PRESERVING
A LEGACY

Equestrian sporting events and their surrounding culture have long been a catalyst for community engagement, celebration, and sporting excellence. In times of strife and division, this cultural magnet has brought people together, offering a sense of excitement and joy for centuries. The South Carolina Jockey Club, a 501(C)3 organization, proudly serves as stewards of this time-honored tradition, ensuring that future generations can experience the magic of equestrian sporting culture.

OUR HISTORY

  • THE ORIGINS

    South Carolina's horse racing tradition dates back to colonial times, long favored by the elite. The state's earliest recorded horse race took place in 1734, with Charleston flourishing as a racing hub throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, home to numerous racecourses around the city. Today, horse racing remains deeply embedded in South Carolina's sporting heritage, a cherished tradition that reflects its rich equestrian culture.

  • THE GOLDEN AGE

    As the sport gained traction, Lowcountry gentlemen founded the South Carolina Jockey Club in 1758, making it the world's first jockey club. This establishment coincided with a surge in racing's popularity among the elite. The club's founding marked the beginning of what would later be known as the "golden age of racing," with the club leading the organization and promotion of events, managing racecourses, and overseeing the sport's growth.

  • THE HORIZON

    The South Carolina Jockey Club disbanded in 1899, leaving its remaining assets to the Charleston Library Society. Now, 125 years later, a new group of honorable men and women will reignite the torch and usher the Jockey Club into its next era. Under the stewardship of Pierre Manigault, the club will not only serve as a social hub but, more importantly, take bold steps to preserve and grow the sport within the state. The club’s efforts will begin by cultivating an illustrious equestrian culture in its hometown of Charleston, South Carolina.

DONATE

Bold moves create great change. The Jockey Club is intended to be an exciting, dynamic collective of visionaries who are serious about making an impact and securing a lasting legacy. Our initial capital campaign of $1,000,000 is focused on establishing the critical foundation for a nonprofit organization that will make a lasting impact for generations to come.

Join us in this mission.