It was a record topper! Town folk and guests alike from near and far were in full swing at the Virginia Fall Races at Glenwood this past month. Expansive tailgates, plentiful libations, fabulous fall, floral and fox decorations, it's the way Middleburgians express the joy and gratitude of being in this precious countryside with friends and family under the sunshine in a cool breeze, mask-less, and able to schmooze away the day. Yes, it's a lousy Hemingway line, but the smiles were everywhere.

Trainer Neil Morris had a banner day with William Russell's Animal Kingdom winning the 1st race, a $20,000 Ratings Handicap Hurdle, Pathfinder Racing's Knockholt winning the $25,000 Allowance Hurdle, and MRQ Racing's Argentic (FR) taking the $10,000 Maiden Claiming Hurdle. Jack Fisher trainees New Member (Ire) took the $15,000 Steeplethon for owners Armata Stables, and Storm Team won the $30,000 NSLM Cup Timber Stakes for Sheila J. Williams. Leslie Young's Drewscourt (Ire) took the 2nd race, a $20,000 Maiden Hurdle, for Leipers Fork Steeplechase with Tom Garner aboard. Four Virginia Gents won the 6th with First Friday, with Barry Foley aboard, and trained by Doug Fout.

Kudos go to the race committee, Will O'Keefe, Punkin Lee, Julie Gomena, Cricket Bedford, Karyn Wilson and Katy Carter, and all the volunteers and staff who work tirelessly for months on one of the town's favorite events. Thank you!