Six races, $140,000 on tap for Aiken opener

©Tod Marks

The National Steeplechase Association Spring season gets underway on Saturday in horsey Aiken, S.C., at the beautiful new course on Richland Avenue.

First run in 1930, the Aiken races mark the one of 16 events through May 17 worth a collective $2.67 million. The $140,000 Aiken card consists of six races, five over hurdles, highlighted by the $40,000 Imperial Cup handicap hurdle for horses rated at 120 or less. All of the hurdle races will be contested at 2 1/8 miles. The first race of the day, a training flat contest, is at 1 1/4 miles.

Forty-two horses have been listed on the overnights and first-race post time is 1 p.m. The card consists of the James W. Maloney on the turf, followed by the $20,000 G.H. Bostwick optional claiming maiden hurdle; $25,000 Charles S. Bird III 110 ratings handicap; $25,000 Ford D. Conger filly & mare maiden; and $30,000 Joe R. Blanchard open maiden. The Imperial Cup rounds out the day.

If you can’t make it to the races, be sure to watch via live stream from the NSA web site, www.nationalsteeplechase.com.