Horses are powerful, athletic, gorgeous animals and you don't need to know anything about them to enjoy watching them in action. That's what Deborah Addo, CEO of Inova Loudoun Hospital, learned on Saturday, October 13, when she attended her first ever steeplechase meet, along with more than 7,500 spectators, at Glenwood Park for the 64th running of the Virginia Fall Races.

Addo, who was named CEO of Inova Loudoun Hospital in April 2017, brings 30 years of success in every aspect of public health. Last fall, she missed the races because of her commitment to work the Annual Ladies Board Rummage Sale, which had been scheduled for the same date as Virginia Fall Races.

This year, however, Addo reported, "I was thrilled when I learned we didn't have a conflict. Paul, my husband, was also able to attend and he really enjoyed it. It was truly a wonderful day of horse racing at such a special place. Glenwood Park provides the perfect setting to watch exciting competitions, connect with our community and spend time with friends, co-workers, and family. The Virginia Fall Races are special for many reasons — impressive athletes, beautiful setting and all for a great cause that benefits a wonderful hospital."

The Virginia Fall Races benefit the Inova Loudoun Hospital and Glenwood Park. This terrific one-day getaway delivers everything – beautiful horses, bold jockeys, spectacular vistas, fresh air, tailgate parties, and shopping. The day's schedule began in the morning with a prestigious competition for foxhunters and their trusty steeds. The Theodora Randolph Field Hunter Championship Final has run annually since its debut in 1984, except for 2009. Each foxhunter pays an entry fee of $300 for four days of first field hunting with four local packs: Warrenton, Blue Ridge, Orange County, and Bull Run. Entries maxed out at 60, representing 25 hunts from 8 states: Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Caroline, New York, Pennsylvania, and the majority hailing from Virginia. During the previous week, 44 qualified, but on Saturday a field of 31 competed in the Finals for the gorgeous rosettes awarded to the Champion and Reserve Champion in Best Turned Out (BTO), Most Suitable, Sportsmanship, and the coveted "big" titles of Champion Field Hunter and Reserve Champion Field Hunter, which garners $2500 and $1500 respectively for their hunts. It's fun to watch; even better if you have an outstanding field hunter and want to see how you stack up to other enthusiasts. Bragging rights are a given.

The weather was rather nippy, a serious contrast to all the tropical storm systems that brought rain and humidity to the area. It was ideal for the horses, but spectators bundled up (layers are the best way to dress for steeplechasing). It got nicer as the run rode higher, resulting in pockets of warmth from sunbeams as clouds arranged themselves dramatically across the sky – reminiscent of paintings by the great sporting artist, Lionel Edwards. The first race went under starter's orders at 1 p.m., but it was the third that counted most for local trainer Julie Gomena, who saddled Michael A. Smith's Le Chevalier to win the $40,000 National Sporting Library and Museum Cup. Jack Doyle, leading NSA jockey by wins, settled Le Chevalier off the pace behind the leaders for most of the 3¼-mile timber feature until they came down the hill for the final turn to the finish. When Doyle asked, Le Chevalier responded to the late bid, drawing to a decisive 4½-length victory.

The community vibe contributes so much to the Virginia Fall Races – what's not to love when you can entertain family, friends, and business associates while cheering on your favorites? It's a fun, sporty, casual day unless you prefer to glam it up by bringing the Bentley and a butler. Many like to ante up a buck (or more) and pick a horse. The "kitty" is a fun way to celebrate racing — imagine the excitement of cheering "your" horse to the finish line. Fast horses, jockeys in bright silks, huge alfresco party and the beauty of the historic Glenwood Park course… Make plans to get up a group of family and friends, maybe even entertain the people who work for you or with you. Your support is vital to Glenwood Park and to the Inova Loudoun Hospital. Go ahead, mark your calendar for the second Saturday in October 2019 — enjoy the "craic"!