Plan the Perfect Day at the Montpelier Hunt Races!
The Montpelier Hunt Races only happen once a year, so why not make it as enjoyable and stress-free as possible with a little planning? First and foremost, don’t forget your tickets! If they’ve arrived in the mail, be sure to have them ready. Purchasing tickets ahead of time not only guarantees a smoother entry on Race Day, but it also saves you money—ticket prices go up on the day of the event. Last-minute buyers can still get tickets at our outlets, skipping the hassle of waiting for delivery.
A Race Day Favorite for Kids at Montpelier
The Stick Horse Races are run by the Great Equestrian 4-H Club as both a fundraiser and a fun-raiser. Club members craft stick horses which are offered for sale to help raise funds for their mission. In the morning, they take entries and orchestrate the races right under the Race Tower near the finish line! With thrills, a few spills, and plenty of speed, the competitors put on an exciting show. Parents eagerly jostle for the perfect camera angle, and a great time is had by all!
Tailgate with French Flair
At Steeplechase events, tailgating becomes a sophisticated affair. Racegoers spend the entire day at the races, making the effort to set up an elaborate tailgate and prepare gourmet portable food worthwhile. Friendly competition among neighboring tailgate parties adds to the charm. Not to be outdone, some tailgaters dress their spreads with fresh flowers, china, silver and race-theme centerpieces, which led to the creation of the Montpelier Races Tailgate Contest.
Shop for Unique Gifts at the Montpelier Market
Seven exciting horse races fill the afternoon at the Montpelier Races, but there is downtime between the races as the horses move from the barn to the paddock and vice versa. Jockeys must weigh out, horses need to be saddled and walked in the paddock, leaving about 30 minutes between races to fill with some kind of entertainment. The Montpelier Market, located near the finish line, strives to provide that entertainment. The shops in the market are carefully curated, offering a variety of products from kettle corn to tweed jackets and waterproof boots made in Ireland—and everything in between.
How to Tailgate Like a Pro at the Montpelier Races
One of the most exciting aspects of Race Day is the highly contested Tailgate Contest, where participants showcase their creativity and culinary skills, all in good spirit. However, even if you're not feeling particularly competitive, creating a fantastic tailgate experience is a wonderful way to enjoy the day and make lasting memories. Here are some tips to ensure your Montpelier Races tailgate is a winner.
Jack Russell Terrier Races: A Not to be Missed Steeplechase Tradition
The Jack Russell Terrier Races at Montpelier Races are the first event of the day, starting at 10:15am and they draw a great crowd of enthusiastic spectators. We have a loyal “stable” of participants including one dog who raced here for about 13 years, Mr. Niblett. At his passing his owners honored him with a perpetual trophy and the Mr. Niblett Memorial Race for Senior Dogs is always highly contested.