KENNETT SQUARE, Pa.--The Willowdale Steeplechase is jumping in to help the sport of steeplechasing continue creatively during the pandemic.

Willowdale's water jumpWillowdale will host three Point- to- Point races and one sanctioned race on Saturday, Oct. 17.

No spectators will be permitted.

The Willowdale Steeplechase is committed to the health and safety of all participants and members of the community and as such will follow strict COVID 19 protocol in accordance with CDC and state of Pennsylvania guidelines, so in order to adhere to these safety measures, this will be a No Spectator event.

A COVID screening questionnaire will be completed and a temperature check will be done as each person enters the grounds.

 

MASKS, hand sanitizing and social distancing will be mandatory and strictly enforced throughout the day.

Only participating horsemen, officials and volunteers will be granted access to the property and must be on the list of participants.

“Our goal is to keep the sport of steeplechasing healthy as we weather this pandemic,” said Race Chairman Dixon Stroud. “We want to help the trainers and riders keep their horses sharp for the fall and spring races and make use of this wonderful racecourse. We look forward to better times when we can once again invite our fans, celebrate our local community and raise money for our charities.”

Dixon also credited Kathy Neilson, President of the Steeplechase Owners and Trainers Association, for her support as well as several donors who provided the financial support to make the day possible.

Stroud noted how special it was to be able to host the BNY Wealth Management & Selkirk Partners race, run in honor of Kathy’s father and, his close friend, Louis “Paddy” Neilson, III.

The first race will be a one and a half mile apprentice rider flat race.

The second is a maiden timber race and the third an open timber race both run at three miles.

These are unsanctioned races.

The final race is a sanctioned race –The BNY Mellon Wealth Management & Selkirk Partners Apprentice Timber Race in honor of Louis Neilson, III.

Entries for this race are taken by the National Steeplechase Association.

Entries for the Point – to – Point races can be made through the Central Entry Office.

Entries will be taken through Monday, Oct. 12.