The 2 3/8-mile course at Callaway

has been cited as one of the most beautiful in the United States. The

200-acre site is cradled by hardwoods and statuesque Georgia pines with

rolling hills overlooking the Pine Mountain Ridge. The plush turf and

fully irrigated oval track is a challenge to horses and their mounts.

In addition to the $100,000

AFLAC U.S. Championship Supreme Hurdle, additional races include the W.

C. Bradley Maiden Timber; Columbus Bank and Trust Foxhunter's Chase;

The Crown Royal George Sloan Amateur Hurdle; and The SunTrust Maiden Hurdle

Race. There also will be the Maxine Strupe Perpetual Pony race sponsored

Foxhounds' Flat race.

Watching beautiful thoroughbreds

race is only one part of this family day in the Autumn countryside. �On

race day the Infield is packed with entertainment from Jack Russell terrier

races to the annual "Taste of the Chase" celebration featuring

a variety of succulent Southern foods. There will be a blacksmith demonstration;

the Atholl Highlanders pipes and drums performances; a rock climbing wall;

face painting; pony rides and more.

Not only is the Steeplechase

a fun-filled day for the entire family, but it also benefits several arts

organizations. Since 1985 the event has distributed more than $1.7 million

to these worthwhile groups: �the Columbus Museum; Columbus Symphony Orchestra;

Historic Columbus Foundation, Inc.; Ida Cason Callaway Foundation; The

Springer Opera House; the Lamar Dodd Art Center; Chattahoochee Valley

Art Museum; and the Auburn Veterinary Sports Medicine program.

Infield tickets are $20 per

person. An Infield parking pass is available for $20.

A variety of ticket packages

are also available. The Reserved Rail spaces for $200 per vehicle include

six Infield tickets and a premier reserved spot right next to the track

for a great view. Boxes, located on the outside of the track, seat six

for $250, $425 or $500. A new package option for 2003 is the Family Tent

Area that includes 10 tickets for $750. Children under six are admitted

to the Infield, Reserved Rail and Family Tent Area at no charge.

Gates open at 10 a.m. and post

time is noon.

For information about the Steeplechase

at Callaway, please call 706-324-6252 or visit www.steeplechaseatcallaway.org.

Tickets will be available at the gate on Nelson Road off Hwy. 18.

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