December 4, 2025 - ChaddsFordLive.com

Conservancy ends time with Radnor Hunt

unnamed — Conservancy leaving Radnor Hunt.

The Brandywine Conservancy will step down as the sole operator and beneficiary of the Radnor Hunt Races after the 95th running of the event on May 16 of next year. This ends, ending a 45-year tenure, according to a conservancy press release.

Brandywine officials said they are working with Radnor Hunt leadership to identify a new operator and ensure a smooth transition for the historic steeplechase event, which has been a Main Line tradition for nearly a century.

“For the last 45 years, the Brandywine has been proud to play a leadership role in this storied event, which has benefited the Conservancy’s open space and clean water initiatives,” said Virginia Logan, executive director and CEO of the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art in the press release. “With the centennial running of the Races approaching in a few years, it is now time for the Brandywine to pass the baton on to a new operator to continue the tradition into the event’s next century.”

The Radnor Hunt Races, held annually on the third Saturday in May, have helped the conservancy protect more than 70,700 acres of open space in southeastern Pennsylvania and northern Delaware, including the racecourse and surrounding lands.

Radnor Hunt President Jodi Spragins said the organization was saddened by the news but grateful for Brandywine’s decades of stewardship. “We recognize that this was a challenging decision, and we want to express our profound gratitude for the incredible effort Brandywine has dedicated to nurturing the Radnor Hunt Races into the prestigious event it is today,” Spragins said.

Brandywine said it will assist Radnor Hunt and any new operator with the transition. Those interested in taking over the event can contact Radnor Hunt at gm@radnorhunt.org.

Tickets for the 2026 event go on sale March 3, with proceeds benefiting Brandywine Conservancy. The day will feature jump races sanctioned by the National Steeplechase Association, the annual Katherine W. Illoway Invitational Sidesaddle Race, pony races, an antique carriage parade, and the parade of foxhounds.

Since 1980, the event has raised more than $5.5 million for the Conservancy’s open space and clean water initiatives.

History

The Radnor Hunt Races are among the oldest and most prestigious steeplechase events in the United States. The races are held annually on the grounds of the Radnor Hunt in Willistown Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania. The Radnor Hunt itself was founded in 1883 and is recognized as the oldest continuously active fox hunt in the country by the Masters of Foxhounds Association of America. [radnorhunt.org]

The first Radnor Hunt Races took place in 1928 at Chesterbrook, on the estate of A.J. Cassatt, a prominent railroad executive. Bill Hunneman, Jr., the first chairman of the Radnor Hunt Race Committee, played a pivotal role in establishing the event and relocating the famed National Hunt Cup to Radnor Hunt Races in Malvern, Pennsylvania. The William C. Hunneman, Jr., Perpetual Trophy continues to honor the winner of the Radnor Hunt Cup Race. [brandywine.org]

Evolution and Community Impact

The races were suspended during WW II but resumed in 1946 with the construction of a new course on the present club property. In 1980, the Radnor Hunt and Brandywine Conservancy formed a partnership, transforming the event into a major fundraiser for open space and clean water initiatives. Since then, the Radnor Hunt Races have raised over $5.5 million, helping to permanently protect more than 70,000 acres in southeastern Pennsylvania and northern Delaware, including the racecourse and surrounding lands.

Social and Sporting Legacy

From its inception, the Radnor Hunt attracted members from Philadelphia’s leading families and the Main Line region. The races have long been a highlight of the local social calendar, drawing crowds for equestrian sport, carriage parades, and community festivities. The event features jump races sanctioned by the National Steeplechase Association, the annual Katherine W. Illoway Invitational Sidesaddle Race, pony races, and the parade of foxhounds.

The Radnor Hunt Races continue to attract top steeplechase horses, owners, trainers, and riders from across the country. The event’s enduring popularity reflects its blend of sporting excellence, conservation advocacy, and community tradition.

About Rich Schwartzman

Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.

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Road Report for Dec. 8 to Dec. 12

Road Reports

PennDOT has announced the following weather-dependent road projects that could affect drivers in the greater Chadds Ford area from Dec. 8 to Dec. 12. Motorists are urged to allow extra time traveling through one of the construction zones. Work schedules are subject to change.

• Utility construction will cause daytime lane closures on Route 926 at its intersection with River Birch Circle in East Marlborough Township through Dec. 29/

• Utility installation will cause daytime lane closures on Naaman’s Creek Road at its intersection with Princess Anne Road in Bethel Township through Dec. 31.

• Meter relocation will cause daytime lane closures on Price Street at its intersection with S. Darlington Road in West Chester Borough through Dec. 29.

• Roadway construction will cause daytime lane closures on Route 1 between the Kennett Oxford Bypass and Webb Barn Lane in East Marlborough and Kennett townships through April 24, 2026.

• Overhead utility construction will continue, causing daytime lane shifts on Route 1 between the Kennett Oxford Bypass and Walnut Street in Kennett Township through the end of the year.

• PECO has announced that it will be doing utility construction on Wylie Terrace Road in Birmingham Township through Dec. 22. The work will cause daytime closures. During the closure, motorists will be directed to use Birmingham Road, New Street, Brintons Bridge Road, and Route 100 (Creek Road).

• Kennett Square is reporting that the Birch Street Reconstruction Project is scheduled to end in the spring of 2026. During this time, Birch Street will experience rolling road closures where one or both lanes of traffic may be closed for a few hundred feet at a time. In general, the road will be open to local traffic, and road closures will be minimized as much as possible. When both lanes of traffic need to be closed for construction activities, access will be available on both sides of Birch Street, from South Broad Street and South Walnut Street.

• Overhead utility construction will cause daytime lane shifts on Route 52 between the Kennett/Oxford Bypass and Old Baltimore Pike and between Baltimore Pike and Cossart Road in Kennett Township through Dec. 31.

• Overhead utility work will also cause daytime lane shifts on Baltimore Pike between the Kennett/Oxford Bypass and Walnut Street in Kennett Township through the end of the year.

• Continuing, motorists should expect daytime lane closures in both directions on Route 1 between the Kennett Oxford Bypass and Greenwood Road in Kennett and East Marlborough townships. The closures are to facilitate widening that 1.3-mile stretch of roadway to three lanes in both directions.

About Rich Schwartzman

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Around Town Dec. 4

Around Town, Lifestyle, Local Life

Charm-City-Band — Charm City Junction will perform at Mt. Cuba Center’s Solstice Celebration on Dec. 14.

• Mt. Cuba Center will hold a Solstice Celebration on Sunday, Dec. 14. Celebrate the magic of the season with an unforgettable afternoon of music, dance, winter garden tours, ornament-making, and more. Charm City Junction and legendary Helicon will be performing. Together, they have been performing Winter Solstice concerts for 40 years in Baltimore and are bringing their unparalleled musicianship to Delaware for the first time for this event. The Winter Solstice concert will run from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. with one 15-minute intermission. Seasonal drinks and snacks will be available for purchase throughout the event. General admission is $40. Register here.

• They’re calling it Tinsel on the Town. Kennett Collaborative will be closing State Street on Thursday, Dec. 18, for an evening full of festive fun at the annual Tinsel on the Town event. The event celebration features the Kennett Express train, BINGO, a new Tinsel Hat Competition, and the Holiday Window Tour award presentation. Guests can enjoy extended shopping hours, browse street vendors, and discover unique holiday gifts at local shops—celebrating the season under the gold tinsel garlands strung across State Street. The event runs from 5-8 p.m.

State troopers from the Media barracks will hold a shop with a cop event for kids at the Target store on Dec. 15.

• Troopers from the Pennsylvania State Police Media Barracks will hold a shop with a cop event called “Heroes and Helpers” in conjunction with the Target store on Monday, Dec. 15, from 5:30-8 p.m. The event is at the Target, 600 Hatton Drive, and supports children and families in our community. This annual event pairs local children with troopers and first responders for a special holiday shopping experience. The goal of this program is to help children in need enjoy the holidays while creating positive interactions between youth and law enforcement. To donate, phone Tpr. David Nguyen at 610-558-7069.

Hagley Museum holds Holiday Night on dec. 9, 11,16, and 18.

• For four nights this month, Dec. 9,11,16, and 18, Hagley Museum presents Holiday Nights. Enjoy a rare opportunity to see Eleutherian Mills, the first du Pont family home built in America, dressed for the holidays and illuminated with softly glowing lights. This year’s theme, “Our Storied Past,” reminisces about holiday tales and traditions. Tickets are $20 for non-members, $10 for Hagley members. Go here to select a date for tickets.

• Delaware County Symphony presents: Coming to America Symphony Concert on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 3 p.m. This special concert celebrates the powerful influence of immigrant composers who brought their talents and traditions to America. Find out more about the pieces featured at this concert by attending Meet the Music, a free, pre-concert lecture presented by Neumann University Music Professor, Dr. Richard Sayers, at 2 p.m. Get ticket information here.

• Chester County 4-H is holding open enrollment for its Chester County 4-H Archery Club, with the new session starting on Jan. 24. This eight-week program offers youth a unique opportunity to learn the fundamentals of archery in a safe, supportive, and structured environment. Whether participants are beginners or looking to improve their skills, the program emphasizes proper form, progressive skill development, and positive youth development. Sessions will be held Saturdays from 9–11 a.m. at the Chester County 4-H Center in Honey Brook. All equipment, including bows and safety gear, will be provided. Enrollment in 4-H is required to participate. To register, visit https://4h.zsuite.org and select Chester County 4-H Archery Club.

About Rich Schwartzman

Around Town Dec. 4 Read More »