WARRENTON, Va., Nov. 27, 2017 – The 80th running of the International Gold Cup at Great Meadow dazzled spectators yet again with a fantastic day of horses, terrier racing and shopping among the fall foliage. The Hat and Tailgate competitions, long-standing and highly contested traditions at the International Gold Cup, resulted in some beautiful displays of creativity and craftiness.
First Place in the Tailgate Competition went to Hopewell’s County Fair, organized by Leilani Mitchell and friends from Gainesville, Va. Featuring a kissing booth, gingham costumes and an assortment of food on a stick, the dedication to the theme was the deciding factor behind selecting them as the winner.
Second place went to the Paddock Pub, run by Nancy Novak and Vince Shearer of Alexandria, Va. Traditional English country food and drinks which were all homemade, proved to be a delicious addition to race day. The Freeman Group from Pittsburgh, Pa. took home third place with their theme, A Day at the Races. Festive fall offerings including an apple cider cocktail was a perfect tribute to the International Gold Cup.
The Hat Contest had many entries this year and after much deliberation, Kiki Litchford of Warrenton, Va. took home the prize for Most Glamorous, Heather Boyajian of Gainesville, Va. won Best Racing Theme, Vikki Shanabrook was Most Outrageous, Jeannie and Robie Monroe of Gainesville, Va. were selected as Best Couple and Best Child was a tie between Clifford Weeks IV of Haymarket, Va. and Violet Berrendt of Round Hill Va.
The Tailgate Contest was judged by Kristi King of WTOP, Lani Furbank of Thrillest and Tierney Plumb of EaterDC. They were joined by sponsor Chuck Ocheltree of the National Conference Center. The Hat Contest was judged by Eliza Berkon of Northern Virginia Magazine, Pam Kamphuis of Piedmont Virginian Magazine and Amanda Rhoades of DC Refined along with contest sponsor Tara Phillips with XS Telecom.
For additional information about the Hat and Tailgate Contests at the International Gold Cup, please visit to www.vagoldcup.com.
