A 30-minute documentary featuring the Carolina Cup—all its history, significance, and downright fun—has been released by Ride TV, a 24-hour, high-definition cable-television channel focused on the equestrian lifestyle.
The well-produced documentary with host Meg Drake takes viewers through the excitement of this year’s race day and provides comment and commentary on why the spring steeplechase event is important to its home, Camden, S.C., and to the world of jump racing. It has evolved into a “Southern tradition,” Carolina Cup CEO Nick Ellis said in an interview with Drake. Among those interviewed was National Steeplechase Association Chairman Beverly R. Steinman, who also is chairman of the Carolina Cup Racing Association. A long-time owner, she said the young people who turn out for the Carolina Cup and return year after year make the event so special.
Also among those interviewed were Racing Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard, NSA President Guy J. Torsilieri, Carolina Cup-winning owner Sue Sensor, and jockey Willie McCarthy, who won the 2014 Carolina Cup with Sensor’s Top Striker for trainer Arch Kingsley Jr.
Drake’s interview with Camden resident Kingsley—winner of the Carolina Cup twice as a trainer and twice as a jockey—evoked the essence of the sport and its participants. “Whether you are talking about the horse or the jockey, it takes an exceptional athlete to do this sport,” he said.The documentary focused on the 80-year history of the event with a visit to the National Steeplechase Museum at the edge of the Carolina Cup course and featured an interview with museum Executive Director Catherine French.
Ride TV, launched in 2014, is available on the Dish satellite network and several cable networks across the country and internationally. The documentary will be shown Wednesday, May 4, at 7:30 p.m. EDT and Friday, May 6, at 5:30 p.m. on DISH: 248 (AT250 and Heartland Package; Latino MAX Package); CenturyLink: 669; 1669 (Prism Sports Plus Package); Shentel: 370 (Fans Choice Package); Armstrong: 235; 489 (Extra Pack Package); and Windstream: 674; 1674 (Sports Tier Package).