Brandywine Conservancy to pass the baton on the Radnor Hunt Races after 45 years of leading the event
The 95th Radnor Hunt Races, running on May 16, 2026, will mark Conservancy’s final year as sole beneficiary and operator
Chadds Ford, PA, December 3, 2025 — The Brandywine Conservancy announced today that the 95th running of the Radnor Hunt Races, taking place on May 16, 2026, will mark the organization’s final year as the sole operator and beneficiary of this event, which the Brandywine has led for the past 45 years. The Brandywine is committed to working closely with the leadership of the Radnor Hunt to help them identify a new operator and work on a transition plan to ensure that the Races continue to thrive for decades to come.
“The Radnor Hunt Races have been a beloved springtime tradition on the Main Line for nearly a century—long before the Brandywine became the sole operator and beneficiary of the Races in 1980—and one that we hope will continue long after Brandywine’s involvement,” said Virginia Logan, the Frolic Weymouth Executive Director & C.E.O. of the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art. “For the last 45 years, the Brandywine has been proud to play a leadership role in this storied event, which has benefited the Conservancy’s open space and clean water initiatives. With the centennial running of the Races approaching in a few years, it is now time for the Brandywine to pass the baton on to a new operator to continue the tradition of the Radnor Hunt Races into the event’s next century. While the 95th anniversary of the Races will mark the Brandywine’s final operation of the event in May 2026, we remain proud of the role we have played in stewarding this event for more than four decades and the lasting legacy of ‘Racing for Open Space’ that we will carry forward. We are deeply grateful for the leadership team and all members of the Radnor Hunt, the National Steeplechase Association, our committee members, sponsors, partners, race staff and officials, volunteers, thoroughbred owners and trainers, jockeys, and spectators who have supported this event over the years. We look to make our last year operating the Races the best one yet, and we hope to see this event continue to grow in its next chapter.”
Built on a rich history of horse racing that has been cultivated in this region for nearly 100 years, the Radnor Hunt Races have been supported by the legacy of protecting the stunning open spaces that make this region such a beautiful place to call home. With the help of the Races and many likeminded partners, the Conservancy has protected over 70,700 acres of open space to date—including the Radnor Hunt racecourse itself and surrounding lands—and continues to improve and safeguard water quality, land protection, outdoor recreation and historic preservation in southeastern Pennsylvania and northern Delaware.
“We were saddened to learn that 2026 will be the last year with Brandywine Conservancy as operator and sole beneficiary of the Radnor Hunt Races, and it will be our honor to partner with them for their 45th and final year,” said Jodi Spragins, Radnor Hunt President. “We recognize that this was a challenging decision, and we want to express our profound gratitude for the incredible effort Brandywine has dedicated to nurturing the Radnor Hunt Races into the prestigious event it is today. Our two organizations share a strong partnership and a mutual passion for the role of equestrian sport in land conservation. In light of this transition, Radnor Hunt leadership will begin exploring ways to reimagine and continue this historic springtime event.”
"The Brandywine Conservancy has been proud to play a leading role in the Radnor Hunt Races for the past 45 years of the event's nearly 100-year history, and we look forward to making this last year our best one yet," said George Strawbridge Jr., chair of the Radnor Hunt Races committee. "On behalf of the Radnor Hunt Races committee, we wish the event continued success in its next chapter and remain committed to working with the Radnor Hunt leadership team over this next year to help provide a smooth transition to the successor of the Races."
The Radnor Hunt Races are traditionally held annually on the third Saturday of May each year. With nearly 18 months of advanced notice prior to the 96th running of the Races in 2027, the Brandywine is hopeful that there will be ample time for the leadership of the Radnor Hunt to identify an alternative operator. Brandywine remains committed to helping the Radnor Hunt and any new operator for the event with a successful transition plan. Those interested in taking over the operation of the Races can contact the Radnor Hunt directly at [email protected].
Planning efforts for the 95th running of the Radnor Hunt Races are underway, with corporate sponsorship and advertising opportunities now available. Held on May 16, 2026, this year’s event will celebrate both the remarkable history of the Races and Brandywine’s 45 years of partnership. Tickets will go on sale beginning March 3, 2026, with proceeds benefiting the Brandywine Conservancy. To date, the event has raised more than $5.5 million to date for the Conservancy’s open space and clean water initiatives. In addition to the jump races sanctioned by the National Steeplechase Association, special events throughout the day will include the annual Katherine W. Illoway Invitational Sidesaddle Race, pony races, a spectacular antique carriage parade, and the much-loved parade of foxhounds. Those interested in learning more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities can visit www.radnorhuntraces.org, or contact the Brandywine at [email protected] or 610.388.8104.
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 70,700 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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