Race Preview

As the summer steeplechase season winds down, four races are on tap this week at Colonial Downs in Virginia and Saratoga in upstate New York. It’s a busier week than usual as a result of the rescheduling of the $75,000 Michael G. Walsh novice stakes at the Spa, which was postponed by heavy overnight rain on Aug. 23 and recarded for Thursday Sept. 1.

Wednesday’s $75,000 Michael G. Walsh novice stakes at 2 ⅜ miles is an intriguing contest that pits up-and-coming hurdlers against proven competitors at this level.

The centerpiece of the summer steeplechase season at Colonial Downs in New Kent, Va., takes place tomorrow with the running of the $100,000 Randolph D. Rouse hurdle stakes for fillies and mares at 2 ¼ miles.

The marquee race on the summer steeplechase calendar — a contest that often has championship implications — takes center stage on Wednesday at Saratoga.

A trio of National Steeplechase Association contests are on tap this week as the summer season continues.

At Saratoga on Wednesday, a field of seven is expected to face NYRA starter Hector Soler in the Kiser, at 2 1/16 miles.

Smithwick to kick off Spa steeplechase season, while maidens, handicappers duel at Colonial Downs

Maidens will be in the spotlight for the season opener at New Kent, Va., on July 11, the first of 16 steeplechase race dates in Virginia and at Saratoga in Upstate New York.

After 15 race meets and 75 races across seven states, the curtain closes on the National Steeplechase Association Spring season on Saturday with the 91st running of the Radnor Hunt Races

The jumpers head to Tennessee and Pennsylvania this Saturday, with opportunities for purses and pride for runners at every level of competition.