ABOUT
November 7, 2026
HISTORY OF STEEPLECHASE
Since 1985, Mason Houghland Lampton has hosted the largest and most unique social event in our area. Many patrons see the Steeplechase at Callaway as just that, a social event, but for Mason and his family it is much more! Rooted in a deep appreciation for equestrian sport, tradition, and hospitality, the event has become a cherished annual gathering for generations of families and friends. What began as a passion for horses and steeplechasing has grown into a community tradition that celebrates both the excitement of race day and the spirit of giving back.
A LEGACY OF TRADITION
Steeped in tradition, Mason Lampton carries on a family legacy rooted deeply in the world of foxhunting and steeplechasing. His grandfather, Mason Houghland, an avid foxhunter, founded the Hillsboro Foxhounds in 1932. His competitive spirit soon led him to steeplechasing, a sport that grew out of the hunting field. Like foxhunting, steeplechase races are traditionally conducted over natural fences, open fields, and streams.
In addition to competing as a jockey, Mason Houghland inaugurated the Iroquois Memorial Steeplechase in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1941. The inaugural race was won by none other than his son-in-law, Dinwiddie Lampton, Jr., riding “Rockmayne.”
Continuing the family tradition, Mason Houghland Lampton and his father, Dinwiddie Lampton, Jr., founded the Hardscuffle Steeplechase in Kentucky in 1974. Known for its picturesque setting and celebrated atmosphere, the event became a prominent fixture in the steeplechasing community and helped further establish the Lampton family’s legacy within the sport. Often referred to as the “Kentucky Derby of Steeplechasing,” Hardscuffle gained recognition for blending the traditions of racing, hospitality, and philanthropy.
EXCELLENCE AND COMMUNITY
Fortunately for Columbus and the surrounding area, Mason Houghland Lampton married Columbus native Mary Lu Hardaway, bringing his passion for steeplechasing and foxhunting traditions to this community. Through the Hardaway family, Lampton developed a deep connection to the region and its sporting heritage while also gaining the opportunity to learn from renowned foxhunter Mr. Ben Hardaway. Known internationally for his celebrated cross-bred hounds, Mr. Hardaway played a significant role in shaping the Midland Foxhounds tradition that Lampton proudly carried forward as Master of the Midland Foxhounds.
Steeplechasing may be in his blood, but serving the community has always been equally important to Lampton. Those passions came together in 1985 with the founding of Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens, the area’s first horseracing event of its kind. A devoted supporter of the arts, Mason established the event not only as a celebrated sporting tradition, but also as a way to give back to the community. Through the years, proceeds from Steeplechase have supported local arts organizations and helped strengthen the cultural fabric of the region.
TRADITION CONTINUED
Continuing the family tradition, Mason Houghland Lampton’s son, Mason Hardaway Lampton, was raised in the world of horses, hounds, and steeplechasing. Following in the footsteps of the generations before him, he developed a successful career as a jockey and horseman, building a reputation of his own within the sport.
After graduating from business school, Mason purchased his first racehorse and began competing on his own. In 1999, he earned his first steeplechase victory, followed by another milestone in 2000 when he won an amateur foxhunters timber race at Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens.
In 2016, Mason Hardaway Lampton assumed the role of Race Chairman for Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens, continuing the tradition established by the generations before him. Today, the event remains a true family tradition, with multiple generations of the Hardaway and Lampton families involved each year in celebrating its history while helping shape its future.
OUR BENEFICIARIES
$4,413,787
FUNDS RAISED
Behind Steeplechase
Historic Gallery
