The Sporting Magazine, Vol. 109, 1847. Courtesy: National Sporting Library.

Rokeby

Welcoming you to this magnificent courtyard and broodmare barn are the glistening brass nameplates of famous Mellon homebred champions such as Sea Hero, 1993 Kentucky Derby winner; Quadrangle, winner of the Belmont, Wood Memorial and Travers Stakes in 1964; and Horses of the Year Fort Marcy, Arts And Letters and Key To The Mint.

In the middle of the courtyard stands the half-life-size bronze by John Skeaping, honoring home-bred Mill Reef, the first racehorse to win Epsom Derby at Epsom, England, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp, France, and the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, England, in the same season. The owner of Rokeby is Mrs. Paul Mellon, widow of philanthropist Paul Mellon, who defined the art of excellence in the Virginia hunt country.

Beagling, brought to the United States from Great Britain, is the sport of tracking hare with a pack of hounds bred especially for this purpose. Come learn more about the sport, meet the staff of the Hunts and watch the beagles perform at Rokeby.

Presentation of the Beagles at 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.