A seismic announcement from Brandywine Conservancy. The operator and sole beneficiary of the Radnor Hunt Races for the last 45 years is moving on. The 95th running of the Races on May 16, 2026 will be Brandywine’s last.
“With the centennial running of the Races approaching in a few years, it is now time for the Brandywine to pass the baton on to a new operator to continue the tradition of the Radnor Hunt Races into next century,” said Virginia Logan, the Frolic Weymouth Executive Director and CEO of the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art.
Elaborate tailgates and picnic competitions are longstanding traditions at the the Radnor Hunt Races, held on the third Saturday in May.
Radnor Hunt President Jody Spragins said she was “saddened to learn that 2026 will be the last year with Brandywine Conservancy …We recognize that this was a challenging decision, and we want to express our profound gratitude for the incredible effort Brandywine has dedicated to nurturing the Radnor Hunt Races into the prestigious event it is today… In light of this transition, Radnor Hunt leadership will begin exploring ways to reimagine and continue this historic springtime event.”
Radnor Hunt Races Committee Chair George Strawbridge, Jr. sounds full steam ahead, despite the uncertainty. “We wish the event continued success in its next chapter and remain committed to working with the Radnor Hunt leadership team over this next year to help provide a smooth transition to the successor of the Races.”
That successor is TBD. The announcement encouraged “anyone interested in taking over the operation of the Races [to] contact the Radnor Hunt directly at [email protected].”
One of the Main Line’s premiere see-and-be-seen events rivaled only by Grand Prix Night at Devon, Radnor Hunt steeplechase races have raised more than $5.5 million for Brandywine Conservancy’s water initiatives. While it sounds like a ton, that averages to $120,000/year.
The hats at the Radnor Hunt Races turn almost as many heads as the horses. Here, hopeful contestants show their chapeaux to a panel of judges.
A program of the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art, the Conservancy has protected over 70,700 acres of open space to date including the Radnor Hunt racecourse itself and surrounding lands. It holds 510 conservation easements, working with landowners and governmental agencies to safeguard water quality, land protection and outdoor recreation.
Despite the looming unknowns – a new operator and a potential “reimagining,” it’s business as usual for 2026. Corporate sponsors and advertisers are signing on and tickets go on sale March 3, 2026. Fittingly, the 95th running will celebrate the Races’ partnership with Brandywine Conservancy.
“The Racing Committee looks forward to making this last year our best one yet,” said Chairman Strawbridge.
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