In a tribute to the spirit of the late George A. “Frolic” Weymouth, scores of horse-drawn, antique carriages carrying dapper gentlemen and stylish ladies will roll across Winterthur’s 38th Annual Pont-to-Point grounds on Sunday, May 8. It will mark the first time in 38 years that the procession’s founder will not be in the lead. He passed away Sunday, April 24.
“As we prepare for what will be a wonderful event on May 8, a change has taken place. Frolic Weymouth will not be in the front of the carriage parade. On Sunday morning, many of us lost a good friend and others lost a great friend of the community. Frolic Weymouth brought the coaches to Point-to-Point and is also responsible for conserving the land around it,” said Geoff Rogers, chairman, Point-to-Point Executive Committee and Trustee of Winterthur.
Frolic was a founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Brandywine Conservancy and one of only two Americans to be a member of The Coaching Club (England). He was president of the Four-in-Hand Club, founder of the Vicmead Coaching Club, and past Chairman of the Board of the Brandywine Polo Club.
“Frolic was a mainstay and the core of this event. For 38 years, guests have looked forward to seeing Frolic and his parade of antique carriages. He will be missed tremendously,” said Jill Abbott, Point-to-Point race director. “While we cannot imagine not seeing him atop the lead 1904 Brewster & Co. Park Drag, we are planning to honor him with a special video tribute on Race Day. We will celebrate him on May 8 with so many of his family and friends.”
The parade will include 30 carriages. Although Frolic won’t be atop his Brewster, his coach will lead the parade in his honor, driven by his Whip Robert Longstaff along with his wife, Stephanie More hard Longstaff.
Point-to-Point draws more than 16,000 people to the 1000-acre former country estate of Henry Francis du Pont.
Point-to-Point features a day of professional thoroughbred steeplechase racing, exciting entertainment, elegant tailgating, and food and beverage offerings in addition to the magnificent horse-drawn carriages. In 2013, Top Events the USA, which identifies the most popular events around the country, named Point-to-Point one of the best events in the nation.
Point-to-Point is the second largest professional sporting event in Delaware and is sanctioned by the National Steeplechase Association. Prize purses for the three hurdle races are $15,000, $25,000, and $15,000.
To co-celebrate Mother’s Day this year, Point-to-Point will offer the Mother’s Day Family Brunch Tent. Also, antique Rolls Royces and Bentleys will be on view along with a host of activities to engage and entertain kids all day in the Winterthur Hunt.
