Spring in horse country means redbud bursting into bloom, daffodils trumpeting revival of garden and lawn, unseasonably warm days amidst bone-chilling wind and rain. Spring means outdoor activities and horse competitions. Thoroughbreds, magnificent in their athleticism and innate beauty, are the heart and soul of racing. Be sure to peruse the photo pages in this issue.

Virginia Point-to-Points: Middleburg Hunt stages the season's grand finale on Sunday, April 28th at Glenwood Park with 1 p.m. post time. Middleburg PTP's photos will appear in the May issue of the Eccentric. Orange County finished up the March racing calendar, and April's line-up included Old Dominion, Loudoun, and Blue Ridge.

If you're interested in complete results and standings, centralentryoffice.com is a treasure trove for Thoroughbred enthusiasts.

National Steeplechase governs the "major league" of Thoroughbred racing over fences. On Saturday, April 20, Middleburg Spring Races looked like a record-setting field day at Glenwood Park and general admission brought in many spectators. All parking areas were packed, and a festive air hung over the historic bowl of land that makes the Glenwood course very special on many levels. The weather was miraculously beautiful while foot traffic provided a fashion show and constant eddies of people meeting up with friends. And the horses — ahhh, the horses — were magnificent, of course. They are eye-candy, spirit-lifting, good for whatever ails you. Win-win, whinny…

You don't have to be knowledgeable to appreciate the beauty of a horse in motion, especially a Thoroughbred stretched out in full, ground-eating gallop. The accompanying photo (taken with a smartphone and cropped from full-size 5MB jpeg) shows the stretch drive between two maiden hurdle horses (5th race). They're head and head, battling to win, charging together to the cheers of the crowd – an exciting finish. Out of frame are the other contenders pretty far off the pace, but driving hard to improve their positions.

The gallop is a four-beat gait, unlike the canter, which is three-beat. Both gaits include a moment of total suspension. Junonia and Leopard Cat, pictured, are both five, both maidens, but one will win the race. You can see their moment of suspension – the leaping gait. Looks exciting, but to ride at a gallop is to feel so alive, so much more than an ordinary human. It's amazing. Unforgettable. These horses are bred to run, to be athletic, to be versatile riding and competition horses. Thoroughbreds have wings in their DNA, and they're wonderful partners if you have a good foundation of basic but essential horsemanship skills.

Thoroughbreds who don't take to flat or jump racing will find their niche quite often as great steeds for horse-crazy kids of all ages – be they amateur or professional or pleasure riders in every area and level of equestrian endeavor. Hunters, jumpers, eventers, polo ponies, endurance, driving, dressage, Pony Club, trail riding – therapy horses! You name it, OTTBs can do it, especially if they enjoy what they're doing…

May's first Saturday, the 4th, showcases the Kentucky Derby's Run For The Roses and the Virginia Gold Cup races at Great Meadow in The Plains. They're mega-celebrations of the rites of spring racing. Best of all, the Gold Cup is right here in the heart of our renowned horse country.

Everyone needs their own ticket to get into the races. If Members Hill is your thing, you need to pre-purchase the appropriate ticket to get into the reserved areas. Be aware there's no "will call" the day of the Gold Cup. General Admission can be purchased at the gate, but be prepared for heavy traffic from what could be 50,000 spectators.

Gold Cup Day is a superlative outing for enthusiasts, families, friends and business associates. Bring your cameras, leave your pooches at home — venue and event rules, unless you're racing your Jack Russell and you're part of the program! Take photos, selfies, and bask in Great Meadow's views. Get into the action and pick your faves to win, place and show with pari-mutuel betting.

Enjoy!

For more information, reserved tickets, etc: 540-347-2612 or vagoldcup.com