News 12 at eleven o'clock -- March 13, 2010

AIKEN, S.C. --- The Aiken Triple Crown kicked off Saturday with the 68th annual Aiken Trials. It is one of Aiken County’s biggest events of the year, which means more tourists, and more money, coming into the area.

Right out of the gate, the large crowds at the Aiken Training Track were already excited for a day at the races.

“We’re ready to have a little fun,” said Frances Browder, who attends the race every year.

“No, not a little fun...a heap of fun, as we say down south!”

In it’s 68th year, the trials are a family tradition for many people.

“I’ve been coming for the last 25 years to the exact same spot,” said Eddie Sanders, whose space was willed to him from a family member.

“Sometimes there gets to be a little competition between spots as to who can present the best table.”

The day started off with the carriage parade, followed by pony and thoroughbred races. Often called the "Saratoga of the South,” the Aiken Trials are a starting point for many horses before hitting the national stage.

Jackie Danelski is a trainer on the Aiken Track and works with many of the horses every morning. She says it’s a great feeling to hear of the horses going on to bigger races around the country.

“You talk to some of the trainers and have them tell you about the horses that you helped break in and learn to gallop here in Aiken at the racetracks around the country,” she said.

Aiken's good soil and stable weather make it the perfect place for these horses to train year round.

“You go to France, England or horse areas and mention Aiken, they know all about it,” said Cot Campbell, who races horses nationally. “It’s legendary.”

Around Aiken, street signs are adorned with pictures of horses, and stand as another reminder of their important place in the community's culture.

“There’s only a few places like Aiken around the United States where the community is built for horses,” Danelski said.

And that community is now welcoming people from all over the country, and raking in the tourist money.

‘When you look around and see ten to fifteen thousand people, it does have a major impact economically,” said Aiken mayor Fred Cavanaugh.

“The equine industry has such an impact from the performing arts standpoint, athletic standpoint and definitely an economic standpoint to help not only Aiken but the CSRA,” added Cecil Atchley, public relations coordinator for the Aiken Trials.

But for some horse lovers, it still comes down to one thing:

“I hope we win a few races this afternoon,” Campbell smiled.

This event kicks off the Aiken Triple Crown – the three major horse events in Aiken. Aiken Steeplechase is March 19th, followed by the Aiken Polo the next Saturday.

The event even draws loyal attendees from outside the country; one man said he comes down every year from Scotland just for the Triple Crown.