Just as there were hints of a very early spring – temperatures in the 60s, flowers popping up and birds everywhere, reality hit us with a mid-March snowstorm. But don’t despair, a sure sign of spring in Chester County is just weeks away.
The Brandywine Hills Point-to-Point, slated for Sunday, April 2 at Red Clay Alliance’s Myrick Conservation Center on Route 842, approximately six miles west of West Chester and three miles east of Unionville is an annual spring outing for many families, as well as horse racing enthusiasts. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the races, making them the oldest of all the point-to-point races in the Delaware Valley.
Despite their long history, the Brandywine Hills races have remained a casual, family-oriented event. Leashed dogs are welcome too. Admission is as low as $20 a carload and there are a multitude of kids’ activities planned.
The course provides good visibility for spectators to watch the beautiful horses gallop flat out while they negotiate challenging jumps along the rolling course. Premium parking spots along the final approach to the finish line are ideal for a tailgate party or purchase lunch from Hickory House Catering.
The gates open at 11 a.m. with the children’s pony races kicking off the action at 12:30 p.m. Don’t miss the chance to see these young future jockeys as they gallop down the home stretch to the cheers of their families. Then it’s time for the pro jockeys to ride. Five timber races– ladies, novice, heavyweight, open and foxhunter are each run over a course of 17 solidly built jumps over the approximately three-mile course.
Another highlight of race day is the ongoing suspense as raffle tickets are pulled throughout the event for an amazing assortment of prizes. Tickets are just $10 with prizes including a one-week stay in a Hawaii condo, original artwork, Devon Horse Show box seats, a carriage ride, and numerous dining gift cards. Ticket holders do not have to be present to win.
Over the past decade, the popular race day has raised over $200,000 for the Brandywine Valley Association and its programs. Brandywine Valley Association and Red Clay Valley Association merged as of June 30, 2015 to form Brandywine Red Clay Alliance. With over 70 years of experience, the association will continue to reach out for cleanup volunteers, undertake improvements in both watersheds, turn more red streams blue, advocate with a stronger voice, and educate school children in local districts.
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