Composition : 92,5% silver, 7,5% copper
Mintage : 50,091 for the 2000 4 coins

First Steeplechase Race in British North America, 1840

This coins, designed by Brian Hughes, celebrates the160th anniversary of the first steeplechase race held in British North America. During the 18th century, cavalry officers in Ireland would race their horses from the barracks to a church whose steeple was visible in the distance. Initially, soldiers chose their own paths, but asthe sport evolved, a single course with a variety of obstacles would test the speed and skill of each horse and rider. The "Montreal Grand Steeplechase" was the first such race held in North America. It was organized by th British officers of the 7th Hussars cavalry regiment (the Queen's unit) who challenged the British 1st Dragoon Guards and the Canadian Queen's Light Dragoons. The race was won by colonel Whyte of the 7th Hussars and his horse Heretic.

This coin is the eleventh of the Canadian Sports Firsts Series that contains 12 coins. Four were released in 1998, four in 1999 and four in 2000.

CANADIAN SPORTS FIRSTS - STEEPLECHASE - 2000 CANADIAN COINS 11 is categorised COINS AND PAPER MONEY / 08- ROYAL CANADIAN MINT / 16- SPORTS and sold by l'Imaginaire, a store and specialised website.