Aiken Training Track Events

2022 AIKEN TRIALS – SAVE THE DATE – MARCH 19, 2022

BACKSTRETCH EXPERIENCE: BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE AIKEN TRAINING TRACK

Aiken, S.C. – The heavy breathing and thunder of hooves is an experience like no other. Racehorses have been training at the historic Aiken Training Track since 1942 and now you can get a behind the scenes look at these young equine athletes before they leave to compete at tracks all over the United States.

The Backstretch Experience is from 9:00 am – 11:15 am and will be held on October 9 (rain date is October 16).

Watch horses on the track for their morning training. You will be close to the horses, trainers and exercise riders, so bring your camera! After horses train, Brad Stauffer, Head Trainer of Legacy Stable, will talk about the equipment used in training, the diet of a racehorse, conformation, track composition and more!

The cost is $25 person. This program is for participants ages 12 (with an adult) and up and space is limited. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes.

Those taking part should meet at the Rye Patch parking lot, 100 Berrie Road, at 8:45 am and will be transported to the Aiken Training Track by mini-bus.

Registration and payment may be done at the H. O. Weeks Center, 1700 Whiskey Rd. Aiken, SC

The Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum is located in Hopelands Gardens at 135 Dupree Place (off Whiskey Road) and celebrates Aiken‘s contributions to equestrian sports. The Racing Hall of Fame is open Tuesday–Friday from 2-5 pm, Saturday from 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday from 2 – 5 pm. Admission is free.

For more information, call 803-642-7631, e-mail halloffame@cityofaikensc.gov or visit the Hall of Fame website at www.aikenracinghalloffame.com. If your business or organization is interested in supporting the Hall of Fame or would like to sponsor an exhibit, please visit www.cityofaikensc.gov/sponsorship/.

RIDE THE RAIL

The Ride the Rail event on Sunday, February 23 was a big success. Riders and their horses enjoyed riding on the Aiken Training Track. Click here to view some of the photos.

BREAKFAST AT THE GALLOPS

Watch Aiken’s Future Racing Stars Work Out

March 13, 2020  Tickets go on sale January 2, 2020

This will be an opportunity to observe juveniles who are preparing to go to the races and older campaigners, work before leaving to go to the racetrack. Local trainers will be on hand to talk to participants about the various training methods used to train Aiken’s equine athletes.

A light breakfast will be served. Those in attendance should enter the Two Notch Road entrance that is closest to Audubon Drive. Vehicles must stop for all horses.

A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to support the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame & Museum.

For more information call 803-643-7631 or 803-643-2121 or the track office at 803-648-4631.

78th RUNNING OF THE AIKEN TRIALS

March 14, 2020

Come see our local riders and trainers showcase what they have been working hard on this season at the time-honored tradition of the Aiken Trials.

Visit the Aiken Trials for more information.

Earlier Aiken Training Track Events

HISTORIC STABLE EXPERIENCE

Walk in the Hoof Prints of Racing Immortals like Kelso, Swale, Pleasant Colony, Tom Fool, Gallorette, Shuvee and More!

Saturday, February 8, 2020, 9:00 – 11:15 am (rain date February 15)
$25 per person

See the locations of the most iconic racing stables that have trained their horses in Aiken. Stables include Claiborne, Greentree, Rokeby, Dogwood, Stonerside, Buckland, Darley and Bohemia.

This program is for participants ages 12 and up. Children ages 12 – 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Participants should wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes.

Space is limited. The registration deadline is the Thursday before each program. Registration and payment may be done at the Weeks Center, located at 1700 Whiskey Rd., across from Zaxby’s.

Participants will meet at the Rye Patch parking lot (100 Berrie Road SW in Aiken) at 8:45 am to be transported by mini-bus to the track.

For more information call 803-643-7631, 803-643-2121 or email HallOfFame@CityOfAikenSC.gov.

RIDE THE RAIL

Have you ever wanted to ride on the Training Track where racing immortals like Kelso, Swale, Pleasant Colony, Tom Fool, Gallorette, Shuvee, and others trained?

Sunday, February 23, 2020 12:00 – 3:00 pm
$40 per horse/rider combination

Ride alone or with friends, at the pace you choose, for 20 minutes or 2 laps.

Space is limited, and advanced registration is requested. Please read the Ride the Rail 2020 Rules and submit your Ride the Rail 2020 Application and Ride the Rail 2020 Release by February 20. And please download our Ride the Rail 2020 Flyer to help us promote the event. View photos from the 2019 Ride the Rail.

This program is for participants ages 12 and up. Children ages 12 – 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Riders must sign a waiver, and juniors (under 14) must ride with an adult. No colts, stallions, or ridglings. All riders must wear approved helmets and appropriate footwear. All riders must provide proof of negative Coggins test within 12 months. Please read the Rules for further information and requirements before you submit your Application and Release.

For more information email RideTheRailAiken@gmail.com or call 508-265-3055.