Jockeys and their mounts surge down the field as they complete the opening lap of the signature race during the 91st running of the Carolina Cup. Stephen Mulqueen atop Swore, second from left, won by nearly seven lengths. Photo by Delany Kral/Carolina Reporter

Thundering hooves and flowery hats mark this South Carolina rite of spring as more than 30,000 spectators gathered to cheer on their favorite steeds at the 91st running of the Carolina Cup in Camden. Tailgating, children’s games and a hat competition are among the day’s activities. The historic event includes five steeplechase races and a flat race with a total purse of $170,000. The Carolina Cup Racing Association donates proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorships to the Health Services District of Kershaw County to help local residents with medical costs. 

 

Trainer Kate Dalton and her husband jockey Bernie Dalton enjoy a moment together before a big day of racing. Photo by Lacey Chapman

A riderless horse jumps a hurdle at the Carolina Cup steeplechase.

Brianne Slater and Melanie Bowman wash a horse during early morning race day preparations. Photo by Jasmine Cross/Carolina Reporter

A riderless horse jumps a hurdle at the Carolina Cup steeplechase.

The sun has not yet risen as Kate Dalton busily tends to the horses the morning of the Carolina Cup. Photo by CJ Rosenberger/Carolina Reporter

 

A horse gallops to the finish line with all four legs midair. He is ridden by a jockey dressed in purple and yellow striped silks.

Jockey Tom Foley rides horse Merry Maker to a first place finish in the Camden Plate Training Flat during the Carolina Cup Races. Photo by Delany Kral

A jockey stands on a scale as he weighs in after a race.

Jockey Ben Mulligan weighs in with the racing secretary and clerk of sales, Bill Gallo, before the Kirkover-Woodward Cup. Jockeys weigh in before and after a steeplechase race to verify that each horse carries its assigned weight. Riders who weigh less than the required amount carry additional lead weights in their saddle equipment, and post-race weigh-ins ensure that no weight was lost during competition. Photo by CJ Rosenberger

Spectators dressed in festive hats cheer on their favorite horses in the Carolina Cup.

Frank James, left, Nicholas James, 9, Jade Menkes, Joelma James, and Christian James, 7, react from the grandstand during  2026 Carolina Cup. Photo by Talia Kohan

A hood ornament in the shape of a jockey on a horse jumping a hurdle adorns a truck by the stables

A horse and rider hood ornament adorns a  truck parked near the stables in the early hours of race day. Photo by Jasmine Cross

A riderless horse jumps over a hurdle
A little boy in a green checkered shirt and cowboy hat points.
Two horses run neck to neck around a curve as they race at the Carolina Cup
A couple has a picnic in a VW van. They have the middle door open and are sharing food as they look at the camera.
Three children on inflatable horses laugh as they bounce.
A horse stands in front of a white stable with green doors and window frames. the horse is being washed in the early morning light.
A worn sign lists stewards, announcer, scales, paddock and racing judge.

See more scenes from the 91st Carolina Cup in the photo gallery above by Jasmine Cross, Lacey Chapman, Delany Kral, Talia Kohan and CJ Rosenberger.

Videographer Julia Spies tells the story of long-time racing partners Kate and Bernie Dalton,  a trainer and jockey duo in Camden.