On May 6, 1979, roughly 2,000 spectators, 30 jockeys, and 60 horses gathered for a point-to-point race meet on the grounds of Winterthur in order to raise funds for the institution. Many of the participants knew one another from the Delaware Valley steeplechase circuit, and the mood was casual. Instead of purses, jockeys won silver trophies inspired by objects from the Winterthur collection. A few of Winterthur’s neighbors arrived in antique horse-drawn carriages and watched from the hill above the course.
This May 4, when Winterthur celebrates the 30th running of its Point-to-Point, the scale will be larger, but the sense of festivity will be the same. Some 20,000 fans are anticipated, and the event is now in its third year as a National Steeplechase Association–sanctioned race meet. Purses range from $7,500 to $20,000, and one of the highlights of the day is sure to be the parade of more than 40 antique carriages that precedes the first race.
For details on the 30th annual Winterthur Point-to-Point, go to winterthur.org/ptp
For special tailgate parking packages, call 800.448.3883.
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