MIDDLEBURG, Va. -- A sellout crowd of more than 50,000 is expected today for the 66th running of the Virginia Gold Cup, which includes the richest timber race in the world, with a purse of $35,000.

A record $150,000 in purses will be offered in seven timber and brush races on the new Great Meadow race course between Middleburg and Warrenton. Gates open at 10 a.m., and the first race is at 1:30 p.m.