CAMDEN, S.C. — After seven years, the Marion duPont Scott Colonial Cup returned to Camden Sunday. Cup officials said thousands filled the stands at the Springdale Race Course.
“We'll have somewhere between 7,500 people; not as big as the spring, but a beautiful day,” executive director Toby Edwards said.
The cup returned to Camden for its 49th running, with jockeys and horses from all over the country.
“We're bringing the best horses in the country," Edwards said. "The horses that have won the most races this year are going to be racing here; it's a championship day of racing, whereas the spring is more younger horses and novice horses who are starting out their careers.”
Officials say planning for this event began months in advance.
“We've been working to bring this event back for over a year and a half, and when I got the green light at about this time last year, we started serious planning," Edwards said. "We got the spring races out of the way, and then we really put our heads down and went to it, so I'm delighted; great staff that I have that have enabled us to do what we're doing today.”
The first-time attendees said this was an experience like no other.
“This has been the most exciting thing I've seen,” Laquetta Mitchell said. "I didn't know what to expect because I didn't know what it would be like, but it was a joy; it's been fun."
Others recalled the feeling of seeing horses cross the finish line.
“That's the part that I get excited about, and it's just fun to be out here and good weather and nice people,” Michelle Yard, said.
The day consisted of six races, with the horse “Too Friendly” crowned the winner of the Colonial Cup Races.
“We'll be glad to do this again, and would love to bring more of the family and bring the grandkids so they can see this and have a first time experience, like I did,” Mitchell said.
The event's profits are donated to the Health Services District of Kershaw County, which provides additional health services for uninsured residents.
