The National Steeplechase Museum

VISIT THE MUSEUM

The National Steeplechase Museum

VISIT THE MUSEUM

Hours & Admission

Tuesday – Saturday | 10 A.M. to 4 P.M.

Other times by appointment or chance

Schedule a tour and watch the early morning workouts from the back terrace of the Museum.
Other times by appointment or chance – 803·432.0801

The National Steeplechase Museum does not charge admission, but donations are always appreciated.
If you like what we do and want to support us, consider supporting our Annual Appeal.

Location

Easy access from I-20 | Exits 92 or 98
Turn left off North Broad Street or right off Springdale Drive

200 Knights Hill Road
Camden, SC 29020

Hours & Admission

September 1 – May 31

Wednesday – Saturday | 10 A.M. to 4 P.M.

June 1 – August 31

Thursday – Saturday | 10 A.M. to 3 P.M.

Location

Easy access from I-20 | Exits 92 or 98
Turn left off North Broad Street or right off Springdale Drive

200 Knights Hill Road
Camden, SC 29020

Thoroughbred Racehorse Experience Tour

Admission: $20 per person
By appointment only

The Thoroughbred Racehorse experience is a special tour offered during fall, winter, and spring mornings as trainers and horses are available. Museum staff will accompany you on a visit to the training track to watch horses perform their morning workouts and on a visit to the barns to get a peek behind-the-scenes here at Springdale Racecourse. You may even get a chance to chat with some of the trainers and riders here at the track! The tour concludes with a guided tour of the National Steeplechase Museum.

For safety reasons, guests are required to sign a waiver before beginning the tour and no guests under the age of thirteen (13) are permitted. For more information, please contact the office at 803·432·0801.

Schedule a Tour >

Thoroughbred Racehorse Experience Tour

Admission: $20 per person
By appointment only

Schedule a Tour >

Frequently Asked Questions

What is steeplechasing?

Steeplechasing is a form of horse racing that is run at distances between two and four miles where horses are also required to jump over fences placed along the course. In the past these fences would often be natural brush and timber fences. Today, most races use the plastic “National Fence” introduced in 1973, while a handful of races still use timber fences. Hurdle races, those that use the National Fence, occur at distances between two and three miles. Timber races at run at distances between three and four miles.
What kind of horses compete in steeplechasing?

All steeplechase horses are thoroughbreds. In order to compete in a steeplechase, a horse’s owners must submit the horses paperwork from The Jockey Club proving their thoroughbred bloodline. They are frequently older horses who have completed a career racing on the flat and have transitioned to racing over jumps. Horses can begin racing in steeplechases at the age of four, and many continue to race until they are teenagers before they retire. After they retire many ‘chasers go on to have fun careers serving as fox hunters, show-jumpers, dressage horses, and more.
Who are steeplechase jockeys?

Steeplechase jockeys come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Most all of them got their start riding in pony races and fox hunting as children, or working with horses. They often start out galloping and exercising horses for trainers before making the transition to jockey. Contrary to popular belief, most steeplechase jockeys are not exceptionally small people. Because steeplechase weights are higher than flat weights, it allows for bigger jockeys. Men and women can be jockeys, and both sexes compete in the same races on an even playing field.
Where are steeplechase races held?

Steeplechase races are most commonly held on the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. Although they have historically been held as far West as California. In the 20th century major tracks like Saratoga, Belmont Park, Pimlico, Aqueduct, and others frequently carded jump races. Today, steeplechasing has largely returned to its roots of smaller meets in rural environments. These meets can be found in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.
Where did steeplechasing come from?

Steeplechasing has its origins in the sport of foxhunting. The first recorded steeplechase occurred in County Cork Ireland in 1752 between two Irish hunters. The match race occurred over four miles of the Irish countryside, with the two racers jumping any obstacles they came across. The finish line was the most prominent feature in the countryside: a nearby church steeple. Thus giving birth to the name steeplechase. The sport quickly spread to Britain and then to mainland Europe before coming to the Americas.

When was the museum founded?

The National Steeplechase Museum was founded in 1998 under the direction of the Carolina Cup Racing Association and continues to work closely with CCRA. The museum was originally opened as The Carolina Cup Racing Museum, but when people started donating items for the museum’s collections, they donated things from all race meets, not just the Carolina Cup. After about a year the museum changed names to The National Steeplechase Museum and has operated in this capacity ever since.
Will we see horses at the museum?

The National Steeplechase Museum is located on Springdale Race Course, home of the Carolina Cup Races and Springdale Training Center. While the Training Center is most active in the Fall, Spring, and Winter, it is possible to see horses exercising on just about any morning of the year. Guests are welcome to watch these magnificent animals in training from the viewing stand across the street or from the back patio of the museum. We ask that you keep a respectful distance and not interfere with training operations. If you would like a chance to get closer look at the horses, consider our Thoroughbred Racehorse Experience.
How many races are held at Springdale Race Course each year?

Springdale Race Course is currently home to two different races throughout the year. The Carolina Cup, in the Spring and The Colonial Cup in the Fall. The Carolina Cup Races are always held in late March or Early April. During which six races are typically held. And the Colonial Cup is held in Early to Mid November. Please visit carolinacup.org for more information.
Is there an admission fee to view the museum?
Can I rent the museum for a private event?

The National Steeplechase Museum

Location
200 Knights Hill Road
Camden, SC 29020

General Information
803-432-0801
steeplechasemuseum@gmail.com

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