CAMDEN, S.C. — The rhythmic sound of horses trotting will again fill the Springdale Racecourse this Sunday as the Colonial Cup returns to Camden after a seven-year absence. Often called the "Super Bowl of Steeplechase," this year marks the 48th edition of the historic race.
“It's such a significant race globally for steeplechase and for the year-end honors for the Horse of the Year for our whole racing calendar and sport,” said Arch Kingsley, a trainer preparing his eight-year-old horse, Taligah Bay, for the event.
Kingsley has spent the past year conditioning Taligah Bay.
"It's really, I would say, a lifetime in the making all these horses, and they've all run the gauntlet, so to speak, and they've graduated to this level; it takes a special horse to make a steeplechase horse," he said.
“To condition a racehorse, it starts with a lot of slow, steady foundation building, just to build their stamina and their general soundness and strength, he added. "When you have a good basis to build on from there, then you can fine-tune it with more speed work, shorter, faster gallops.”
Across the course, jockey Bernie Dalton is preparing his horse Abaan, who he rode to victory earlier this year during the Carolina Cup. Dalton emphasized the importance of attention to detail in these final days.
“Extra scrutiny on their legs, and how they are eating and all of that good stuff, and making sure they are giving you the right vibes,” he said.
While every trainer and jockey hopes for a win, they agree that the race's return is a significant milestone. “It’s a big deal it was always a very important race for steeplechase, and when it went away five or six years ago, it was a big loss,” Dalton said.
The event begins at 9 a.m. on Sunday at Springdale Racecourse. For more information, visit the Carolina Cup website.
