Brandywine Point-toPoint races coming

POCOPSON » Just as there were hints of a very early spring – temperatures in the 60s, flowers popping up and birds everywhere, reality hit us with a mid-March snow storm. But don’t despair, a sure sign of spring in Chester County is just days away! The Brandywine Hills Point-to-Point, slated for Sunday, April 1 at Red Clay Alliance’s Myrick Conservation Center on Route 842, approximately six miles west of West Chester and three miles east of Unionville is an annual spring outing for many families, as well as horse racing enthusiasts. This year marks the 76th anniversary of the races, making them the oldest of all the point-to-point races in the Delaware Valley.

Despite their long history, the Brandywine Hills races have remained a casual, family-oriented event. Leashed dogs are welcome too. Admission is as low as $20 a carload and there are a multitude of kids’ activities planned.

The course provides good visibility for spectators to watch the beautiful horses gallop flat out while they negotiate challenging jumps along the rolling course. Premium parking spots along the final approach to the finish line are ideal for a tailgate party or purchase lunch from Hickory House Catering.

The gates open at 10 a.m. with the children’s pony races kicking off the action at 11 a.m. Don’t miss the chance to see these young future jockeys as they gallop down the home stretch to the cheers of their families. Then it’s time for the pro jockeys to ride. Five timber races – ladies, novice, heavyweight, open and foxhunter are each run over a course of 17 solidly built jumps over the approximately three-mile course.

Another highlight of race day is the ongoing suspense as raffle tickets are pulled throughout the event for an amazing assortment of prizes. Tickets are just $10 with prizes including a oneweek stay in Aiken-South Carolina, original artwork, Devon Horse Show box seats, a carriage ride, and numerous dining gift cards. Ticket holders do not have to be present to win.

For the ninth year, Radnor Hunt continues as the Presenting Sponsor. Michael Tillson, Master of

Foxhounds at Radnor said “Radnor Hunt is honored to continue the tradition of fox hunting in the Brandywine Valley, and also honored to support the tradition of the Brandywine Hills Point-to-Point races. We look forward to another exciting race day in support of open space. In addition, Collin McNeil, Master of Foxhounds at Radnor added “There’s nothing like the spectacle of multicolored racing silks speeding over the Brandywine Hills! The annual Point-to-

to-Point races help underscore the importance of the open space and natural beauty of the Brandywine Red Clay Alliance and the surrounding countryside. Radnor Hunt is proud to sponsor the races, especially after another hunting season greatly enjoyed on the very same turf!”

Additional sponsors include: Brandywine Valley Heating & Air Conditioning, Capital & Security Management Inc., James A. Cochrane Inc.-Realtor, Stephen J. Devine-Esquire,

J. Clifton Edgar, Execucare Pools, Dr. & Mrs. Roy Feldman, J. Gallagher Septic and Wastewater Control Inc., Wes & Mary Hardin, The Harman Group Inc., The Herr Family, Hickory House Catering, Michael & Anne Moran, Rodman W. Moorhead III, Jim & Diana Perella, Dr. & Mrs. Donald J. Rosato, Joy Slater, Mr. & Mrs. John Swayne, Sycamore Racing and Margot Mohr Teeter-Remax, and The Whip Tavern.

See www.brandywineredclay.org or call 610793-1090 for more information or to purchase parking passes and/or raffle tickets in advance.

SUBMITTED PHOTO For the ninth year, Radnor Hunt continues as the Presenting Sponsor of Brandywine Poiint-to-Point races.