Back on track: Point-to-Point is on pace to be one of the first major events of 2021

Andre Lamar
Delaware News Journal

After getting shelved last year – and doused with a heavy rain the year prior, Winterthur Museum is poised to hit the ground running with its Point-to-Point steeplechase on May 30.

This annual horse race is on pace to be one of the first major Delaware events of the year. The Division of Public Health approved Winterthur’s COVID-19 plan, allowing up to 3,600 guests for the event next month.

This pandemic rendition of Point-to-Point will include pod seating for up to 10 tailgating-guests per tent, race director Jill Abbott told Delaware Online/The News Journal.

All attendees are required to bring masks and wear them wherever they can’t maintain a safe distance of 6 feet from others outside of their group/household.  

Point-to-Point will return to Winterthur on May 30.

Holders of lifetime rights have until April 15 to purchase their spaces. It costs $500 to become a lifetime holder.

The remaining spaces will be offered to the general public on April 16. A small number of exclusive tailgate tents are available for purchase by the general public. For more information, call (302) 888-4994 or contact point-to-point@winterthur.org.

This event has a rich tradition of taking place the first full weekend of May, but that won’t be the case this year because there was a concern DPH wouldn’t approve the plan for the event in time, said Abbott, who submitted the plan Jan. 4.

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Last week Gov. John Carney announced looser COVID-19 restrictions for outdoor venues statewide, increasing the capacity to 150 people, or higher with a plan approved by DPH.

Although 3,600 people is a stark contrast to 150, Point-to-Point used to attract around 16,000 to 18,000 guests before the pandemic, the race director said.

Folks found love and their first pony ride

This year marks Abbott’s 23rd year working Point-to-Point, an event that began in 1979. Over the last two decades, the race director has discovered multiple generations of families attend this racing event, which attracts some guests from as far away as the West Coast.

Heavy rain led to cancellations of the carriage parade and major horse races at Point-to-Point in 2019.

Creating memories with friends and family has a new meaning now because of the pandemic. And Point-to-Point is a venue that allows fresh memories to be made.

“Over my 23 years I can't tell you how many personal stories have been shared with me about someone meeting their significant other, buying their kids their first sundress and hat, having either kid take their first pony ride, and having multigenerational tailgates,” Abbott said.

Not to mention, a number of engagements and weddings have happened at Point-to-Point, too. “I mean, that's one of the beauties of this event,” Abbott said.

Point-to-Point this year will focus on the National Steeplechase Association-sanctioned racing action. Organizers hope to bring back traditions such as the carriage parade, classic car show, marketplace and stick races for children, as part of a full-scale Point-to-Point in 2022.

Workers depend on this race 'for their livelihoods'

This event is Winterthur’s largest single-day fundraiser. Proceeds support the preservation of the estate and gardens, plus Winterthur’s educational programs.

Posh fashion is a staple of Point-to-Point events.

Since the first event, Point-to-Point has grown from a small gathering of riders and picnickers into a high-stakes race that’s highly anticipated by thousands for the racing, the fashion and high-spirited fun.

This premier racing event in Delaware is second only to “another horse-powered event, which is NASCAR,” Abbott said.

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While Point-to-Point is on track to create new memories, it will also generate income for workers.

“Our horsemen depend on our race for their livelihoods,” Abbott said. “The horse racing industry, like many, was severely impacted by the pandemic. So this year, we're happy and pleased to be able to host this event.”

After COVID-19 canceled the event in 2020, racers will finally giddy up at Point-to-Point on May 30.

Winterthur, 5105 Kennett Pike; (302) 888-4994; winterthur.org.

Andre Lamar is the features/lifestyle reporter. If you have an interesting story idea, email Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com