After a year defined by COVID-19 and barely any events, local races such as the Willowdale Steeplechase in Unionville and Radnor Hunt Races in Malvern are returning, writes Eileen Smith Dallabrida for Main Line Today.
The only local race that took place last year was the Willowdale Steeplechase, but it moved from May to October. This year, however, the organizers are determined to hold their events in May, rain or shine.
Since the COVID-19 threat is still ongoing, fans can expect to see fenced-off areas and various other measures that are meant to ensure social distancing.
On May 8, fancy hats will be accompanied by masks and other face coverings during Willowdale. The organizers have implemented touch-free ticketing, along with a digital race-day program that can be accessed by a link on a mobile device.
“The challenges of the pandemic have forced us to think differently, move out of our comfort zone of business as usual, and completely retool,” said Leslie Carpenter, Willowdale’s race director.
The Radnor Hunt Races, six sanctioned steeplechase races to benefit the open space and clean water program of the Brandywine Conservancy, will take place on May 15 in front of fewer spectators than the usual 20,000-plus.
Read more about the upcoming races in Main Line Today.
