Don't Miss the Excitement at the 87th Radnor Hunt Races, Saturday, May 20

Join the springtime tradition of tailgating and tent parties at the 87th Radnor Hunt Races in Malvern on Saturday, May 20. One of the nation’s top-rated meets, the Radnor Hunt Races draw the best horses, riders, and trainers in the country, along with 20,000 spectators enjoying a day in the countryside. BNY Mellon Wealth Management is the presenting sponsor of the races for the 33rd year.

The Radnor Hunt Races are a Main Line tradition. In addition to six thrilling jump races, the day’s events include a spectacular antique carriage parade, the much-loved parade of foxhounds, a sensational tailgate picnic competition, a chapeau contest for ladies and children (judged on beauty and theme) and prizes to the gentlemen with the best-themed ties.

The races take place rain or shine, and having your own tent is a plus. This year, race organizers have added tents in several new locations, which will set out fast.

“Tents provide shade on a sunny day, and shelter from the rain if the clouds roll in,” said Carol Griffin, Radnor Hunt Races coordinator. “Just choose the location you like on the rail and a tent to fit your party.” In addition to these entertaining options, spectators may also choose to reserve box seats, or a tailgating spot.

This year’s tailgate picnic competition has the theme of "Frolic Along the Brandywine," honoring the Brandywine Conservancy’s founder, George A. “Frolic” Weymouth, who died in 2016. Frolic’s four-in-hand antique carriage led the carriage parade at the races each year. Entrants will create elaborate picnics around the theme, using food, flowers, costumes, and props. Judges—local chefs and celebrities—will award prizes to individual and group tailgates.

Gates open at 10 a.m. There are six jump races. The first one starts at 1:30 p.m., with about a half an hour between races. The racecourse is about a mile around, and the horses run clock-wise around the circuit for two or three laps, depending on the race.

Admission is sold in advance only, through May 12. Admission starts at $75 per car (includes entry for all people in the vehicle). In addition to the tents, a wide variety of reserved parking spots and box seats are available. For details, visit www.radnorhuntraces.org or call 610.388.8383.

BNY Mellon Wealth Management is the presenting sponsor of the Radnor Hunt Race. Other loyal sponsors include The Bellevue, and Saul Ewing LLP—both celebrating 20 years with the races—and Subaru, celebrating its 10th year sponsoring the event. For information about sponsorship, please call Kathy Freney Smith at 610.388.8315.

For 38 years, the Brandywine Conservancy has been the sole beneficiary of the Radnor Hunt Races. Funds raised through the races have provided important support for the Conservancy’s vital efforts to protect open space and water resources in southeastern Pennsylvania and northern Delaware. To date, over 63,000 acres are permanently protected, including the Radnor Hunt racecourse itself and surrounding lands.

The Brandywine Conservancy protects water, conserves land, and engages communities. The Conservancy uses a multi-faceted approach to conservation. Staff works with private landowners who wish to see their lands protected forever, and provide innovative community planning services to municipalities and other governmental agencies. The Conservancy currently holds 460 conservation and agricultural easements and has facilitated the permanent preservation of more than 63,000 acres of land.

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