Atlanta Steeplechase Benefit of the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation & University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine
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- Best Lawn Party in Georgia”
- Steeplechasing is a Demanding Sport for Both Jockey and Horse
- Women Jockeys are Breaking into a Previously Male Sport
- Steeplechasing is an Enormous Agri-Business Industry
- The Atlanta Steeplechase Supports Two Georgia Beneficiaries
- Atlanta Businessman and Steeplechase Board of Stewards Member Owns Top 2004 Horse
- 2008 is the 43 rd Anniversary of the Atlanta Steeplechase
 Atlanta Steeplechase
Benefit of the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation & University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine Dear Media: The 43rd Annual Atlanta Steeplechase will be held April 12, 2008 at Kingston Downs near Rome Georgia. The Atlanta Steeplechase makes interesting news for many audiences. Here are some story ideas:
The Steeplechase is the event to see and be seen. As spring heralds in warm days and sunny skies, every fashion statement from designer dresses and showy hats to flip flops and halter tops can be seen at Kingston Downs. The people-watching is absolutely at its best all day long. To celebrate all the “fashion-istas,” there are hat contests with prizes for best women’s, children’s and whimsical categories. Gourmet food and tailgate parties are the staple of the event. Tailgaters set lavish and whimsical tables complete with linen, silver, lead crystal, huge bouquets, candelabras, and out-of-this-world centerpieces. Between races, spectators partake of epicurean picnic fare prepared by some of Atlanta’s finest delis and restaurants. Awards are given to the best dressed and themed tables. Links: www.atlantasteeplechase.org
Links: www.nationalsteeplechase.com
A new twist in the previously male dominated industry is the appearance of female jockeys in the winner’s circle. Danielle Hodsdon is one of today’s leading jockeys and only professional female competing against 25 - 30 male jockeys in the National Steeplechase Association racing circuit, competing for the title of Jockey of the Year. She is based in Camden, South Carolina riding for Hall of Fame trainer, Jonathan Sheppard. “I am faced by some challenges that are different from what most of the men face by being female mostly due to strength. They are naturally stronger; therefore, I have to find other ways to put myself on equal terms. I have to find the best way to be a partner with my horse and occasionally use more finesse in order to get results, where they may be able to use natural strength. On the other hand, not all horses like to be bullied or told what to do and these horses will sometimes respond better to a female and a more gentle or persuasive touch. Some horses require a very strong rider and they are better off being ridden by a man. One of the challenges of both jockey and trainer is to try and put the best suited horse and rider together.” Former female steeplechase jockey, Blythe Miller, is ranked 7th all time in the U.S. steeplechasing sport, based on wins and is the all time leading money earner. Links: http://www.geocities.com/f_o_t_h/foth-main.htm
Links: www.horsecouncil.org, www.georgiaencyclopedia.org www.caes.uga.edu/news/kits/gaagres/commodities/horses.html
Proceeds from the 43rd annual Atlanta Steeplechase will support the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation and the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. This is the second year that the Steeplechase will include our beloved pets as worthy recipients of healthcare and research dollars, as well as UGA veterinary students and faculty on scholarships and professorships. Founded in 1946, the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine promotes the art and science of veterinary medicine through the education of tomorrow's veterinarians, research in animal diseases, and service to the public. Last year, over 16,000 animals were treated at the teaching hospital and 135,000 were seen in the field. Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation, founded by Steven Spielberg, is a national non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for chronically and seriously ill children and their families through both in-hospital and out-patient programs. The Foundation’s Atlanta chapter, created in 1989, offers many social and educational programs in more than 25 hospitals, 8 of which are pediatric, and 20 additional agencies throughout Georgia that serve children. Over 35,000 children are served each year. Links: www.vet.uga.edu, www.starlight-atlanta.org
Hirapour, owned by Ken Luke, a current member of the Atlanta Steeplechase Board of Stewards, received the prestigious Eclipse Award for champion steeplechase or hurdle horse for 2004. In 1971, the Daily Racing Form and the Thoroughbred Racing Associations of North America, together with the National Turf Writers Association established the Eclipse Awards. Named for the great English horse who won all 18 of his starts in the 18th century, the awards are bestowed upon the Thoroughbred horses whose achievements have earned them the title of Champion in their respective divisions as voted upon by the National Turf Writers Association. Awards are also given to the outstanding trainers, jockeys, apprentice jockeys, owners, and breeders of the year. Atlanta resident and Irongate Capital executive, Ken Luke, purchased and shipped the gelding from England in 2003. Luke’s Cinderella story is great insight into the business and sport of Thoroughbred racing. An interview with him reveals the success of his business model. This year, Hirapour was retired to enjoy his many victories. http://www.drf.com/eclipse/2004/winners/st.html Links: http://www.drf.com/eclipse/2004/winners/st.html
This year marks 42 years of racing history for the Atlanta Steeplechase. On a warm Sunday in March 1966, the first National Steeplechase Association sanctioned Atlanta Hunt Meeting and Steeplechase was run on sandy bottom land at Horseshoe Bend on the Chattahoochee River, once farmed by pioneers. About 9,000 spectators came to watch horses compete for $7,000 in prize money. Over forty years later, America’s oldest sport has its final and most beautiful home at Kingston Downs near Rome Georgia, attracting more than twice as many attendees and offering over $200,000 in purses. This year, a record breaking attendance is expected and all will enjoy the Best Lawn Party in Georgia! Some of the festivities and activities to enjoy will be:
Formerly held at Piedmont Park’s Dogwood Festival, this spectator favorite has moved to the Atlanta Steeplechase for 2008. http://www.dogwood.org/Canine_Competition.php
Some of this year’s race sponsors and supporters include: Irongate Capital, W Atlanta Downtown, State Mutual Insurance, Centaur Marketing Group, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, WSB-TV, Atlanta Magazine, The Atlantan, Points North Magazine, Sports Unlimited Southeast Edition, 790 The Zone, Project 961, Clear Channel, The Sembler Company, Hardin Construction, United Distributors, and Novare Group. Links: www.atlantasteeplechase.org Directory: images -> april08 images -> Military callsign list as of dec 2010 images -> For Date: 02/01/2013 Friday Call Number Time Call Reason Action 13-768 0008 motor vehicle stop warning Issued images -> New embedded S images -> Creating Buy-In – Building Relationships images -> Deadline: Saturday, March 12th, 2016 images -> News items from Raising Our Voices images -> Last year four of the best Afrikaans Christian singers joined forces to tour Down Under with the production ‘Manne wat Glo’ images -> World-renowned vocal ensemble sweet honey in the rock images -> Peoples Voice Café History april08 -> Fourth Annual Taste of Brookhaven Hosted by the Brookhaven Arts Alliance Download 19.27 Kb. Share with your friends:
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