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The Virginia Gold Cup Races - 76th Running

In 1985, the race was moved to its current home at Great Meadow Events Center in The Plains, Virginia. The course at Great Meadow combines the finest features of fabled racecourses in America and Europe with the latest advances in soil technology, water drainage and sound systems to make it one of the most modern and formidable in the world. In 1993, a new trophy, last awarded in 1903 at the famed Grand National in Aintree, England, was put into competition requiring five wins for retirement. Local hero, Saluter, made quick work of retiring the trophy, when he won the Virginia Gold Cup five consecutive times! Saluter has proven to be the finest horse to ever run in the Virginia Gold Cup, with an unprecedented 6th win in 1999.