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Virginia Gold Cup

Virginia's biggest day of steeplechase racing, run at Great Meadow on Kentucky Derby Saturday

When
Saturday, May 1, 2027 · 1:00 PM
Where
Great Meadow
Admission
$54
Next running
Sat, May 1, 2027 (projected — first Saturday in May)
Gates open
10:00 AM
First race
1:00 PM
Races
Seven
General admission
$54 in 2026 (parking separate)
Kids 12 & under
Free with an adult
Dress code
Derby attire — hats & sport coats; no shorts
The Virginia Gold Cup is Virginia's premier spring steeplechase, drawing more than 30,000 spectators to Great Meadow in The Plains for a day of jump racing, elaborate tailgates, and Derby-day fashion. First run in 1922, the 2026 event marks the 101st running. Seven races are contested over the Great Meadow turf course, anchored by the Virginia Gold Cup timber race — a grueling test of a horse's ability to jump fences over a long distance. Held on the same Saturday as the Kentucky Derby, it's as much a social occasion as a sporting one: box seats, rail tailgates, and Members Hill tents fill with guests in spring dresses, hats, sport coats, and ties. The Winners Circle hat contest, carriage parades, terrier races, and a Jack Russell parade round out the day. Gates open at 10 a.m. and the first race goes off at 1 p.m.

Highlights

Seven races over the Great Meadow turf

First race 1:00 PM

A full afternoon of steeplechase racing anchored by the Virginia Gold Cup timber race, a long-distance test over fences.

Winners Circle hat contest

2:00 PM

Winners Circle

Categories include Most Glamorous/Elegant, Best Racing Theme, and Funniest/Most Outrageous. Derby-worthy headwear is the norm.

Hunt-country tailgating

Rail tailgates, box seats, and Members Hill tents turn the infield and rails into a sea of spring dresses, sport coats, and elaborate spreads.

Program

Gates open10:00 AM

Parking, tailgate setup, vendors, and food in the North and South vendor areas.

First race1:00 PM

First of seven races over the Great Meadow course.

Hat contest2:00 PM

Winners Circle hat competition across several categories.

What to bring

  • Derby attire — spring dress and hat, or sport coat and tie (shorts are not permitted)
  • Sunscreen and layers for changeable May weather
  • Cash for vendors and betting
  • Tailgate spread, chairs, and blankets if you have a rail space
  • Comfortable flat shoes for the turf

Frequently asked questions

When is the next Virginia Gold Cup?

The Virginia Gold Cup runs the first Saturday in May, on Kentucky Derby day — projected as Saturday, May 1, 2027. The 101st running was Saturday, May 2, 2026. Gates open at 10:00 AM and the first of seven races goes off at 1:00 PM.

Where is the Virginia Gold Cup held?

At Great Meadow, 5089 Old Tavern Rd, The Plains, VA 20198, in Fauquier County — about an hour west of Washington, DC, just off I-66 Exit 31.

How much are Virginia Gold Cup tickets?

In 2026, general admission was $54 and did not include parking; children 12 and under are free with an adult. Rail parking, tailgate packages, box seats, and Members Hill tents are sold separately at vagoldcup.com. Watch vagoldcup.com for updated pricing each spring.

What should I wear to the Virginia Gold Cup?

It's a Derby-day dress-up event: spring or summer dresses with hats and flat heels for women, and lightweight sport coats and ties for men. Shorts are not permitted, and there's a hat contest at 2:00 PM.

Is the Virginia Gold Cup family friendly?

Yes. Children 12 and under get in free with an adult, and the day includes terrier races, a Jack Russell parade, and carriage displays alongside the racing.

Is parking included with admission?

No. Parking is purchased separately — north or south rail parking, or a discounted rideshare pass. Buy it in advance with your tickets to save time at the gate.

Official site →Get tickets →

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