Hunting - Reeve - National Steeplechase Museum - Camden, South Carolina

History of the Sport

The sport is said to have originated in the 18th Century as a combination of hunting in the field and racing from point to point. A pre-determined course was roughly laid out using noticeable landmarks as the start and finish. Along the way, obstacles such as ditches and fences were jumped. Though not recorded, the first cross country race to be called a steeplechase is said to have taken place between Mr. O'Callaghan and Mr. Blake in County Cork, Ireland. They ran a four and one half mile course from St. Buttevant Church to St. Marys at Doneraile thus giving birth to the term "steeplechase." Others claim the "First Steeplechase on Record" as illustrated by Henry Alken, finished at Nacton Churchyard near Ipswich, England.

Steeplechasing - Alken - National Steeplechase Museum - Camden, South Carolina

Whatever the origin, steeplechasing reached American soil where it enjoyed a good following. In early years of racing, horses did not have to be Thoroughbreds as they are today.

American steeplechasing was first recorded in 1834 at National Race Course in Washington, DC . Until World War I there was steeplechasing on the card of most major tracks and many hunt meets were established. Extant historic meetings from this era include the Maryland Hunt Cup, The Radnor National Hunt Cup, The Far Hills American Grand National, The Virginia Gold Cup, and the Carolina Cup. Because anti -gambling legislation took its toll on racing at major tracks, only Belmont, Aquaduct and Saratoga had steeplechasing by 1940. This blow was offset by the growth of "betless" hunt race meetings throughout the country and another infusion came in 1941 with pari-mutual betting causing hurdle racing to return to major tracks.

Steeplechasing in America is regulated and sanctioned by The National Steeplechase Association which was founded as the National Steeplechase and Hunt Association in 1895. In 1994 this organization introduced "The National Fence", a 52 inch obstacle of plastic brush, steel frame and foam roll, resulting in standardization and portability. This fence, the hand built brush fence in wooden frame, occasional water hazards and timber rails or planks comprise the different jumps found on steeplechase race courses today.

American steeplechasing takes place in twelve states, attracts over a million fans, offers $4,500,000 in purses and returns countless dollars to charity. The schedules, conditions, and more definitive history may be found through our link page.