There’s an old saying that locals in the town of Gordonsville customarily abide by. It goes: “In Orange county, you might miss Christmas, but you won’t miss the races.” This sentiment leads the historic Montpelier Hunt Races to serve as a homecoming, an opportunity for native Orange county residents to return to their hometown year after year. Whether you’re a horse racing aficionado or just stepping foot on the horse racing track as a first time attendee, the Races welcome everyone.

History of the Montpelier Races

For 90 years, Montpelier, the former home of James Madison, has housed premier steeplechase racing. The Montpelier Hunt Races showcase some of the most prized racehorses in the world. The last private owner of the former President’s estate, Marion duPont Scott, founded the Montpelier Steeplechase Hunt Races with her brother in 1934. duPont Scott was an accomplished horsewoman who competed, bred and trained Thoroughbred horses on the property. Thoroughbreds are famous for speed and agility, making them the perfect horses for steeplechase racing. duPont Scott bequeathed the estate to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It is now a National Historic Landmark, although the races live on.

Today, the Races continue as a popular event for the National Steeplechase Association. The races also showcase a full day of exciting races, opulent vendors, and lavish tailgating.

Honor Marion duPont Scott
and the 90th Anniversary of the Montpelier Hunt Races

Marion duPont Scott, Founder of the Montpelier Hunt Races. Photo courtesy of Mae Helen Corbin

For more than half a century, Marion duPont Scott’s Montpelier Stables were a dominant force in American steeplechasing and a cornerstone of Virginia’s equestrian heritage. Beneath her striking racing colors—French blue with old rose and silver cross-sashes—her horses claimed more than 350 victories, earning the equivalent of nearly $12 million today. Competing in a male-dominated field, duPont Scott achieved eight Owner’s Championships and three Eclipse Awards, becoming one of the most influential figures in the history of the sport.

Raised at Montpelier, her family’s historic Orange County estate once owned by President James Madison, duPont Scott grew up amid the beauty and traditions of Virginia horse country. Her father, William duPont II, purchased the property in 1901, giving duPont Scott a childhood surrounded by hounds, ponies, and country pursuits. She quickly distinguished herself as a fearless and talented horsewoman, making history as the first woman to ride astride—rather than sidesaddle—to victory at the National Horse Show in Madison Square Garden.

When duPont Scott inherited Montpelier in 1928, she transformed the estate into a world-class center for racing and breeding. She added barns, training tracks, and a premier steeplechase course that became the heart of her operation. In 1934, she opened the gates of Montpelier to the public for the inaugural Montpelier Hunt Races, welcoming spectators to experience a day of sport and society on the estate grounds.  One of the defining features of the Montpelier Race Course remains its live privet hedges—still used for the featured Noel Laing Steeplechase, named in honor of duPont Scott’s close friend and accomplished jockey. Montpelier is among the few racecourses in America to maintain authentic brush hurdles, a testament to her commitment to preserving the integrity and beauty of the sport.

DuPont Scott’s most legendary triumph came in 1938, when her small but determined thoroughbred, Battleship—the son of the famed Man o’ War—crossed the Atlantic to compete in England’s prestigious Grand National Steeplechase. Against long odds, Battleship (seen above with duPont Scott) won, making duPont Scott the first American owner to capture that title with an American-bred horse. It was, she often said, her proudest achievement.

Marion duPont Scott at the 1941 Virginia Gold Cup, Photo by M.P. Wolcott courtesy of Montpelier Hunt Races

Beyond her record on the track, duPont Scott’s impact on American equestrian culture was profound. She purchased Springdale Race Course in Camden, South Carolina, safeguarding it as a home for horse sports, and later founded the Colonial Cup Races in 1970—the first American steeplechase to offer a $100,000 purse. Her philanthropy also extended to equine health; she established the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center at Morven Park in Leesburg, Virginia, ensuring generations of horses would benefit from advanced care and research.

When she passed in 1983, the National Steeplechase and Hunt Association honored her with a resolution declaring that she “contributed more to the growth and welfare of steeplechasing in this country than anyone else in its history,” calling her “the axis around which our sport revolved.” Today, her legacy lives on through the Montpelier Hunt Races, which continue to blend the excitement of competition with the refined spirit of Virginia’s country life. Marion duPont Scott’s story is one of elegance, determination, and vision—a reminder that true equestrian greatness is as much about heart and heritage as it is about speed and victory.

What to do at the Montpelier Hunt Races

The Montpelier Hunt Races not only showcase superior horse breeding but also highlight the grand race culture. From tailgating and stick races to the Jack Russell Terrier Races and the hat contest, there is plenty to experience throughout the day. There has also historically been a sidesaddle exhibition, an elegant equestrian tradition co-sponsored by the National Sporting Library and Museum. Ladies riding sidesaddle will come up to the rail and often guests will go up and pet the mares. Because these horses are trained for gentle riding and handled by ladies, they are often more calm and quiet. Racehorses, however, are intently focused on the race ahead.

Enjoy viewing the day’s extravagant tailgate spreads, or design your own with the help of our tailgating experts! The tailgate contest is sponsored each year by Wine & Country Life and offers fabulous prizes for the tailgate spread that best showcases the year’s theme. Learn How to Style the Ultimate Steeplechase Tailgate in our online article and take part in Montpelier’s tailgate theme of the year. Dubarry of Ireland sponsors the popular hat contest. Prizes are awarded for elegance, best race theme and best group entry.

What to Expect at the Montpelier Races

The steeplechase races take place at 11407 Constitution Highway, Montpelier Station, Virginia. They are approximately half an hour northeast of Charlottesville near Somerset, Virginia. The gates open at 9:00 in the morning. The first event is a crowd favorite, the Terrier Races, where Jack Russell terriers compete over hurdles for the award of most prestigious pup. Children join in the festivities at 11:15 in the morning with the Stick Horse Races. They gallop along on their wooden stick horses, each child vying for a blue ribbon or just enjoying being a part of the festivities. Parents of children aged 2 to 11 wishing to take part should pre-enter their kiddos before the 11:15 start time.

The main event begins shortly after the commencement of the interactive terrier and stick horse races. The first horse race commences at 12:30 with the last race finishing around 4:30 in the afternoon. Below the Race Tower in the Winner’s Circle, you can watch the presentation of the winning horse, jockey and trainer following the races. For more information about each jockey, who they represent and each horse’s statistics, be sure to pick up one of Montpelier’s Race Programs at the event. Onlookers can join in by betting on their favorite horses and riders as well. While there are no pari-mutuel wagering at the races, people get together and have pools to make wagers on each race. There is often even a bookie at the events.

Tailgating at the Montpelier Hunt Races

The theme can inspire your tailgate, your attire, or perhaps even a craft cocktail to share with your tailgating party. Each tailgate’s spread provides for a spectacle almost as impressive as the horses racing along the track. Montpelier tailgate spreads range from simple sandwiches and decor to elaborate crystal candelabras and flower arrangements. The upscale picnic provisions brought in boast mouthwatering delicacies. Participants place charcuterie boards with local cheeses and cured meats, accompanied by jams and garnished with sprigs of seasonal herbs, atop colorful linens. Nestled within steaming pots, tailgate hosts ladle out hot chili to warm their guests up. Bottles of champagne rest in pewter coolers alongside tea sets.

How to Participate in the Montpelier Tailgate Contest

To take part in the Tailgate Contest, call the office at (540) 672-0014 or email [email protected]. For those who do not wish to bring their own food, a wide array of food vendors is available throughout the infield.

• Entries are limited to 10 tailgates, so sign up early!
• Judging will be from 10:30am to 12:30pm
• Entries will be judged on:
  • The excellence of all homemade food & drink
  • The expression of the theme in the food, drink & decor
• Exciting prizes for contest winners announced and awarded at the Winner’s Circle by the Race Tower at 1pm

Besides the local fare, attendees should also bring fold-out chairs for a full day at the races. Montpelier recommends bringing paper or plastic instead of glass containers for food and beverages.

Be sure to leave your pets and your grills at home, as they are not permitted.

Parking at the Montpelier Hunt Races

Each car will need a parking pass when arriving at the Montpelier Hunt Races. Attendees may buy a General Admission Parking Pass, allowing them to park in the general lot and walk to the infield racecourse. An Infield Parking Pass provides access to the infield of the racecourse. A Reserved Parking Pass allows patrons can park directly on the racecourse or other desirable locations.

What to Wear to the Montpelier Hunt Races

Don your best! Besides the fabulous stylized hats and fascinators vying for the prize of Best Hat, patrons embody English countryside chic during the chilly November races. Men’s horse race fashion often sees gents sporting suspenders, bowties, and tweed or Dubarry jackets. Both men and women wear classic tall brown Dubarry country work boots. Custom leather chaps and accessories made by a Virginia artisan will be sported by the true equestrians. 

Need help deciding what to wear to a Virginia steeplechase? Read our online article What To Wear to the Steeplechase to find suggested horse race outfits from seasoned steeplechase attendees.

Visit Gordonsville

Where to Stay Near Montpelier, Va

The Inn at Willow Grove, set in pristine Virginia wine country, offers a peaceful garden setting with timeless Southern charm and décor. With no two rooms the same, each of the property’s boutique rooms and premier suites are and decorated to offer a unique experience. The luxury stay includes the Inn’s Mill House Spa, which resembles a charming red barn with a working water wheel in keeping with the Inn’s “Village” concept. The 3,000-square-foot luxury oasis near Montpelier, Va features three tranquil treatment rooms, a relaxation room and a state-of-the-art fitness facility. Spa guests will also be able to enjoy a beautiful, heated saltwater pool.

Rest and relax in one of two accommodation options that Barboursville Vineyards has to offer near Montpelier. The three suites in the 1804 Inn overlook the governor’s mansion. Each suite is named after one of the wines crafted on the property. The Vineyard Cottages offer the same amenities and overlook some of the vineyard’s 185 acres of vines. Each comes with a complimentary full breakfast, bottle of wine and tastings at the Tuscan Tasting Room. All rooms were designed to evoke the rich history of the area with all the comforts of the 21st century.

Built in 1874, the quaint Nathaniel Inn has been restored to give off vibes from traditional Gordonsville in the 1700s. The suites are cozy and contain private bathrooms within the house. The Gordon cottage is perfect for families or groups with a fully-equipped kitchen and a front porch perfect for lounging and taking in the area. All rooms have access to laundry, too! The Inn has a shared yard for guests to relax and is only a short walk away from a bakery and restaurant. Be sure to contact the property about bringing your furry friend along, as pets are permitted.

Stop, Sip & Dine in the Orange County Region near Montpelier, Va

Orange County is deep within Virginia wine country, and it has no shortage of wineries to show for it. Horton Vineyards is nearby, and you can choose from over 40 wines in their tasting room, which is open daily. Make your way down the road to take in one of Virginia’s oldest wineries, Barboursville Vineyards. Visit their tasting room, or the Library 1821, their wine “library,” for the winery’s reserve flight. While you’re there, consider eating at their fine dining restaurant Palladio. Keswick Vineyards is 20 minutes down route 231, boasting award-winning wines and also open daily for tastings.

Next on your winery tour is Early Mountain Vineyards in Madison. Early Mountain’s tasting room was voted best in America by USA Today in 2016. They offer both cozy indoor and outdoor seating with amazing mountain views. If wine doesn’t suit your fancy or you want to change up your tasting tour, stop by Castle Hill Cider. Minutes away from Keswick Vineyards, Castle Hill offers many delicious types of alcoholic apple cider. Castle Hill Cider’s tasting room is open year-round. It offers a comfortable place to enjoy a flight of heritage cider while looking upon the 6,500 trees in their beautiful orchard. You can bring both your kids and your dog to Castle Hill, and you can bring a blanket and picnic lunch to enjoy alongside your cider. As hard cider is a Virginia staple, you definitely won’t regret stopping here.