The Carolina Cup has a New Star

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — For 80 years, thousands have descended upon Springdale Race in Camden, with their cocktail finest in tow. Sundresses, big hats, bow ties even chandeliers are common for the Carolina Cup. But it’s more than just a party, many would argue this steeplechase is one of South Carolina’s oldest traditions. Yet this year, the tradition has a new star. His name is Sunshine. He captivated the hearts of thousands after winning last year’s main race. “He jumped the last fence like a show horse; I mean he just cleared it,” says Sue Sensor, Sunshine’s owner. Since then, Sunshine’s portrait has graced posters, tickets even press passes. Yet, for his owner Sunshine was a star from day one. “From the moment you saw him, you thought, Wow, this is really, this is going to be a good one, hopefully,” says Sue Sensor. “Totally fearless about his jumps and um he‘s just all heart when he runs, he gives 110%,” says Sue Sensor. She and her husband George, both of Camden have been raising horses for more than 30 years. Sunshine’s win last year, wasn’t the only thing that caught their attention. “I said, he just won by a pretty good margin, I asked the racing secretary I said, “What was the margin?,” He said, “27 one space¾ lengths,” says George Sensor. It was a margin he would compare to a famous horse. “I said you have got to be kidding me, that’s almost like Secretariat,” says George Sensor. 　 Sue recalls a conversation with Sunshine’s rider from that day. “He said he‘s either going to fade or he‘s just going to keep going and he said he took another deep breathe and relaxed and he said I looked back and I didn‘t even see them,” says Sue Sensor. This year, the event’s big star will not be on the track due to an injury. But some of his stable mates will be and they are standing by ready to pick up some of that star-studded attention. 　 Crandall Sims reporting, “This Saturday will mark the first time 6 year old Boltic has competed here at Camden, he will compete in the Allowance race.” For these guys, the Sensors are hopeful. Afterall, for them this track is a piece of home. “This is where we live, these are our people. To win here, it’s pretty special,” says Sue Sensor.