International Gold Cup Set for Oct. 22

NORTHERN VIRGINIA — The 79th running of International Gold Cup will take place on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at Great Meadow, located at 5089 Old Tavern Rd., The Plains, Va.

When the first International Gold Cup was held in 1930 at Grasslands Downs, Tennessee, the King of Spain provided a spectacularly beautiful gold trophy. Although the race meet moved to Virginia in 1984, winners of the International Gold Cup are still awarded the same magnificent trophy.

“Currently the only venue in Virginia with live pari-mutuel on-site wagering, we are excited to feature betting for our Fall races again,” stated Dr. William Allison, president of the Virginia Gold Cup Association. “It has been a big success and a lot of fun for our race goers.”

Drawing approximately 40,000 attendees, International Gold Cup is well-attended by Washington’s diplomatic community, including ambassadors and representatives from many nations. The event provides a unique venue for social entertaining and a great place to network in the midst of spectacular fall scenery. The first race will be run at noon.

Gates open for the event on October 22 at 10 a.m. with the first of eight races starting at noon. Early arrival is encouraged. General admission car passes are $60 and are available online (www.vagoldcup.com), as well as at area Harris Teeter stores and through additional ticket outlets (see online list for details.)

Advance purchase of tickets is recommended. Children 12 years of age and under are admitted free with an adult.

Follow directions to Great Meadow on the back of the car pass, located approximately 40 minutes from Ashburn.

For ticket outlets and other information, go to www.vagoldcup.com.

Image credit: Virginia Gold Cup Association