CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The 2024 Queen's Cup Steeplechase Races have officially been canceled.
In a statement shared on its website Friday evening, the Queen's Cup Team shared that the decision to cancel came after months of planning and evaluation. However, the team said cost increases and logistical challenges led them to make the call to cancel.
The team, which includes members of the Charlotte Steeplechase Foundation board and members of the Dream on 3 nonprofit organization, said it will still look at whether the race can be held in the future and how viable it is.
“We are indebted to the Queen’s Cup team, volunteers, and all those who have worked tirelessly over the nearly three decades to help produce the Queen’s Cup and it is with heavy heart the announcement is being made. We are most appreciative of the loyal support from our sponsors, PSL holders, patrons, vendors, and board," said race co-founder Carrington Price. “It has been a true honor to host Charlotte’s largest philanthropic outdoor cocktail party where the horses were invited, and in doing so, the Charlotte Steeplechase Foundation has been able to gift over one-million dollars to local charities.”
The team said sponsorships, corporate hospitality tents, and tailgate purchases made after May 1, 2023, would be fully refunded. The Queen's Cup office is closed for December but will reopen on January 3, 2024.
The Queen's Cup Steeplechase has been a North Carolina staple for 26 years, taking place in Mineral Springs. While the COVID-19 pandemic held up the race recently, the race came back in 2022 for its 25th anniversary. The cup raises funds for local and regional charities, donating more than $1 million since 1996.
Earlier in 2023, race founders Bill and Carrington Price stepped down to retire and pass on the event to Dream on 3. The nonprofit organizes sports-oriented experiences for children and young adults with life-altering conditions.
The full statement from the Queen's Cup follows:
Earlier this year, Founders of the Queen’s Cup Steeplechase Races, produced by the non-profit Charlotte Steeplechase Foundation, announced plans to retire from their active roles both on the board of directors this past June as well as day-to-day operations of the Queen’s Cup immediately after the 2024 Race.
After the announcement, the Queen’s Cup Team consisting of the Charlotte Steeplechase Foundation (CSF) board and members of the non-profit Dream on 3 team came together with the shared goal of preserving this historic event and the Price Family’s legacy as founders of the Queens Cup. After months of evaluation and planning, the very difficult decision was made by the Team and unanimously approved by the CSF Board, to cancel the 2024 race. There were many factors considered, however ultimately the complex logistical challenges associated with producing the event coupled with continued cost increases became the primary reasons for the decision. Though the 2024 Race is cancelled, the CSF Board will continue to evaluate the viability and future of the event.
After coming to this conclusion, co-founder Carrington Price said, “We are indebted to the Queen’s Cup team, volunteers and all those who have worked tirelessly over the nearly three decades to help produce the Queen’s Cup and it is with heavy heart the announcement is being made. We are most appreciative of the loyal support from our sponsors, PSL holders, patrons, vendors and board”. Price went on to say, “It has been a true honor to host Charlotte’s largest philanthropic outdoor cocktail party where the horses were invited, and in doing so, the Charlotte Steeplechase Foundation has been able to gift over one-million dollars to local charities.”
Sponsorships, Corporate Hospitality tents and tailgate purchases made after May 1, 2023, will be fully refunded. The Queen’s Cup office will be closed for the month of December but will be available to answer any questions starting January 3, 2024.