The Virginia Gold Cup, the commonwealth’s biggest horse racing event, will be held May 7 at Great Meadow in The Plains.

The event, celebrating its 97th anniversary this year, was scaled down for the past two years in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, organizers said in a statement Friday, and there will still be changes for 2022.

Tailgate packages and hospitality tents are available, the organizers said, and attendees have to be invited guests of those who have one or the other. There won’t be general admission passes.

The Gold Cup combines seven steeplechase and flat races. Under normal circumstances, around 50,000 people a year turn out for the races, as well as to see and be seen, with the hat contest as much of a spectacle as the rest of the events.

You can get tent passes online and find out more information on their website as well, or call 540-347-2612.