Thursday, May 7, 2026
By Leland Schwartz
Virginia’s race of the year — the 101st running of the Gold Cup – thrilled the thousands who came out to The Plains last Saturday to not only watch Keys Discount win the main timber race, but to throw one hell of party that stretched from one end of track to the other.
It was a bit chilly for the beginning of May, but the sun stayed the course and Gold Cup’s vibe was in full force.
Dr. Seuss would have loved the hats. No hats. No race.
“The crowd was by far the biggest we have had since the pre-Covid era and the racing with parimutuel wagering saw its biggest day ever! ,” Race Co-Chair Al Griffin said. “The synergy that has formed between Great Meadow and Gold Cup is paying great dividends for both organizations.”
Whoosh! There went Bogey’s Image, Track and Trace, Marcel Magic, Little Trilby, Pudding Lane, I’m A Rocket Man and Ten Bucks A Glass.
Mark your calendars, on October 25, the 86th running of the International Gold Cup will take place.
Photos by Leland Schwartz