As it coincides with Easter this year, the Brandywine Hills Point-to-Point emphasizes its claim as a rite of spring for many local families and racing fans in Chester County. Always a great family day outing, on Sunday, April 5, the event will include not only games and entertainment for children and adults of all ages, but the Easter bunny will take on a whole new role!

While steeplechase races are popular throughout the region, Brandywine Hills, which will mark its 73rd running, has the distinction of being the oldest point-to-point in the Delaware Valley. The picturesque grounds of the Myrick Conservation Center on Route 842, located approximately six miles west of West Chester and three miles east of Unionville, provide a perfect setting. The grounds, which consist of 318-acres of rolling countryside, are ideally suited for the challenging three-mile course of timber fences that can be easily viewed by spectators. Plus, it affords plenty of room for parking, tailgating, and children’s games.

Due to the holiday, a slightly earlier start is planned. The gates will open at 10 a.m., with the first race slated to go off at 11:30 a.m. This will allow those with Easter dinner plans to get home early. Other racegoers plan to expand their tailgate party and have an early dinner right at the races. 

Young children, some not yet old enough for Kindergarten, kick off the racing action with leadline and pony races. Despite their youth, some already take racing very seriously, evidenced by the fact that many of today’s top race riders got their start in pony races.

Following are four timber races–novice, heavyweight, open and foxhunter –each run over a course of 17 solidly built jumps approximately three miles in length. Designed to challenge the teams of both equine and human athlete, the Brandywine Hills races are often the training grounds for horses that are planning to tackle the very imposing Maryland Hunt Cup in April or the Pennsylvania Hunt Cup in November.

Radnor Hunt will mark its seventh year as presenting sponsor of the races. In addition, they generously provide a reception in the pavilion adjacent to the finish line. Hickory House Catering offers lunch for purchase, or feel free to bring your own tailgate picnic.

Known for its family entertainment, the event will once again include a full array of children’s activities including stick pony races, facepainting, an Indian Lore tent, and pennies in the hay. Plus, an Easter egg hunt and several Easter-themed crafts will be included this year.

A raffle with incredible prizes has become a very popular part of the Brandywine Hills Point-toPoint. Tickets are just $10 and winners need not be present to win. Winners are drawn throughout the day for prizes ranging from vacations to original artwork to dining gift certificates. The tickets are just $10 each and winners need not be present.

Admission is by the carload, ranging from just $20 to $150 for premium spots. Sponsorships are available starting at just $300. See www.brandywinewatershed.org or call 610-793-1090 for more information or to purchase parking passes and/or raffle tickets in advance. 

Proceeds from the annual Brandywine Valley Point-to-Point races go to the Brandywine Valley Association (BVA) to help them fulfill their mission of promoting and preserving the natural resources of the Brandywine Valley. Over the past decade, the popular race day has raised over $200,000 for the BVA and its programs.

For more than 60 years, the BVA has pioneered innovative programs to improve and protect the water in the Brandywine Valley. Your leader in local watershed conservation and education,BVA reaches over 12,000 school students per year and offers programs for all ages to promote the restoration, preservation, conservation and enjoyment of our region’s natural resources.