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1920s - 1930s
In the early 20th century, the land that would later become Foxfield was rural Albemarle County farmland, used primarily for agriculture and pasture. Briefly, from 1929-1933, the property was home to Wood Field — named in honor of 1st Lieutenant Buck Wood, a University of Virginia student who perished in an observation plane crash on the French front — Central Virginia’s first commercial airfield, operated by the Dixie Flying Service.
Wood Field struggled during the Great Depression and was later damaged by two severe storms, leading to the end of the Dixie Flying Service. However, the airfield’s legacy still lives on — Foxfield’s large steel hangar on the property today is a relic of the early days of aviation.
1940s – 1960s
By the mid-20th century, Foxfield — then known locally as “Fox Fields” — became closely associated with Grover Vandevender, a widely respected horseman, huntsman for the Farmington Hunt Club, and riding instructor. Interestingly, Vandevender was a close acquaintance of author William Faulkner, who often spent time in Charlottesville riding at his stables.
Under Vandevender’s stewardship, the property operated as a riding school, becoming deeply embedded in the region’s foxhunting and equestrian traditions. Vandevender’s work established the land not merely as open space, but as a place defined by horsemanship, teaching, and sport.
1973
In 1973, the property was purchased by Mariann de Tejeda, a passionate supporter of equestrian sport and a visionary preservationist. De Tejeda recognized both the natural beauty of the land and its potential as a permanent home for steeplechase racing in central Virginia.
Working with professional steeplechase rider and “Secretariat” author Raymond G. Woolfe Jr., de Tejeda began designing and planning a steeplechase course that would honor the land’s equestrian history while ensuring its long-term preservation.
1973-1978
Over the next five years, Woolfe oversaw the construction of the Foxfield racecourse. The state-of-the-art facility was designed to accommodate competitive racing while maintaining the integrity of the land.
By the late 1970s, Foxfield was established as a permanent steeplechase venue, fulfilling Mariann de Tejeda’s vision of creating a place for all to gather and enjoy the sport.
1978
On May 13, 1978, the first Foxfield Races were held at the new steeplechase course, drawing approximately 8,000 spectators from around Virginia despite steady rain and muddy conditions.
French Hollow, ridden by Jerry Fishback, won the featured $12,500 Foxfield Cup, covering the 2 ½ -mile brush course in 3 minutes and 52 seconds.
Later that year, 12,000 spectators gathered once again on a cool September day for a second race. Jerry Fishback won again, this time aboard Leapfrog, capturing the $7,500 Albemarle Cup by covering the 2¼-mile brush course in 4 minutes and 13 seconds.
The success of that event established Foxfield’s traditional spring and fall racing cadence, a schedule that continues to define the course.
1980s - 2010s
Following de Tejeda’s death in 1983, stewardship of Foxfield passed to J. Benjamin “Ben” Dick, a Charlottesville attorney and respected community leader.
During his more than three decades as president of the Foxfield Racing Association, Dick transformed Foxfield into one of the most recognizable steeplechase events in the Mid-Atlantic. Under his leadership, the races became a cherished local tradition, attracting spectators from Virginia and beyond while remaining grounded in de Tejeda’s vision.
Dick was supported by Executive Race Director Pat Butterfield, who played a central role in shaping the quality and integrity of the racing itself. A nationally respected authority in steeplechasing, Butterfield was instrumental in course design, ensuring that Foxfield upheld the highest standards of safety, fairness, and tradition. The course layout, race management practices, and culture of care for horse and rider he championed remain evident today.
2015
After J. Benjamin Dick’s passing in 2015, his brother Thomas “Tom” Dick assumed responsibility for the property during a pivotal period.
Tom Dick placed the Foxfield property under permanent conservation easement, protecting it from future subdivision and ensuring the preservation of its open fields. He also engaged a transitional operating team to explore non-profit governance as a structure for long term sustainability of the property to fulfill Mariann de Tejeda’s vision of making Foxfield a true community asset.
2024 - Present
In 2024, Foxfield was acquired by the Foxfield Fund, the local giving arm of the Miller family’s Cassiopeia Foundation, a philanthropic organization with a long history of land preservation and charitable support in the region.
The acquisition ensured the property would remain protected while allowing the races and associated traditions to continue. Today, Foxfield, under the stewardship of Zach and Sara Miller, remains dedicated to its historic purpose: steeplechase racing, open-space preservation, and community gathering — a continuation of the values established by generations of stewards of the land.