The Pennsylvania Hunt Cup

THE PENNSYLVANIA HUNT CUP The 86th running of The Pennsylvania Hunt Cup is a four mile test of speed and endurance over fences for both horse and jockey. First run in 1921 over a course in Whitemarsh , PA, the race moved to the present location in Unionville PA in 1964, where it has been held annually since. In addition to the featured Pennsylvania Hunt Cup Timber Stakes, the race day includes two other races over timber, plus two races on the flat that are restricted to apprentice riders. With COVID-19 severely limiting live spectators at fall steeplechase races in Pennsylvania, race organizers were struggling with decisions on whether or not to continue with their race plans. Thanks to the unwavering support of loyal friends and sponsors, the Pennsylvania Hunt Cup Races were able to continue this fall in order to support the steeplechase industry and most importantly to support their beneficiary, the Chester County Food Bank. “During this unprecedented time of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Chester County Food Bank is seeing an increase in need of over 60%, the Food Bank has mobilized its network of vendors to maintain an average inventory of 500,000 lbs. of food to meet the need of the residents effected by the pandemic”, says Larry Welsch, Executive Director, Chester County Food Bank. “While COVID restrictions have made race meets challenging this year, we hope to be able to bring in new spectators who may want to see and learn about steeplechase racing,” said Al Griffin, president of the NSA. “It’s an exciting sport that relies on a partnership between riders and horses—not something you see with other sports. The live stream provides an opportunity for the public to see what it’s all about, free of charge.” On November 1 the Live Stream will capture that excitement as well as gorgeous fall scenery in one of the country’s most beautiful equestrian regions. The complimentary Live Stream productions have been sponsored by Brown Advisory, Charleston’s The Post & Courier, Bruton Street-US and the Virginia Equine Alliance. Sunday, November 1, 2020 – Rain or Shine Tentative Schedule of Events 1:00 pm – The Lewis C. Ledyard Memorial (Maiden Timber) 1:30 pm – The Arthur O. Choate, Jr. Memorial (Allowance Timber) 2:00 pm – The Pennsylvania Hunt Cup (Timber Stakes) 2:30 pm – The Athenian Idol Division 1 (Flat Race) 3:00 pm – The Athenian Idol Division 2 (Flat Race)