Future champions will be racing Saturday, Oct. 31 at Aiken’s annual Fall Steeplechase with more than 10,000 people expected to attend.
The Aiken Fall Steeplechase ushers in autumn with crisp air, golden leaves, and thrilling nationally sanctioned horse races that embody Southern hospitality and rich equestrian tradition. This event features jump races, rail-side tailgating, live music, a Halloween costume contest and much more fun for adults and children, according to a news release.
This year’s National Anthem performer is Chloe Lauren, a pop and soul singer from Warrenville, who reached the Top 30 on Season 24 of “American Idol.”
Gates open at 9 a.m. at 2020 Richland Ave. with six horse races running from 1 to 4 p.m. Event guests can enjoy the vendor village, including food and beverage trucks, Budweiser Live Music Stage, hat and crazy pants contests, Halloween costume contest, Halloween-themed tailgate contest, tailgate trick or treating, stick horse races, dog costume contest, hound parade, and
Corgi races.
General admission and parking passes can be purchase at aikensteeplechase.com .
Children 10 and under are free with an adult. Tickets also are available for the Chairman’s Club at the Overlook Tower and Winners Club tent, where guests will enjoy live music, catered lunch and beverages as well as rail-side views.
“We look forward to an exciting and fiercely contested day of steeplechase racing, as owners and riders compete for one of the final opportunities to earn points toward the coveted title of Best in American Steeplechase Racing for 2026,” said Frank Mullins, president of the Aiken Steeplechase Association. “The event will feature six hurdle races sponsored by Budweiser, Honda Cars of Aiken, Capital Waste Services, Aiken Regional Medical Centers, and Aiken County Farm Supply, with a total purse of $155,000. Among the highlights is the $50,000 Holiday Cup Stakes Race sponsored by the South Caroline Equine Alliance. We look forward to a fun-filled day with friends and family, celebrating the wonderful world of horses.
“The Aiken Steeplechase Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to preserving one of Aiken’s most cherished traditions, Steeplechase,” said Jessica Miller, director of events. “Proceeds from our events benefit our five community grant recipients, who will be recognized at 11 a.m. at the Overlook. In addition, we are honored to host a Make-A-Wish day experience for three children and their families on race day, with special recognition for these courageous children and their families at 11 a.m..”
Founded in 1930 by horsemen, including Thomas Hitchcock, the Aiken Steeplechase Association hosts both a spring and fall race each year sanctioned by the National Steeplechase Association. Electronic tickets are required and scanned once at the gate with no re-entry permitted.
Aiken Fall Steeplechase Schedule Sat. Oct. 31, 2026
9 a.m. All Gates Open
10 a.m. Village of Shops Open
11 a.m. Live Music Begins at Village of Shops
11:30 a.m. Children’s Stick Horse Races
12:00 p.m. Dog Halloween Costume Contests
12:15 p.m. Opening Ceremonies
1:00 p.m. First Race
1:30 p.m. Hat & Costume Contest at Live Music Stage
1:40 pm. Second Race
2:20 p.m. Third Race
2:30 p.m. Corgi Racing in the Village of Shops
3:00 p.m. Fourth Race
4:20 p.m. Sixth Race
5:30 p.m. All Gates Close
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