The 65th Block House Steeplechase Races on April 23 will feature the amateur flat races known as the Foxhunters Cup. There will be two divisions – thoroughbred and non-thoroughbreds.  Started in 2004, this event has remained a crowd favorite.
The race is about 8 furlongs (1 mile) on the flat with a purse of $1,000 (split 60 percent, 30 percent and 10 percent). Horses  4 years old and up which have not competed in a sanctioned race since July 1, 2010, will be allowed to race. Horses may be of any breed and will be subject to the same veterinary and drug inspections as those in sanctioned races.
Hopeful jockeys who have never ridden in a sanctioned race and who are at least 18 and not over 59 years old are eligible to compete. The field will be limited to eight entries. If Tryon Riding & Hunt Club receives more than eight entries, eight of those entries will be drawn. Additional horses, ‘also eligible’ entries, will be drawn to fill the race in case of scratches. Divisions may also be combined if lack of entries warrant.
Attire for the riders is as follows: ASTM-approved protective headgear and body protector are required; boots and light colored breeches, jersey or polo shirt of choice.
The Foxhunters Cup race though a non-sanctioned race will be run under the National Steeplechase Association’s Rules of Racing. The use of a whip is strictly forbidden.
In order to be eligible to start, riders must attend two briefings, first approximately four weeks before the race and the second approximately one week before the race.
Enter and become a part of Block House Steeplechase history. Training and conditioning are imperative, so start today!
Entries must be submitted to the Tryon Riding & Hunt Club by March 10. TR&HC reserves the right to refuse any entry not deemed safe or suitable for this race.
Entry forms and more information are available on the Tryon Riding & Hunt Club website,  www.trhcevents.org. For more information, call 828-859-6109.

Previous Foxhunters Cup winners

Year    Rider    Horse
2004    Megan O’Brien    Roll the Dice (TB)
2005    Suzie Kocher    Atticus Finch (TB)
2006    Suzie Kocher    True Phenomenon (TB)
2007    Suzie Kocher    Interpelador (TB)
2008    Helen Wilson    Greystone’s Squiffey (TB)
Libby Arnold    Betsy’s Special Lace (QH)
2009    Jordan Hicks    Tiger Lion (TB)
Libby Arnold    Betsy’s Special Lace (QH)
2010    Robert Arnold    Rush to Market (TB)
Amanda Bilharz    Thirsty Lil Abbie (QH)