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Foxfield Races

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The Foxfield Races are a set of steeplechase races that originated in 1978 and are held twice annually in Albemarle County , Virginia , approximately eight miles northwest of downtown Charlottesville . It is a popular tradition for much of the community as well as students of the University of Virginia and other universities on the East Coast . Foxfield holds two races each year, one in the fall and another in the spring . The fall race has a more family-friendly atmosphere, while the spring race tends to attract a larger proportion of local college students. Each race generally benefits a local organization or charity; previous groups include Service Dogs of Virginia, the Ronald McDonald House , and Kids Pan Alley. There are many different color passes that can be purchased allowing access to certain areas in and around the track itself. Tickets can be purchased from the official website or from numerous outlets around the Charlottesville area, as well as surrounding areas. Traditionally, students and other attendees dress in a Southern , aristocratic style often seen at other steeplechase and horse racing events across the South. Seersucker , bowties , and pastel colors predominate the atmosphere, particularly at the spring race.

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46-596: The Foxfield Races are premier steeplechase horse racing events held annually in Albemarle, Virginia . The races take place twice a year: the last Saturday in April, and the last Sunday in September. The races were created by Mariann de Tejeda on property that was once owned by the well-known Virginian horseman, huntsman, and teacher, Grover Vandevender. The property was originally a private horse farm. When De Tejeda bought

92-567: A company to promote their products to the large number of people that attend the Foxfield Races each year. Also this as a way to provide entertainment for fellow employees, families, and prospects. By becoming a sponsor, the company is offered a variety of specialty packages. As a part of 2009 Foxfield Races, the Foxfield Racing Association (FRA) has initiated a “Go Green” Program which encourages people attending

138-402: A longstanding University of Virginia tradition. Some chide the event as the pinnacle representation of the upper middle class nature of UVA's student demographic. Students use Race Day as an excuse to break out their “preppiest” attire. There is an abundance of pastel colors, Lilly Pulitzer patterns, and large sun hats. Girls are found wearing sundresses , and many boys don a colorful bowtie for

184-431: A steeplechase race is a rather simple undertaking, as it is the horse that comes over the finish line first that wins. However, before this occurs, several steps must be undergone. First, the horse's trainer must officially declare that the horse is on grounds for a specified period before the beginning of its race. Furthermore, the rider must report to the clerk of scales and weigh out with the minimum prescribed weight. If

230-676: A time." ACPS provides 25 school facilities which include Community Lab School , a charter school that is located in the City of Charlottesville , Albemarle High School, Western Albemarle High School, and Monticello High School. The School Board and the Superintendent, Matthew Haas, work closely together in operating the Albemarle County Public School System . Many private schools in Albemarle serve

276-737: Is a county located in the Piedmont region of the Commonwealth of Virginia . Its county seat is Charlottesville , which is an independent city and enclave entirely surrounded by the county. Albemarle County is part of the Charlottesville Metropolitan Statistical Area . As of the 2020 census , the population was 112,395. Albemarle County was created in 1744 from the western portion of Goochland County , though portions of Albemarle were later carved out to create other counties. Albemarle County

322-586: Is a more relaxed atmosphere than that of the spring race. The activities are directed toward family participation. It is held each year on the last Sunday of September and benefits a local organization. Past beneficiaries include the Service Dogs of Virginia Foundation and the Shelter for Help and Emergency. This race targets the Charlottesville area as well as its surrounding communities. Watching

368-403: Is generally determined by the type (or color) of ticket the spectator purchases. The different colors correspond to the location of the viewing area. The Foxfield Racing Association also set up two more exclusive viewing areas to appeal to sponsors of the event. Every year the Foxfield Racing Association (FRA) allows a large number of corporations to come sponsor the Foxfield Races. This allows

414-540: Is represented by Democrat Creigh Deeds in the Virginia State Senate; Democrats Katrina Callsen and Amy Laufer represent the county in the Virginia House of Delegates. Republican Bob Good represents most of the county in the U.S. House of Representatives. Democrat Abigail Spanberger represents a small sliver in the most Northwest portion of Albemarle County. For much of the second half of

460-501: Is the Albemarle County Sheriff's Office , which handles civil service in the county, and they are directed by the elected Sheriff Chan Bryant. Albemarle County Fire Rescue (ACFR) provides essential emergency services to the residents and visitors of Albemarle County including, fire suppression, emergency medical treatment, and transport, technical rescue, water rescue, and hazardous materials mitigation. In addition,

506-473: Is water. The Rivanna River 's south fork forms in Albemarle County and was historically important for transportation. The south fork flows in-between Darden Towe Park and Pen Park. Boat ramp access is available at Darden Towe Park. The James River acts as a natural border between Albemarle and Buckingham Counties. Albemarle's western border with Augusta and Rockingham Counties is located within

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552-542: The Shenandoah National Park . Albemarle County borders 8 other counties, more than any other county in Virginia. The largest self-reported ancestry groups in Albemarle County are English 16.3%, German 16.0%, Irish 12.7%, "American" 11.4% and Italian 5.2%. As of the census of 2010, there were 98,970 people, 38,157 households, and 24,578 families residing in the county. The population density

598-518: The 20th century, Albemarle County was heavily Republican, like most of this part of Virginia. However, the Republican edge narrowed significantly in the 1990s, in part due to the influence of the University of Virginia. In 2004, John Kerry carried it by two points, becoming the first Democrat to win the county since 1948. It swung hard to Barack Obama in 2008, and since then has become one of

644-553: The Civil War, the Battle of Rio Hill was a skirmish in which Union cavalry raided a Confederate camp in Albemarle County, Virginia. Until the Civil War, the majority of Albemarle County's population consisted of enslaved African Americans. According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the county has a total area of 726 square miles (1,880 km ), of which 721 square miles (1,870 km ) is land and 5 square miles (13 km ) (0.7%)

690-469: The Foxfield Races. The group has coordinated student education programs at UVA to inform students how to minimize the risks of drinking and provide alternatives for getting home. In the past, the program has been held as a panel discussion made up of ADAPT members, the Foxfield Racing Association, local police and Alcoholic Beverage Control agents, the local commonwealth's attorney, the Rescue Squad, and

736-712: The Savvy Fox Pledge. There are three first aid stations at Foxfield on the day of the races. These stations are staffed by the UVA Emergency Department and are identified by a large white flag with a green first aid cross. The three station locations are: in between the airplane hangar and the West Gate, in the Orange student section, and in the Green section just after the crossing gate. These are

782-545: The UVA dean of students. The Foxfield Racing Association funds a non-drinking driver program called “The Savvy Fox”. This program is administered by ADAPT. If a patron signs the Savvy Fox Pledge at the race meet, thy agree to be a designated driver and not drink all day, and receive a coupon for lunch and free non-alcoholic drinks. The sign up tables and distribution area are a part of the ADAPT safety tent. In 2008, 466 individuals signed

828-524: The United States Sumo Confederation, the tournament was modeled after a Las Vegas-style boxing match. Instead of the usual dinner and dance, the evening was filled with a sushi feast and auction. Each fall the Foxfield Races holds a fall race and family weekend. The fall races sees an attendance of around 3,000 to 4,000 people year, a number small in comparison to the 25,000 that attend the spring race each year. Family weekend

874-422: The age of 18 living with them, 51.4% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.6% were non-families. 28.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 25.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.96. In the county, the population was spread out, with 21.5% under

920-401: The age of 18, 12.3% from 18 to 24, 24.7% from 25 to 44, 27.2% from 45 to 64, and 14.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.2 years. For every 100 females there were 92.69 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 89.59 males. 22% of Albemarle residents have a graduate or professional degree, compared with 10% nationwide. The median income for a household in

966-596: The amount of trash that is left behind or found after the Spring Foxfield race, and as a response to the cooler size change which will lead to a large increase in Styrofoam coolers. Out of the approximately 23,000 patrons attending the event, about 8,000 are college students who attend the University of Virginia and other schools. Patrons 21 and older are allowed to drink alcohol at Foxfield on race day. In

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1012-565: The boundaries of modern Albemarle County. Albemarle County is well known for its association with President and Founding Father Thomas Jefferson , who was born in the county at Shadwell , though it was then part of Goochland County . However, his home of Monticello is located in the county. When the American Revolutionary War started in 1775, Jefferson was made colonel of the Albemarle Militia. During

1058-400: The county and students from surrounding areas. These include: Some students attend several private schools in the City of Charlottesville . Jefferson-Madison Regional Library is the regional library system that provides services to the citizens of Albemarle. The city of Charlottesville is enclaved within Albemarle County. Under Virginia law in effect since 1871, all municipalities in

1104-494: The county is vested in a Board-appointed County Executive . There are also several elected Constitutional Officers: The nonpartisan School Board is also elected. Its members are: Albemarle County has two branches of law enforcement, the Albemarle County Police Department , which handles criminal matters and is directed by the appointed police chief , Colonel Sean Reeves. The second branch

1150-492: The county to ensure proper coverage: The Albemarle County Sheriff's Office (ACSO) and the Albemarle County Police Department (ACPD) provide law enforcement services in the county. The ACSO was created in 1745 when Joseph Thompson was appointed as the first sheriff. Then in 1895, citizens started electing sheriffs for 4-year terms. Lucian Watts was the first elected sheriff. As of 2022

1196-542: The county was $ 63,001, and the median income for a family was $ 98,934. Males had a median income of $ 55,530 versus $ 52,211 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 36,718. About 3.8% of families and 10.4% of the population were below the poverty line , including 8.0% of those under age 18 and 2.4% of those age 65 or over. 35% of people working in Albemarle live in the county, while 65% commute in. 19% of those commuting in live in Charlottesville, while

1242-415: The department provides a wide array of non-emergency services such as investigations, business inspections, burn permits, child safety seat inspections, smoke detector installations, public education, and emergency management. Services are provided through a combination of career staff, nine volunteer fire and rescue agencies, and regional partners. Fire and rescue stations are placed strategically throughout

1288-456: The few Democratic bastions in central Virginia, though it is not as overwhelmingly Democratic as Charlottesville. The Albemarle County Public School System operates public education in the county. It provides education to nearly 14,000 students including preschool through high school. The Albemarle County Public School System's mission is to "establish a community of learners and learning, through relationships, relevance and rigor, one student at

1334-433: The horses are then paraded to the post and come under starter's orders. The starter of the race always tries to arrange a start that is fair for all of the horses and jockeys. At the drop of the tape or flags, the race begins. During the race, the horses must stay on the prescribed track, and, if obstacles are involved, they must jump over each one in the proper order. There must not be interference by horses and jockeys with

1380-432: The jockey and his gear do not meet the minimum weight requirement, lead is inserted into the saddle pad. At the specified time, the horse, trainer , and jockey must report to the paddock area or saddling enclosure. It is there that the horse is tacked up with a racing bridle and saddle , the proper girth straps , and a number cloth. The paddock judge then checks the horse as well as the jockey's silks. After approval,

1426-408: The jockeys weigh in with their original start of the race weight, the unofficial race results are declared official. At the Foxfield Races, there are no grandstands ; therefore viewers are encouraged to walk up to the straight-away or fences where they are able to see the race up close. Given the lack of grandstands at the race, spectators are divided into multiple viewing areas. Access to these areas

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1472-495: The law took effect, the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance creating the Albemarle County Police Department. That original ordinance provided for a police chief and five full time officers. George W. Bailey was the first chief of police. As of 2022 the chief of police is Sean Reeves. The ACPD currently has 140 sworn officers, 23 civilian employees, and 3 animal control officers. Albemarle

1518-498: The occasion. Students tailgate at plots which are often organized through Greek organizations or other student groups. Each spring the Foxfield Races hold a “black tie” event the evening before the big race. The event supports local charities. The 2009 beneficiary, for example, was the Ronald McDonald House of Charlottesville. The event took the form of a “Sumo Gala." Complete with 12-world class Sumo wrestlers from

1564-414: The other horses and jockeys. At the end of the race, the placing judges note the horses and jockeys order of finish. At this point, the riders and their horses return to the judges’ area and wait for permission to be dismounted, though at this time no one is allowed to touch the rider or tack until he has weighed in. And finally, with no objections, and if the patrol judges report that all went smoothly and

1610-555: The past, this demographic has worn “over 21” armbands, but since 2009 ID checking has become the norm. Patrons must carry their IDs all day as ABC agents and police will be checking the IDs of spectators. In 2008 Albemarle County Commonwealth Attorney Denise Lunsford was quoted saying “What in the past has been sometimes loosely referred to as 'the Foxfields discount’ will not be the case anymore”. From this point onward crimes committed at

1656-408: The property after Vandevender's death in 1973, she began the construction of a steeplechase course dedicated to his memory. The final product fulfilled the dreams envisioned by de Tejeda and the late Vandevender. The first Foxfield race was held in the spring of 1978, and has since become a popular tradition among Charlottesville residents, students of the University of Virginia , as well as alumni from

1702-482: The races to not use glass and to start recycling their cans. As a part of the “Go Green” program the FRA will now transport all trash from the races to a recycling center and not a landfill. Also another part of the program is that the FRA has provided large containers (supplied by the company Container Rentals) for attendees to put filled trash bags. This program is a reply to the complaints of many civilians and people of

1748-448: The races would no longer be seen as a minor offense, but would be treated with the same weight as a regular crime. Also the regulations of 2008 brought about the ban of alcohol-related items such as ice luges, and beer bongs . A student-formed group at the University of Virginia called “Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Team” (ADAPT) partners with a number of groups to promote protective drinking behavior and safe transportation options at

1794-406: The remainder live in the surrounding counties. 26,800 people commute out of Albemarle for work. 48% of which commute to Charlottesville, making up 51% of Charlottesville's in-commuters. In 2022, Albemarle had a 2.7% unemployment rate , compared with a national rate of 3.6%. The top 10 employers as of Q4 2022 were: Albemarle is governed by an elected six-member Board of Supervisors. Management of

1840-523: The sheriff is Chan Bryant, the county's first woman sheriff. The ACPD was created in 1983. Prior to 1983, local county governments could create a police force by a simple vote held by their respective board of supervisors. In February 1983 the Virginia General Assembly restricted the authority of county governments to create police forces without a voter referendum. The law did not go into effect until July 1983: On May 11, 1983, before

1886-524: The state incorporated as cities are legally and politically independent of any county. (Population according to the 2020 United States Census ) Many of these unincorporated areas have Charlottesville addresses. 38°02′N 78°34′W  /  38.03°N 78.56°W  / 38.03; -78.56 Grandstand Too Many Requests If you report this error to the Wikimedia System Administrators, please include

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1932-569: The university. Foxfield is a tailgating event, and thus, unlike many steeplechase racing events, there are no grandstands. There are many different ticket options for the race, hence some purchase general admission tickets and observe the race along the hillsides of the course. Furthermore, there are many sponsors of the race, and businesses are able to rent out private tents. Attendees of the race are known to wear fairly formal clothing, and even tailgates with elaborate spreads of elegant china and linens reflect upon this image. The Foxfield Races are

1978-493: The winners of the past ten years of the Spring and Fall Foxfield horse races. Each race is made up of about six or seven races depending on the year, and the weather of that year. The purses vary with each race. Some of the races have no purse because the race was labeled as a “training flat” meaning that it was just a race on the turf of the track, no hurdles or fences. Albemarle County, Virginia Albemarle County

2024-497: Was 137 people per square mile (53 people/km ). There were 42,122 housing units at an average density of 58 units per square mile (22 units/km ). The racial makeup of the county was 80.6% White , 9.7% Black or African American , 0.3% Native American , 4.7% Asian , 0.1% Pacific Islander , 2.3% from other races , and 2.4% from two or more races. 5.5% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 38,157 households, out of which 28.2% had children under

2070-430: Was named in honor of Willem Anne van Keppel, 2nd Earl of Albemarle and titular Governor of Virginia at the time. The large county was partitioned in 1761, forming Buckingham and Amherst counties, at which time the county seat was moved from the formerly central Scottsville to a piece of newly central land, christened Charlottesville . In 1777, Albemarle County was divided and Fluvanna County established, finalizing

2116-580: Was named in honor of Willem Anne van Keppel, 2nd Earl of Albemarle . Its most famous inhabitant was Thomas Jefferson , who built his estate home, Monticello , in the county. At the time of European encounter, the inhabitants of the area that became Albemarle County were a Siouan -speaking tribe called the Saponi . In 1744, the Virginia General Assembly created Albemarle County from the western portion of Goochland County . The county

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