WAXHAW, NC – For more than two decades, the Queen’s Cup Steeplechase has been the highlight of the spring season in the Tri-W area. Following a two-year hiatus, the Queen’s Cup is back with as much excitement as ever as fans prepare to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the highly regarded event on Saturday, April 30. 

Outside of the exciting, high-level racing, the Queen’s Cup is renowned as an unforgettable social experience for the whole family. There are events scheduled throughout the day that all in attendance are sure to enjoy. The last Saturday in April is back in all of its pre-pandemic glory, and the Tri-W area couldn’t be more excited. Here’s what’s in store for the big event.

Gates will open at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, at which time attendees will be able to register for the famous hat contest, purchase raffle tickets to benefit the Alzheimer’s association, enter the tailgate contest, and visit the military display presented by the Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 113th Field Artillery. Pony rides will be available for the younger guests from 10:00 am until 3:30 pm. The Carolinas Jack Russell Terrier Club is set to host the cutest race of the day from 10:30 am until 12:30 pm.

Hat contest judging will begin at noon, and registration must be completed by 11:30 am. Winners will be announced at 2:15 pm. Categories include women’s, men’s, children’s, and most royal. There will be four prizes in each hat category including most whimsical, most creative, most elegant, and one for the silver jubilee theme. The tailgate contest will be judged at noon as well. 

Opening ceremonies begin at 12:30 pm, featuring presentations from the Mecklenburg Hounds, the Bravo Battery 1-113th Field Artillery Battalion, the Grandfather Mountain Highlanders Pipe Band, and more.

Races are up and running by 1:30 pm with the The Hoopaugh Grading $25,000 Ratings Handicap Hurdle. The second race, the Brown Advisory $30,000 King George III Maiden Hurdle, First Division, will begin at 2:05 pm. The feature race, the $50,000 Queen’s Cup MPC ‘Chase, will begin at 2:45 pm followed by the Novant Health $30,000 King George III Maiden Hurdle, Second Division at 3:15 pm. The Queen’s Cup Silver Jubilee Raffle will be held at 3:35 pm with the last race of the day, the Blade and Bow | Ketel One Botanical $20,000 Maiden Claiming Hurdle, following at 4:00 pm. 

After the final race concludes, attendees will make their way to the Elkridge Club for the Hot Walk Party, featuring two hours of live music, hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar. For more information on the Queen’s Cup Steeplechase, visit www.queenscup.org. Keep an eye out for our coverage of the event in the May 4 edition of the Tri-W News and on triwnews.com.