Backstretch Experience: A Behind the Scenes Tour of the Aiken Training Track
Have you ever wanted to experience what it would be like on the backstretch at the Aiken Training Track? Now you can discover the magic of training Thoroughbred racehorses with a behind the scenes tour! The Aiken Training Track and the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame are partnering to offer this exciting experience! The tour will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2016 from 9 am – 11 am. (The rain date is Saturday, April 23).
The tour begins with watching horses out on the track for their morning training before going back to Legacy Stable. You will be close to the horses, trainers and exercise riders, so bring your camera! After watching the horses train, Brad Stauffer, the President of the Aiken Training Track and the Head Trainer of Legacy Stable, will talk about the equipment used in training, the diet of a racehorse, conformation, the composition of the track and more! There will also be a question and answer period.
The cost of the tour is $25 per person and space is limited. The registration deadline is Thursday, April 14. Registration and payment may be done at the H. O. Weeks Center, located at 1700 Whiskey Rd. across from Zaxby’s. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Those taking part in the tour 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.
For more information call 803-643-2121 or 803-642-7631 or email halloffame@cityofaikensc.gov
The Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum is located in Hopelands Garden at Whiskey Road and Dupree Place and celebrates Aiken‘s contributions to equestrian sports. The Racing Hall of Fame is open September – May, Tuesday – Friday & Sunday from 2 – 5 pm and on Saturday from 10 am – 5 pm, weather permitting. Summer hours are Saturdays 10 am – 5 pm and Sundays 2 – 5 pm during the months of June, July and August.