The Queen’s Cup is like no other sporting and social event in the Charlotte region. The last Saturday in April in the Piedmont countryside each spring is greeted with great anticipation. Thousands come to see some of the most athletic thoroughbreds compete at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. The jockeys, dressed in bright colored silks, push their sleek steeds to clear four and a half foot jumps over a two and a quarter to as much as three miles of rolling turf course. The prestige of $200,000 in purse money to the winning owners and the opportunity to bask in the glory of the winner’s circle is what it’s all about from the horse’s connections. The Queen’s Cup offers breathtaking views of the entire racecourse from the The Queen’s Cup Steeplechase Races is managed and organized by the federally recognized 501c3 nonprofit organization the Charlotte Steeplechase Foundation, Inc. The Foundation produces and manages an annual world-class social and professional sporting venue promoting the sport and spirit of thoroughbred jump racing throughout the Carolinas. The Foundation is made up of a diverse board of directors responsible for supporting and promoting the annual event along with assuming a fiduciary responsibility to the public foundation. The Foundation’s mission is to ensure the financial stability of the annual race meet while supporting local non-profit organizations by way of contributions from which it partners. Since the venue’s spring inception in 1996, the Foundation has raised over $950,000.00 for its partner charities. Net proceeds from the annual race also ensure that the land and grounds, placed in a permanent land conservation easement, continue to be maintained and improved upon for future events. Through its year-round work and the annual production of the Queen’s Cup, the Foundation also relies heavily on generous contributions and donations from individuals and corporations who recognize the importance of maintaining the event in perpetuity.