Virginia Gold Cup 2020

Photos from the day by Joanne Maisano

On Saturday, June 27 at Great Meadows, in The Plains, Virginia, the 95^th Virginia Gold Cup ran with no spectators for the first time in history. It took place two months after the original May 6 date. COVID-19 has pushed steeplechase, a spectator sport, to livestream its races. There were 10 races that took place from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Purse money was provided for participants.

With no spectators, the silence was deafening. In 90-degree weather, the breeze was a big help. Everyone on the Great Meadow premises wore a mask and socially distanced themselves. The jockeys were the real winners as most rode in every race, braving the extreme heat.