New Kent Charles City Chronicle

News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | April 25, 2024

Second annual Dogwood Classic Races

By Alan Chamberlain | April 16, 2014 5:44 pm

Horses and riders clear one of the fences in the first steeplechase race at Saturday's second annual Dogwood Classic hosted by Colonial Downs in New Kent County.

Alan Chamberlain photos

Spectators line the rail, cheering for their favorite mount.

Spectators line the rail, cheering for their favorite mount.

Horses and riders gallop around the final turn and into the home stretch as spectators look on.

Horses and riders gallop around the final turn and into the home stretch as spectators look on.

And not all spectators were of the adult variety. Youngsters also got to view the races and cheer, whether they had a favorite or not.

And not all spectators were of the adult variety. Youngsters also got to view the races and cheer, whether they had a favorite or not.

A few spectators took advantage of opportunities to view the horses up close.

A few spectators took advantage of opportunities to view the horses up close.

And while meeting the horses may not have been everybody's choice, there were other ways to enjoy the event and the gorgeous springtime weather.

And while meeting the horses may not have been
everybody’s choice, there were other ways to enjoy the event and the gorgeous springtime weather.

Tailgating setups along the track, some more elaborate than others, often conformed to this year's Dogwood Classic theme that embraced James Bond and Casino Royale.

Tailgating setups along the track, some more elaborate than others, often conformed to this year’s Dogwood Classic theme that embraced James Bond and Casino Royale.