This year’s event on April 24, 2010 promises to be no less impressive. From 9 a.m. until 6:30 p.m., the Kingston Downs track will come alive with contests, activities and talk-of-the-town parties.

But the premiere events are of course the horse races. As the sport of kings, horse racing has long been a tradition among royalty and high society. And while the Steeplechase is a must-attend social event for Atlanta society, it also is steeped in Southern tradition as well.

The action-packed day includes disc dog championships, dog races, pig races, hay rides, parade of hounds, pony rides, an air show, skydiving demonstrations, Ladies Hat Parade (and contest), activities for the kids and some infield shopping.

But there are some new additions to the Steeplechase this year as well. “We will have amateur races for the first time in history,” said Steeplechase spokeswoman, India Watson. The amateur races include a “Pony Pace” for 12 and unders, a “Junior Jockeys” race for ages 12-18 and the Foxhunter’s Relay.

So what can first time attendees expect? “A fabulous time out in the country with friends and family watching amazing horses,” said Watson.

The cost to attend Steeplechase ranges dramatically. Make yourself at home in the RV Village and get a view of the entire course for $350. Reserve a table for eight in the Chairman’s Tent (Presented by St. Regis and Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles) for $2,000. Or simply pay a general admission, which only costs $30.

All proceeds go to benefit the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine and the Starlight Children’s Foundation. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit the Atlanta Steeplechase Official Site.

Some of the 2010 Atlanta Steeplechase Sponsors include Georgia.com, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Belk, RBM of Atlanta, AT&T and RBC Wealth Management.

Georgia.com Staff Report

The Atlanta Falcons have a fantastic nucleus from top to bottom, Owner Arthur Blank and GM Thomas Dimitroff want to win a Superbowl and have been building this team the way it should be built. Mike Smith has ushered in a new coaching style that, after Jim Mora Jr and Benedict Arnold (sorry I meant Bobby Petrino), I must admit is a little refreshing…and tough. With an excellent group of skill players; Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Tony Gonzalez and Roddy White our offense is only going to get better and better. And if we get a couple offseason defensive pickups and can stay healthy, our defense should be much improved next season. One ESPN analyst, in a segment called “team most likely to reach the Superbowl next season that missed the playoffs this season” picked the Falcons.

The Hawks have made the playoffs the last two seasons, making it to the second round last season only to be dominated by Lebrone and company. They are second in the Eastern Conference so far this season and quietly picking up steam. While most still are talking about the Cavs, Celtics and Magic being the dominant teams in the East, the Hawks are right there…not getting much attention and I imagine that’s exactly how they like it…flying under the radar.

The Braves can never be counted out. They have a great pitching staff, good hitters and as this is Bobby Cox’s last season as manager, I can’t think of a better or more suitable storyline than the Braves capturing one last World Series for him. The emotion behind that storyline alone could potentially be enough to get them back to the playoffs and make a run.

The Thrashers, although they do have a winning record, have some work to do. They let go of their first ever draft pick this season, Ilya Kovalchuk and are now looking to build from here…I wouldn’t look for the Stanley Cup to be Atlanta’s next Championship but I have been wrong in the past..

And finally, Atlanta’s newest professional team, the Atlanta Dream! The Dream made the playoffs in their inaugural season as the second seed in the Eastern Conference before they were eliminated in two games by Detroit. But, with a season under their belt, look for the Dream to do better things in the 2010 season.