Apprentice: A relatively inexperienced jockey who is allowed weight deductions based on experience. Riders must be 16 years old to obtain a jockey license.
Claiming: Races where a horse may be purchased, or "claimed," by putting up a specified amount of money before the race.
Furlong: Standard measure of distance in racing. One furlong equals one-eighth of a mile.
Handicap: A race in which horses are assigned different amounts of weight to carry in order to even the odds. Ideally all horses reach the finish line together.
Maiden: A horse that has never won a race.
National Fence: A synthetic fence designed to minimize injuries to horses and riders. The fences at Charlotte are Nationals.
Novice: An inexperienced steeplechase horse. Many steeplechasers are retired from the flat racing track.
Paddock: Area where horses are saddled before a race.
Purse: Total money distributed in a race. Winner usually collects 60%, with shares paid to fifth place.
Stakes: A race open to any horse. Usually attracts the most talented horses.
Stewards: Presiding officials at race meets who have final say in all matters pertaining to a race.
Wings: Panels on either side of a fence that guide the horse to the fence.
The Queen’s Cup is a two-handled sterling silver cup, 14" high, valued at $20,000, first used as a steeplechase prize in 1905 for the Harbor Hill Handicap on New York tracks. It’s on permanent display at Donald Haack Diamonds.
Winners of the annual Queen’s Cup race receive a bronze statue by Dedi McHam, titled "Going Over the Last," commissioned by Donald and Janet Haack.
Steeplechasing is traditionally as much a social gathering as a sporting event. Plan on arriving a couple of hours before the first call to the post (1pm) to allow plenty of time for lunching, socializing and strolling the grounds. Take a walk along Founder’s Row near the Finish Line to see the tailgate spreads of the rich and famous.
Visit the Queen's Cup website for tailgating options.
