Countdown begins for 71^st annual Tryon Block House Races

Enjoy a weekend getaway at Tryon Resort for the Tryon Block House Races.

Mill Spring, N.C. – April 6, 2017 – Experience a steeplechase weekend getaway at Tryon Resort on Friday, April 14 through Sunday, April 16, 2017 as part of the 71^st annual running of the Tryon Block House Races – the historic steeplechase of Tryon Riding & Hunt Club. Turn the traditional full-day racing event into a three-day celebration over Easter weekend. Begin with the Steeplechase Pre-Race Kickoff Party on Friday, April 14, followed by the Tryon Block House Races on Saturday, April 15, and end with a special Easter brunch, egg hunt and $25,000 grand prix competition on Sunday, April 16.

Here is a breakdown of the weekend’s activities:

Pre-Race Kickoff Event – Friday, April 14, 2017

Kickoff the 71^st annual running of the Tryon Block House Races with a celebration at Tryon Resort’s Legends Club. Held on the Legends Club porch with scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the evening includes buffet dinner, live music and dancing, cash bar, Tryon Riding & Hunt Club’s annual auction, special guest speakers, and Art of the Horse auction kickoff. The event is from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Tickets are $50 and available by clicking here.

71^st Annual Tryon Block House Races – Saturday, April 15, 2017

For decades, this action-packed, equestrian competition has drawn thousands of spectators to the largest tailgate party in Polk County, N.C. Now under the management of the Tryon International Equestrian Center at Tryon Resort, the races are being held at a new, A-rated course in Columbus, N.C., just minutes from the Resort. In addition to the first-class venue, jockeys will be vying for a bigger purse set at $150,000. Attendees can still expect their favorite contests to launch the day including the hat contest, tailgate contest, and “Go to Hell Pants” contest. For tailgate parking passes or tickets to the VIP Legends Hospitality Tent, visit www.blockhouseraces.com.

Easter Brunch, Egg Hunt and $25,000 Grand Prix – Sunday, April 16, 2017

Tryon Resort’s Easter celebration begins with a signature brunch at Legends Club from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Attendees can dine ringside while watching the $25,000 grand prix competition, which begins at 12:30 p.m. Then, at 2 p.m. children are invited to hunt for eggs scattered around the exterior of the restaurants and Legends Club area in front of the carousel. The egg hunt is self-guided, so adults are asked to accompany their children as they hunt for eggs. Brunch reservations are recommended, but not required, and can be made by calling 828-863-1130.

Plan A Tryon Resort Getaway

Tryon Resort offers a variety lodging options to accommodate any size group including one-bedroom “Tiny House” cottages, a 50-room inn, three and five-bedroom riverside cabins and more than 100 RV spaces with full hook-ups. For the steeplechase on Saturday, Tryon Resort lodging guests will be given a complimentary parking pass. For lodging reservations, visit www.tryon.com.

More Info:

For more information on the 2017 Tryon Block House Races, visit www.tryon.com.

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Media Inquiries: Michelle McConnell Yelton, myelton@tryon.com or 828-286-9977.

About the Tryon Riding and Hunt Club – Formed in 1925, the Tryon Riding and Hunt Club seeks to enhance and preserve the traditions of the Tryon area by conducting equestrian and philanthropic programs that benefit the entire community. Learn more at www.trhc1925.org.

About the Tryon International Equestrian Center - Tryon International Equestrian Center at Tryon Resort is one of the world’s premier equestrian lifestyle and competition destinations. Open in 2014, the venue provides outstanding facilities for hunter/jumper, dressage, and eventing competitions and soon will accommodate all eight equestrian disciplines. Tryon International Equestrian Center is a spring, summer and fall haven for eastern and northeastern American equestrian competitors and enthusiasts, and a year-round destination for connoisseurs of diverse cuisine, lodging getaways and family entertainment. Learn more at www.tryon.com.