Foxfield Races: Branding, Tourism, and Community Benefit

On Sunday, October 5, the Foxfield Fall Races return to Charlottesville, Virginia. To learn more about the meet and its community impact, Standout Arts spoke with Dr. Reynolds Cowles, Board Chairman of Foxfield Racing LLC, about his role, Foxfield’s commitment to safety, and what racegoers can expect.

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Dr. Cowles has been part of Foxfield from the beginning. He worked with founder, Mariann de Tejeda, on the inaugural 1978 race meet and has remained involved ever since. A retired renowned equine veterinarian, he is focused on stewarding premier steeplechase events while strengthening ties with the community. Safety for riders, horses, and spectators is central to that mission. “One of our emphases here at Foxfield, and one of the strong emphases for the whole circuit, is safety for our horses and riders and for our spectators,” he said.

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Foxfield is sanctioned by the National Steeplechase Association (NSA), the governing body for the sport in the United States. As one of 26 meets that run primarily along the East Coast, Foxfield hosts two race days each year, one in spring and one in fall. “Twice per year gives an opportunity to engage more with our community,” Dr. Cowles noted.

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Spectator safety

When the current board took over in 2020, improving spectator safety was a priority. Spring race days had grown into large student gatherings where alcohol consumption was a concern. “We revamped our whole program here,” Dr. Cowles explained, adding that the changes have been effective and have informed practices at other meets. Foxfield coordinates closely with Albemarle County Police, Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Authority (ABC), and distribution partners to manage alcohol consumption and maintain a safe, welcoming environment for all guests.

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Horse and rider safety

Foxfield’s course is known for its rolling terrain and fences, which demand careful turf management. Firm ground in the fall can raise injury risk, so Foxfield installed an irrigation system to stabilize footing and protect the horses. The NSA’s turf-safety program supports this work through measurement and data tracking to reduce injuries over time. “We measure the turf. We record those findings and keep a lot of data because you don’t know what you don’t know until you measure it,” Dr. Cowles said.

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Veterinary oversight is also integral. Foxfield conducts thorough pre-race examinations to ensure each horse is fit to compete. “As a retired equine veterinarian, that is a very important facet to me,” he said. Horses with potential issues are scratched to prevent avoidable injuries. These procedures, combined with NSA steward supervision, reinforce a strong safety culture.

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A personal connection

Dr. Cowles began practicing in the Charlottesville area in 1967. Early in his career, he treated a steeplechase prospect with multiple challenges, tried innovative surgeries, and “got the bug for steeplechase racing” in 1970. He and his wife later owned steeplechase horses, and he has worked at Foxfield since the first meet. His decades-long involvement reflects Foxfield’s roots in horsemanship and its ongoing evolution as a community event.

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Plan your visit

Foxfield’s Fall Races on October 5, 2025, will offer a full card of steeplechase competition, family-friendly activities, and opportunities to connect with regional conservation and community initiatives. For ticketing, schedules, and sponsorships, visit foxfieldraces.org.