For the sport of American steeplechasing, the loss of any race meeting, is a loss. Yesterday via their Facebook page, the Queen’s Cup announced that it was canceling their 2024 race meet.
Back in late July 2023, it was announced that Bill and Carrington Price, the founders of the Queen’s Cup, were retiring.
“It’s time to pass the baton to the next generation who will nurture the Queen’s Cup as we have done since our first race in 1995,” Bill Price said. “We’re confident Dream On 3 will carry on the Queen’s Cup tradition and the ‘Thrill of the Chase.’”
“We could not be more honored or excited to become a part of this historic event,” Dream On 3 co-founder Brandon Lindsey said. “Our roots run deep in Charlotte as this is where we were founded and where our first Dreams came true. We respect the deep history and prestige of the Queen’s Cup, and we cannot wait to honor what Bill and Carrington have created. Through this partnership with the Charlotte Steeplechase Foundation, we have been able to assemble a team that is committed to protecting this important piece of our community’s culture.”
The Charlotte Steeplechase Foundation’s mission statement is to ensure the financial stability of the annual race while supporting local nonprofits. The foundation has donated over $1 million to local charities since its beginning.
“While we will certainly miss Bill and Carrington’s leadership on the board, we are excited that they will now be able to experience the fullness of the event that they’ve created as loyal patrons,” said Brian McManus, chairman of the Charlotte Steeplechase Foundation’s board of directors. “Our commitment is to honor their vision by protecting this very important piece of our community’s culture. We believe that a partnership with Dream On 3 provides the perfect opportunity for both organizations to fulfill their shared mission of serving this community.”
HHH has reached out to Dream On 3 for comment on the cancellation of the 2024 race meet.
Here’s the announcement yesterday from the race meet’s board:
“Earlier this year, the Founders of the Queen’s Cup Steeplechase Races, produced by the non-profit Charlotte Steeplechase Foundation, announced plans to retire from their active roles both on the board of directors this past June as well as day-to-day operations of the Queen’s Cup immediately after the 2024 Race.
After the announcement, the Queen’s Cup Team consisting of the Charlotte Steeplechase Foundation (CSF) board and members of the non-profit Dream on 3 team came together with the shared goal of preserving this historic event and the Price Family’s legacy as founders of the Queens Cup.
After months of evaluation and planning, the very difficult decision was made by the Team and unanimously approved by the CSF Board, to cancel the 2024 race. There were many factors considered, however, ultimately the complex logistical challenges associated with producing the event coupled with continued cost increases became the primary reasons for the decision. Though the 2024 Race is canceled, the CSF Board will continue to evaluate the viability and future of the event.
After coming to this conclusion, co-founder Carrington Price said, “We are indebted to the Queen’s Cup team, volunteers, and all those who have worked tirelessly over the nearly three decades to help produce the Queen’s Cup and it is with heavy heart the announcement is being made. We are most appreciative of the loyal support from our sponsors, PSL holders, patrons, vendors, and board.” Price went on to say, “It has been a true honor to host Charlotte’s largest philanthropic outdoor cocktail party where the horses were invited, and in doing so, the Charlotte Steeplechase Foundation has been able to gift over one million dollars to local charities.”
Sponsorships, Corporate Hospitality tents, and tailgate purchases made after May 1, 2023, will be fully refunded. The Queen’s Cup office will be closed for the month of December but will be available to answer any questions starting January 3, 2024.”
