Virginia Horse Racing History Montpelier Hunt Races Marion Dupont Scott Signed

  

Signed by the Author and Noted Horsewoman Marian DuPont Scott. One of the finest books I've ever offered. A luxuriously bound edition of the memoirs of.

Marion was best known as the long-time owner of Montpelier, the historic Virginia estate that was once the home of President James Madison and Dolley Madison. At Montpelier, Marion duPont Scott established one of America's great thoroughbred breeding and training operations and developed the estate into a premier center for steeplechase. Marion bred and campaigned numerous champion horses, most famously Battleship, the only horse to win both the American and English Grand National steeplechase races. In 1934, she founded the Montpelier Hunt Races, which remain a highlight on the Virginia social and equestrian calendar to this day.

She was also responsible for improving equine veterinary care and training, including the construction of state-of-the-art stables and equine hospitals at Montpelier. Very finely bound, large format (about 11" x 14"), leather binding, gilt lettering and page edges.

Slipcase, 1982, 220 gilt-edge pages. Limited edition of 500 copies of which this is number 62. Signed by Marian Dupont Scott on the title page.

Clean pages with no readily visible underlining or writing. Slipcase soiled as seen in photos. Please note: If ordering internationally please request a more accurate weight for your package. We will respond to you within 24 hours and do our best to help you out!

Additional details about this item. The Montpelier Hunt Races are a celebrated annual steeplechase event held at Montpelier, the historic Orange County, Virginia estate that was once home to President James Madison and First Lady Dolley Madison. First run in 1934, the Montpelier Hunt Races are held every autumn-typically on the first Saturday in November-making them one of the oldest and most storied steeplechase meets in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The event is renowned both for its thrilling equestrian competition and its picturesque setting amid the rolling, tree-studded hills of the Montpelier estate. Seven or more steeplechase races are held throughout the day, drawing top Thoroughbred horses, skilled jockeys, owners, and trainers from across the region. The races are sanctioned by the National Steeplechase Association and include a mix of timber and hurdle races, challenging participants with a series of jumps and turns over a grass course that traces part of the Madison family's former pastures. Attending the Montpelier Hunt Races is as much about tradition and Virginia pageantry as it is about the sport. Spectators-dressed in classic fall fashions, tweeds, and hats-enjoy elaborate tailgates that range from elegant picnics to festive family spreads along the rails. The event also features a variety of vendors, children's activities, jack russell terrier races, antique cars, and demonstrations, making it a favorite destination for families, horse-enthusiasts, and socialites alike. The Montpelier Hunt Races support both the preservation of historic Montpelier and local equestrian culture, blending vibrant sporting excitement with the ambiance of American history. Today, the races continue to uphold the region's foxhunting and steeplechase heritage, offering a unique and memorable experience that echoes the genteel sporting gatherings of centuries past. Battleship was a legendary American Thoroughbred steeplechase racehorse. Best known as the only horse in history to win both the American Grand National and the English Grand National-two of the world's most challenging and prestigious steeplechase races. Foaled in 1927, Battleship was a chestnut stallion bred and owned by the prominent horsewoman Marion duPont Scott at her Montpelier estate in Virginia.

He was the son of the famous racehorse Man o' War and out of the mare Quarantine. Though small for a steeplechaser at just over 15 hands, Battleship was courageous, agile, and had a powerful jumping ability.

Started as a flat racer, Battleship was later redirected to steeplechase, where he came into his own. He captured the American Grand National Steeplechase at Belmont Park in 1934. Against formidable odds and through a grueling course, Battleship's dramatic victory cemented his reputation as a racing legend and a testament to tenacity and heart. He lived out his days at Montpelier, and his legacy endures in the world of steeplechase racing as a symbol of determination, versatility, and the special bond between horse and rider.