Although Aiken is a town that embraces
many forms of sporting events throughout
the year, March is all about horses. There
is an Aiken Triple Crown: the Trials (flat
races), Spring Steeplechase, and Pacers
and Polo (polo match), all on consecu-
tive weekends starting on March 16. The
month also plays host to a Grand Prix
eventing weekend at Bruce's Field, har-
ness races at McGhees' Mile, and a myriad
of weekend horse shows.
Of all the equine events Aiken offers,
the Trials is one of the oldest…but not the
oldest. That title belongs to polo: the first
polo game was played in Aiken in 1882.
For fans of racing, the Aiken Trials is the
opportunity for an afternoon at the track,
cheering on horses that will soon head
off to Kentucky and New York. Trainers
look at the Trials as an education for their
charges: the 2-year-olds will see a crowd
along the rail, whooping and hollering,
while the older runners get a refresher
course. Local exercise riders are the stars
of the day, outfitted in colorful silks and
polished boots, a far cry from the early
morning attire of jeans and sweatshirts.
In the week leading up to the Trials
(held this year March 16), there are several
events to whet the appetite for all things
Thoroughbred.
