# Montpelier Hunt Races

> An annual sanctioned steeplechase race meet held the first Saturday each November at James Madison's Montpelier in Montpelier Station, Virginia — "Join us for a day full of sport and family fun at the former home of James Madison."

In 1929, Marion duPont Scott and her brother William duPont hosted the first jump race at Montpelier; the National Steeplechase and Hunt Association sanctioned its first race at the estate in 1934. The Races are produced by the Montpelier Steeplechase and Equestrian Foundation, established in 1988 as a 501(c)(3) organization, and funds raised support The Montpelier Foundation and other non-profit organizations. The 91st running takes place Saturday, November 7, 2026, with seven horse races plus Jack Russell Terrier Races, the Corgi Cup, Stick Horse Races, a Hat Contest, a Tailgate Contest and the Montpelier Market.

## Race Day Program
- Horse Races: Seven sanctioned steeplechase and flat races, including the Montpelier Foundation Cup, Madison Plate, The Battleship, The Constitution, The Montpelier Cup, The Marion duPont Scott Memorial and The Noel Laing
- Jack Russell Terrier Races: Eight terrier class races from puppy warm-up to adult dogs over fences, followed by the Corgi Cup, beginning at 10:15 a.m.
- Stick Horse Races: Free registration for children ages 3-11, organized by the Great Equestrians 4-H Club
- Hat Contest: Judged after the second race with categories including Best Racing Theme, Best Fascinator, Most Original, Best Group Entry, Best Child Entry, Most Elegant and Best Gentleman
- Tailgate Contest: Free to enter with pre-registration by phone; winners announced at the Winner's Circle
- Parade of Hounds: Foxhound parade on the steeplechase track
- Equestrian Sidesaddle Exhibition and Vintage Packard Car Parade: Display and parade on the steeplechase track
- Montpelier Market: On-site shopping with curated vendors, plus the Montpelier Store Tent for logo merchandise and race posters
- Reserved Parking and Endowed Spaces: Railside Patron, Second Tier Member and Third Tier Subscriber reserved spaces, infield parking, general parking and handicapped parking

## Key Pages
- [Home](https://www.montpelierraces.org/): Event overview, race day highlights and frequently asked questions
- [Our Story](https://www.montpelierraces.org/our-story): History of the Montpelier estate, the duPont family and Marion duPont Scott's racing legacy
- [Event Schedule](https://www.montpelierraces.org/schedule): Full order of events for race day, race by race, with sponsors
- [Events](https://www.montpelierraces.org/events): Details on the terrier races, stick horse races, hat contest, tailgate contest and other activities
- [Buy Tickets](https://www.montpelierraces.org/buy-tickets): Ticket purchase and parking option overview
- [Ticket Outlets](https://www.montpelierraces.org/ticket-outlets): Locations selling tickets in person up to race day morning
- [Parking](https://www.montpelierraces.org/parking): Parking pass requirements, parking levels and the parking map
- [Rules and Regulations](https://www.montpelierraces.org/rules-and-regulations): Grounds rules for attendees
- [FAQs](https://www.montpelierraces.org/faqs): Answers on tickets, tailgating, dress, parking, betting and weather
- [Race Results](https://www.montpelierraces.org/results): Results from the most recent running
- [Vendors](https://www.montpelierraces.org/vendors): Information for gift and memorabilia vendors in the Montpelier Market
- [Sponsors](https://www.montpelierraces.org/sponsors): Corporate sponsors of the race meet
- [Community Partners](https://www.montpelierraces.org/community-partners): Non-profit and community organizations connected to the Races
- [News](https://www.montpelierraces.org/news): Articles on race history, jockeys, planning your day and race day features
- [Contact](https://www.montpelierraces.org/contact): Physical, UPS and US Mail addresses and phone number

## Location
- Address: 11407 Constitution Highway, Montpelier Station, Virginia 22957
- US Mail: Montpelier Steeplechase and Equestrian Foundation, PO Box 399, Montpelier Station, Virginia 22957
- Event date: Saturday, November 7, 2026 (the Races are held the first Saturday each November)

## Contact
- Website: https://www.montpelierraces.org/
- Phone: (540) 672-0027
- Office (tailgate contest registration, bus and limo passes): (540) 672-0014

## Social
- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064623522208)
- [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/montpelierraces/)
- [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@montpelierraces3533)

## Optional
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.montpelierraces.org/privacy-policy)