There are some traditions that simply belong to a place. In Camden, the Carolina Cup Steeplechase is one of them.
On Saturday, March 28, 2026, thousands of spectators will gather once again at the historic Springdale Racecourse for the 91st running of the Carolina Cup presented by MUSC Health — a day filled with horse racing, tailgating, fashion, and community tradition.
According to Toby Edwards, Executive Director of the Carolina Cup Racing Association, the event is woven deeply into the fabric of Camden life.
“Ninety-one years speaks for itself, doesn’t it?” Edwards said. “We’ve missed only a couple of years during World War II and the COVID year. Families have been coming for generations.”
A Reunion of Spring and Community
For many, the Carolina Cup is more than just a horse race. It’s a homecoming.
Edwards describes it as a “southern rite of spring,” the day when people finally shake off winter, dress up in bright colors and big hats, and gather with friends and family for a day outdoors.
“It brings a lot of former Camden residents back,” Edwards said. “People who grew up here come back for the races almost like monarch butterflies returning home. It becomes a reunion of sorts.”
And it’s a big one. Race officials expect more than 25,000 ticketed spectators, with thousands more involved as volunteers, staff, trainers, and jockeys—making the Carolina Cup the largest event in Kershaw County each year.
A Stepping Stone in Steeplechase Racing
While the social scene around the racecourse is legendary, the races themselves are serious competition.
The Carolina Cup is known as a novice steeplechase race, which means the horses competing have already won their first race but are still early in their careers.
“These are horses that are developing,” Edwards explained. “The Carolina Cup is a proving ground. In a year or two, you might see the same horses competing in the Colonial Cup, which is the pinnacle of steeplechase racing in the United States.”
With six races scheduled and more than $200,000 in prize money, racing fans can expect exciting competition from stables across the country.
Local fans will have hometown favorites to cheer for as well.
Camden trainer Kate Dalton, whose horses have won the Carolina Cup the past two years with jockey Bernie Dalton, returns again this year. Another trainer to watch is longtime Camden horseman Arch Kingsley, who has enjoyed plenty of success on the Springdale course.
A Perfect First-Time Experience
For those who have never attended the Carolina Cup, Edwards says the event offers something for everyone.
Families can visit the TruVista Fiber Kids Zone, where activities are free and children 12 and under are admitted free to the races.
Visitors can explore the Paddock Shoppes behind the grandstand, featuring vendors and the official Carolina Cup merchandise tent.
And of course, there are the beloved traditions:
• The tailgate competition
• The hat contest
• The best-dressed contest
• The paddock where you can watch horses and jockeys parade before each race.
“Even if you’re not a racing expert, it’s fun to watch the horses up close before the race and pick your favorite,” Edwards said.
One of the Best Seats on the Racecourse
For those looking to elevate their race-day experience, Edwards recommends one of the hospitality tents—especially the Post & Paddock Tent.
Located beside the paddock where horses parade before each race, the Post & Paddock Tent offers a front-row view of the action behind the scenes.
“It’s a little more casual than the Turf Club,” Edwards explained, “but it’s right there where the horses and jockeys prepare before heading onto the racecourse.”
Luncheon tent guests enjoy a catered lunch by Capital City Catering, a full bar, and a lively social atmosphere.
“It’s a great way to experience the races,” Edwards said.
A Community Event With a Big Impact
Beyond the fun and tradition, the Carolina Cup also plays an important role in supporting the local community.
As a charitable organization, the Carolina Cup Racing Association has raised millions of dollars for local causes, with its primary beneficiary being the Health Services District of Kershaw County.
“A portion of every ticket and sponsorship goes toward helping people in our community who are struggling with healthcare costs or other needs,” Edwards said.
Local organizations also participate directly in the event. The Junior Welfare League of Camden and the Bulldog Club help with programs, vendors, and race-day operations—continuing partnerships that date back decades.
“To me, it’s an event for the community run by the community,” Edwards said. “There are hundreds of people working behind the scenes—from volunteers to law enforcement—to make sure everyone has a safe and fun day.”
New in 2026 – CUP FEST!
For the first time, the City of Camden will host CUP FEST, a lively street festival on Friday, March 27 along Broad Street between Highway 1 and York Street, designed to kick off a full weekend of Carolina Cup festivities.
According to Kat Spadacenta, Community Development Coordinator for the City of Camden, the goal is to welcome visitors arriving early for the races and encourage them to experience Camden’s historic downtown.
The festival begins at noon and features two stages of live music, street vendors, a classic car cruise-in, family activities, and plenty of opportunities to shop and dine locally. The event’s headliner is legendary Atlanta-based funk rock band Mother’s Finest, taking the Main Stage at 6 p.m., promising a high-energy start to Carolina Cup weekend.
Planning Your Day at the Races
Gates open at 9 a.m., with the TruVista Fiber Kids Zone opening at 10 a.m. and the first of six races at 1:30pm.
Tickets are available online at carolinacup.org, by calling 803-432-6513, or in person at the Carolina Cup office at Springdale Racecourse. Tickets will also be available at the gate.
Parking is $10 at the gate, and guests are encouraged to purchase tickets ahead of time online to make entry quicker. Cash is preferred but cards are also accepted.
But Edwards has one final piece of advice for racegoers:
“Come early, bring your friends and family, and enjoy the day,” he said. “There’s an awful lot going on before the first race even starts.”
After 91 years, one thing is certain—spring in Camden wouldn’t feel quite the same without a day at the races.
