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The 75th Running of the Montpelier Hunt Races will take place tomorrow on the grounds of James Madison's home in Orange County.

This year's race day will feature traditions, such as the Jack Russell terrier races, children's stick horse races and the Dolley Madison tailgate competition. New this year will be a special opening ceremony to mark the diamond jubilee of the event. Gates will open at 9 a.m.

At 10 a.m., there will be an antique car show, race merchandise available in the Montpelier tent and a vendors row with a variety of gifts, handcrafts and gourmet items. The Montpelier tent also will feature a raffle for a Rolex watch from Fink's Jewelers, and a silent auction for the 2009 Thomas J. Coon commemorative poster painting of Marion duPont Scott and her famous horse Battleship.

Seven races are scheduled for this year: one dirt flat track race, one turf training flat race and five steeplechase races. The first race will go off at 12:30 p.m.

Scott and her brother, William duPont Jr., founded the races on their Montpelier front lawn in 1934. The annual event quickly became a tradition in Orange County. The Montpelier Hunt Races is the only such race held at a presidential home site.

Race tickets must be purchased in advance. Please go to http://www.montpelierraces.org or call (540) 672-0014 for more information. - Andy Thompson