THE TRIALS
The Aiken Trials are one of Aiken's most cherished equestrian traditions. Celebrating its 68th running this year, the Trials are a day of baby races for untried race horses that have trained in Aiken over the winter.

There are no purses at the Trials and there is no betting. The races are, however, a great way to introduce young horses to the idea of breaking from the gate and racing in front of a crowd. Many horses that got their first taste of racing at the Trials have gone on to greater things. Not all great horses win their race, however. The champion Summer Squall, who was undefeated as a 2-year-old and then won the Preakness Stakes when he was 3, finished third in his race at the Trials.

The winner will receive a beautiful silver trophy and recognition in The Aiken Horse. The Aiken Training Track has agreed to let riders school their horses on the track on a day to be determined before the trials.

Riders will dress as if for a polo match, and horses will be presented in polo gear.

This is the second time that a polo pony race has been included in the Trials. Last year's winner, Eli Yale, a grandson of the great racehorse Storm Cat, is expected back to defend his title.