Jack Russell Terrier Races: A Not to be Missed Steeplechase Tradition

About 200 years ago, hunting was a very popular pastime for men in England, especially men in the church. One of those men was Parson John “Jack” Russell. He loved to hunt with his friends and wanted an efficient hunting dog to go with him on his trips. Russell wanted this dog to hunt with hounds and entice foxes from their dens so that the hounds could then chase those foxes. He needed an athletic dog who was fast, intelligent, determined, and had a desire to hunt. After many trials and errors, Russell finally created the perfect hunting dog: The Jack Russell Terrier. After many years of working successfully in England the Jack Russell Terrier became known in the US by the 1930’s and competes today as a hunting dog. They come in an array of colors, always with some white so that they are easily spotted in the field, and they are usually 10-13 inches at the shoulder.

Jack Russell Terrier Races evolved at “horsey” events because many horsemen value the dog for a pet because they are intelligent, spirited, independent and super affectionate. And they are also good jumpers, able to jump about 4 times their height! Like steeplechasing JRT races probably evolved from a simple dare and the more formalized event you see today was born!

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.