estate, located four miles west of the Town of Orange, in Virginia’s Piedmont Region. William and his wife Annie, made substantial changes to the house, enlarging it, renovating the formal garden, and adding many outbuildings and stables. Their daughter, Marion duPont Scott, was an accomplished horsewoman who transformed Montpelier into a first class Thoroughbred breeding and racing facility, building a state of the art steeplechase course and a flat training track. As an owner, Mrs. Scott bred a series of winners from excellent Thoroughbred bloodlines. In 1932, her horse Trouble Maker won the Maryland Hunt Cup, regarded as America’s most challenging timber race, and in 1938, her horse Battleship, a son of Man o’ War, became the first American bred and owned horse to win the British Grand National Steeplechase. In 1929, Marion inaugurated the Montpelier Races and opened them to the public. Marion’s legacy continues with the running of the Montpelier Races, a premier event on the National Steeplechase Association’s circuit, which is always held on the first Saturday in November.