The Brandywine Conservancy celebrates a successful running of the 92nd Radnor Hunt Races
Chadds Ford, PA, May 25, 2023 — A drizzly day set the stage for another successful running of the Radnor Hunt Races on Saturday, May 20, 2023. Supporting the open space and clean water programs of the Brandywine Conservancy, the annual steeplechase event celebrated its 92nd year with the finest thoroughbred horses, riders and trainers from across the country competing in five thrilling jump races sanctioned by the National Steeplechase Association and the prestige of $110,000 in purse money. The day also featured the third annual Katherine W. Illoway Memorial Invitational Sidesaddle Race, the return of the adorable lead line pony races, a spectacular antique carriage parade, and the crowd favorite parade of foxhounds.
"Even the weather couldn’t dampen the excitement of the Radnor Hunt Races this year. This time-honored and beloved tradition in our region was made possible thanks to countless hours of planning from our staff, the Radnor Hunt Race committee, Willistown Boy Scout Troop 78, and dozens of other volunteers,” said Christy Wray Greenberg, Associate Director of Fundraising Events and Sponsorship for the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art. “We are especially grateful for the generous support of our sponsors, partners and purse donors who contributed to this year’s event, as well as our dedicated patrons who join us each year ‘Racing for Open Space’ in support of the Brandywine Conservancy.”
Built on a rich history of horse racing that has been cultivated in this region for nearly 100 years, the Radnor Hunt Races are supported by the legacy of permanently protecting the stunning open spaces that make this region such a beautiful place to call home. "For more than 40 years, the Radnor Hunt Races has been 'Racing for Open Space' in support of the Brandywine Conservancy’s open space and clean water programs," said Stephanie Armpriester, Brandywine’s Director of Conservation and Stewardship. “Steeplechase racing has a rich history and tradition in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States thanks to the legacy of protecting open space that has allowed the sport to flourish. Since 1967, the Brandywine Conservancy has protected over 70,000 acres of open space—including the Radnor Hunt racecourse itself and surrounding lands.”
“As a key fundraiser for the Brandywine Conservancy each year, the Radnor Hunt Races also supports the organization’s critical work to improve and safeguard water quality, as well as our efforts to provide innovative community planning services to municipalities, engage landowners in stewardship of their land, and pursue new perspectives on climate resiliency and sustainability in southeastern Pennsylvania and northern Delaware,” added Grant DeCosta, Brandywine Conservancy’s Director of Community Services.
To date, the event has raised over $5.5 million for the Conservancy’s clean water and open space programs. Held annually on the third Saturday in May, the Radnor Hunt Races will return for its 93rd year on May 18, 2024, in Willistown Township, Chester County. For more information, visit www.radnorhuntraces.org.
The 92nd Radnor Hunt Races were made possible thanks to the generous support of its sponsors and purse donors. Corporate sponsors include RDS Automotive Group, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Keystone, The Thomson Family, dfYOUNG, Fox Rothschild LLP, Lockton, Le Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia , Black Stallion Estate Winery, Warren Claytor Architects, Inc., Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery, Apogee Insurance Group, West Pharmaceutical Services, and Brick & Brew Gastropub. Additional support was provided by the Race’s event sponsors, including Peter Zimmerman Architects — Jockey Tent Sponsor; Cherry Knoll Farm — Jump Sponsor; Iron Spring Farm — Carriage Parade Sponsor; 1883 Foundation — Katherine W. Illoway Memorial Invitational Sidesaddle Race Sponsor; Brosnan Dental, ENB Wealth Solutions, The National Bank of Malvern, and Warren Claytor Architects, Inc. — Pony Race Sponsors; Bryn Mawr Landscaping and Sunshine Landscaping — Horse Equipment Sponsors; and Radnor Hunt Race Committee — Owner, Trainer, Rider Officials Hospitality. Media partners include Today Media—Delaware Today, Main Line Today and The Hunt—and County Lines Magazine. Additional thanks go out to Alliance, B&D Builders LLC, Brandywine Electronics, Fenceworks, Mamie Duff, Peace Products, Radnor Hunt Pony Club, Rajant, Roots Landscape, Sommsation, Willistown Troop 78, and Wrong Crowd Beer Company.
About the Brandywine Conservancy:
The Brandywine Conservancy protects water, conserves land, and engages communities. The Conservancy uses a multi-faceted approach to conservation. Staff work with private landowners who wish to see their lands protected forever and provide innovative community planning services to municipalities and other governmental agencies. The Conservancy currently holds more than 510 conservation and agricultural easements and has facilitated the permanent preservation of over 70,200 acres of land. The Conservancy is a program of the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art.
About the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art:
The Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art preserves and promotes the natural and cultural connections between the area’s beautiful landscape, historic sites, and important artists. The Conservancy protects the lands and waters throughout the Brandywine Valley and other priority conservation areas, developing sustainable approaches to emerging needs and assuring preservation of majestic open spaces and protection of natural resources for generations to come. The Museum of Art presents and collects historic and contemporary works of American art, engaging and exciting visitors of all ages through an array of exhibitions and programs. The Brandywine unites the inspiring experiences of art and nature, enhancing the quality of life in its community and among its diverse audiences.
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