Winterthur’s 47th Point-to-Point Is Back With Steeplechase Races & Tailgate Traditions

The 47th Annual Point-to-Point Races will return on Sunday, May 4, 2025. (Photo:winterthur.org)

WINTERTHUR — The 47th Annual Point-to-Point steeplechase event will return to Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library on May 4. The popular spring event brings steeplechase races, tailgating, antique carriages, and family-friendly activities to the grounds of Winterthur, a former du Pont estate.

Point-to-Point, which has been held annually since 1979, is known for its combination of exciting races and a chance for attendees to dress in their finest race-day attire.

“Point-to-Point is celebrated with our sponsors, attendees, athletes, vendors, local restaurants, and retail shops. It is a huge group effort, and I am always excited to see happy faces of all ages enjoying the many activities and highlights we offer,” said Jill Abbott, Race Director for Winterthur Point-to-Point.

This year’s event will feature the small and large pony races starting at noon, the Parade of River Hills Foxhounds, and the George A. “Frolic” Weymouth Parade of Antique Carriages. Steeplechase races will take place from 2-3 p.m., with prize purses of up to $20k. Horses will race on a challenging 3.25-mile course, jumping eight timber fences 17 times.

The event is also known for its fashion, with attendees wearing everything from jockey silks to stylish race-day attire. Prizes for the best outfits will be awarded, including two $250 gift cards from Wilmington Country Store and a hat or fascinator from Christine A. Moore Millinery.

Prizes for the best outfits will be awarded, including two $250 gift cards from Wilmington Country Store and a hat or fascinator from Christine A. Moore Millinery (Photo courtesy of David Dobson)

The event will also feature tons of food options, including tailgates, a Fiesta Tent taco bar, and the Winterthur Hunt Brunch Tent with food and drinks from Bluecoast Seafood Grill & Raw Bar. A silver tray award will be given for the best tailgate setup.

The Marketplace will feature equine and canine vendors, and guests can meet author Kareem Rosser, a former Winterthur pony race jockey, who will sign copies of his book “When You’re Ready.” Antique Rolls-Royce cars and Bentleys will be displayed alongside antique carriages, and there will be crafts, contests, and activities for children, including pony rides by Cloverleaf Stables and hayrides from Ramsey’s Farms.

“Whether it’s shopping in our Marketplace, watching our next-gen Pony Race jockeys, being awe-inspired by the majestic Antique Carriage Parade and classic Rolls-Royce automobiles, or the heart-pounding steeplechase races, the event is filled with incomparable excitement,” said Abbott.

Point-to-Point is Winterthur’s largest one-day fundraiser, with proceeds supporting the preservation of the Winterthur Garden, the estate’s nearly 1,000 acres of natural lands, and environmental stewardship programs.

“Point-to-Point is an opportunity for Winterthur to showcase equestrian and canine activities throughout the day while raising funds for the maintenance and preservation of our natural lands and streams where the event has been held for 47 years,” Abbott added.