CAMDEN, S.C. — In an announcement that echoed through the grounds of Springdale Race Course, the return of the "Super Bowl of Steeplechase," the Colonial Cup is back.
Scheduled for next November, the picturesque Springdale Race Course will once again echo with the rhythmic trotting of horses and the cheers of fans as the Colonial Cup makes its triumphant return to Camden.
"The cup was last run as a stand-alone race meet in 2016, and in 2018, the Colonial Cup race itself was run the same day as the Carolina Cup," said Toby Edwards, Executive Director of the Carolina Cup Racing Association.
Financial constraints were among the reasons the race departed, drawing an audience of 10,000-12,000.
Edwards is optimistic about the 2024 revival, expecting to bring back the same enthusiasm to the area.
For Adriane Potter, owner of The Tac Room in Camden, the return of the Colonial Cup is a cause for celebration.
"It was something everyone looked forward to in the fall," Potter said. "The spring is always so full, but the fall was really a big thing for Camden. When we lost the race meet, it was disappointing. It's great news it's coming back."
Potter is excited about the potential increase in customers the fall race will bring to her establishment. "The fall race meet will bring a lot of the horse people back to town for us. Which is a wonderful thing for our business we will have the owners, trainers, and jockeys,".
Edwards says as the race returns, there will be changes to the format to ensure people come.
"We look to have some sort of a holiday shopping experience type atmosphere there," Edwards said. "We will be racing close to Thanksgiving and not to far from Christmas."
In a strategic move, the Colonial Cup will take place on a Sunday to avoid conflicts with Carolina or Clemson games, a decision to maximize attendance and engagement.