The American Grand National, run at Far Hills, N.J., began in 1899. The National Hunt Cup in Radnor Pa. dates to 1909. The above-mentioned men could never have guessed at the future of their sport. Gradually, the focus shifted to major tracks like New York s Belmont and Aqueduct, and New Jersey's Monmouth Park. That trend reversed itself in the 1970s and 1980s as race meetings run for charity expanded to the present 40-meet schedule.
Major track racing now acts as a summer treat for steeplechase fans.
Racing occurs March through November and attracted an estimated one million fans last year. In celebration of its centennial in 1995, steeplechasing refocused its attention on the future. Visions seminars attracted the sport s major players in an effort to gather information. A centennial fund drive and the creation of the National Steeplechase Foundation are designed to solidify the sport s next 100 years. August 15, 1972.