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Air Support Blows Virginia Derby Foes Away

Air Support, coming from the clouds, surged past 20-1 shot Casino Host in deep stretch to capture the $600,000 Virginia Derby (gr. IIT) by a neck over the closing Banned on the turf at Colonial Downs July 16.

Banned One to Beat in Virginia Derby

Banned, who has prospered after being switched to grass racing after just one start on the main track, heads a field of 12 in the 14th running of the $600,000 Virginia Derby (gr. IIT) Saturday, July 16.

Video: THS: Delaware Handicap 2011

Tom, Evan and James Scully of TwinSpires.com handicap the Delaware Handicap and Virginia Derby. Both notable grade II races this weekend.

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Colonial Meet to Begin With Large Turf Fields

If entries for the first two programs are any indication, Colonial Downs in Virginia should have a strong meet from a wagering perspective. Entries total 231 horses for the first two days.

Colonial Turf Cup Loses Graded Status

The decision by Colonial Downs to allow older horses to compete in the Colonial Turf Cup Stakes will result in the race losing its grade II status for 2011.

Changes in Store for 2011 Colonial Meet

The $500,000 Colonial Turf Cup (gr. IIT) at Colonial Downs June 18 is now open to older turf horses -- one of several changes for the 2011 summer meet at Colonial Downs.

Adam's Turf: Krypton A Super Colt?

Adam Spradling takes a look at the 3rd place finisher in the Virginia Derby.

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Paddy O'Prado Too Tough In Va. Derby

Paddy O'Prado, a son of El Prado, showed again his top turf form in the July 17 Virginia Derby (gr. IIT), brushing to the lead in the stretch and defeating Interactif.

THS: The Virginia Derby

Jason, Tom, and Rich Nilsen of twinspires.com preview the Virginia Derby (gr. IIT) at Colonial Downs on July 17.

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Virginia Derby: Paddy O'Prado the One to Beat

Paddy O'Prado looks to continue his ascent to the top of the 3-year-old ranks when he meets seven rivals in the $600,000 Virginia Derby (gr. IIT). The El Prado colt is the 7-5 morning-line choice.

Colonial Announces Summer Stakes Schedule

Colonial Downs announced its 2010 summer stakes schedule and it again is highlighted by a pair of grade II turf races for 3-year olds -- the $500,000 Colonial Turf Cup June 19 and the $600,000 Virginia Derby July 17.

Colonial Downs Amends Racing Schedule in 2010

For the first time in 10 years, Colonial Downs has amended its weekly race schedule, adding Wednesday cards in place of Fridays

Battle of Hastings Double Tough in VA Derby

In a carbon copy of last month's Colonial Turf Cup (gr. IIT), Battle of Hastings dug in late to head Straight Story to win the $750,000 Virginia Derby (gr. IIT) on the Colonial Downs turf July 18.

Blind Date Rallies To Score In Virginia Oaks

William Backer's homebred filly Blind Date came from off the pace to take a short advantage in mid-stretch, then narrowly outdueled Shared Account to win the $150,000 Virginia Oaks (gr. IIIT) by a head July 18 at Colonial Downs.

Nicanor Favored For Virginia Derby

Battle of Hastings will line up against Nicanor and eight others in the $750,000 Virginia Derby (gr. IIT) July 18 at Colonial Downs.

Nicanor Among Probables For Virginia Derby

Colonial Downs will hold the post position draw for the 12th running of the $750,000 Virginia Derby (gr. IIT) July 18 and an impressive list of probable starters is taking shape.

Colonial Downs Ready to Launch 2009 Season

Opening day at Colonial Downs comes a week earlier this year when live racing returns June 5. The following day, Colonial Downs will be open for the first time ever on the same day as a Triple Crown race, the Belmont Stakes (gr. I).

Turf Stakes Highlight Colonial Downs Season

Colonial Downs will host 17 stakes races, including a pair of grade II turf stakes, during the 2009 summer Thoroughbred meet which runs from June 5 â€" July 28. A total of $2.2 million will be doled out in stakes purses over the eight week, 40 day season.

Colonial Sets Summer Racing Schedule

Colonial Downs will kick off its 13th annual Thoroughbred racing season June 12 and will continue an eight week, 40-day meet through Aug. 4.

Colonial Requests Much Shorter Meet

After running the longest Thoroughbred meet in its 12-year history at 45 days, officials with Colonial Downs Dec. 17 proposed a 25-day meet in 2009.

Gio Ponti Builds Rep in Virginia Derby

Gio Ponti got the nose decision over Court Vision in the $772,500 Virginia Derby (gr. IIT) in a tremendous stretch run over the Colonial Downs turf course July 19, spoiling favored Sailor's Cap's shot at a $5 million bonus.

That Handicapping Show: July 17 Episode

Hosted by Jason Shandler and Tom LaMarra, "That Handicapping Show" is a weekly video show dedicated to horse players. Jason and special guest Evan Hammonds take a look at the Virginia Derby. Plus, picks from John Pricci of Equiform.

I Lost My Choo Favored in Virginia Oaks

Flying Zee Stable's homebred I Lost My Choo seeks her fifth victory of the year and the first graded stakes triumph of her young career, as she takes on nine 3-year-old fillies in the $200,000 Virginia Oaks (gr. IIIT) July 19 on the Colonial Downs turf.

Virginia Derby Full of Familiar Faces

Many racing officials at Colonial Downs, weary of Central Virginia downpours, may have to pardon trainer James Toner if he does a rain dance Saturday morning before the $750,000 Virginia Derby (gr. IIT). His trainee, Sailor's Cap, will attempt to defeat eight others in the 1 1/4-mile contest for 3-year-olds on the turf.

Colonial '08 Meet Has 17 Stakes

Colonial Downs' 45-day summer meet will host 17 stakes worth $2.52 million, it announced Feb. 27.

Colonial Season Ends With Small Increases

The handle at Colonial Downs increased a bit over its 2006 mark, while a moderate summer helped boost attendance at the central Virginia track, which concluded its 11th season of racing on Aug. 7.

Red Giant Casts Pletcher's Shadow in Virginia Derby

Trainer Todd Pletcher ran three horses in the $1-million Virginia Derby (gr. IIT) Saturday, so he expected to win. But it was the 3-year-old colt no one expected, 37-1 shot Red Giant, who won by a nose in course record time.

Violette: Summer Doldrums Ready for Virginia Derby

In spite of ending up as the 7-2 third choice on the morning line, trainer Rick Violette said his starter Summer Doldrums is geared up for a win in Saturday's $1 million Virginia Derby (gr. IIIT) at Colonial Downs.

Field Set for Virginia Derby

Summer Doldrums will have more than a rubber match with Strike a Deal when the two meet in the $1-million Virginia Derby (gr. IIT) July 21 at Colonial Downs. Not only will Summer Doldrums' trainer Rick Violette see his archrival, he will see the faces of past race victors.

Virginia Derby to be Televised on CBS Network

Colonial Downs has an agreement in place with CBS to nationally televise the 10th running of the $1-million Virginia Derby (gr. IIT). The one-hour broadcast begins at 5 p.m. (EST) July 21st with post time for the Virginia Derby set for 5:44 p.m.

Four Derby Starters Among Nominees to Colonial Turf Cup

Eight graded stakes winners are among the 78 early nominations for $750,000 Colonial Turf Cup (gr. IIIT) at Colonial Downs on June 16.

Virginia Wagering Handle Approaches $200 Million in 2006

All-sources handle for 2006 Virginia horse racing hit a record high of $192,509,054, according to figures released Jan. 22 by the Virginia Racing Commission.

Colonial Downs: On-Track Down, Off-Track Up

Though on-track numbers were down at Colonial Downs, the Virginia racetrack reported gains in off-track business for its 41-day meet that ended Aug. 12.

Favored Steppenwolfer Out of Virginia Derby

Steppenwolfer, the 7-2 morning line favorite for Saturday's $1-million Virginia Derby (gr. IIT) at Colonial Downs, has been scratched after spiking a fever.

Showing Up Does Not, But Virginia Derby Draws 12

Although the winner of the $1 million Colonial Turf Cup isn't "showing up" for Saturday's $1 million Virginia Derby (gr. IIT) at Colonial Downs, the field includes plenty in its 12-horse field including two Triple Crown starters and four Turf Cup returnees.

$1-Million Colonial Turf Cup Oversubscribed

A full field of 14 horses is scheduled to start in the $1 million Colonial Turf Cup, the first leg of the $5 million Jacob Investments "Grand Slam of Grass." With a total of 17 entries, three horses are listed as also-eligible for the turf race for 3-year olds, should there be any defections.

Top Three Derby Finishers Nominated to Colonial Downs' Turf Stakes

Colonial Downs' early closing of their twin million dollar 3-year old turf races -- the Colonial Turf Cup and the Virginia Derby (gr. IIT) --have drawn 107 nominations, including Barbaro, Bluegrass Cat and Steppenwolfer, top three finishers in the Kentucky Derby Presneted by Yum! Brands (gr. I).

Colonial Wants More Dates; Sets Turf Stakes

Colonial Downs will continue with its plan to gradually add more Thoroughbred racing dates, having asked the Virginia Racing Commission for 42 days in 2006, two more than this year and eight more than 2004.

English Channel Gives 'Grand Slam' Fast Start

By winning the first two legs of the inaugural Grand Slam of Grass, English Channel has instantaneously brought to life a demanding turf series that many thought far-fetched when it was first announced. The bonus series guarantees a $5 million payout to the exceptional horse that can sweep the four races.

English Channel Rolls to Virginia Derby Win

John Velazquez mirrored tactics used in his Colonial Turf Cup win three weeks ago in Saturday's $750,000 Virginia Derby (gr. IIIT) and produced the same result. With a 3 1/4-length romp, trainer Todd Pletcher's turf standout now has captured two legs of the $5 million Grand Slam of Grass.

English Channel Tops 11-Horse Virginia Derby Field

The $750,000 Virginia Derby (gr. IIIT) attracted 11 starters, including English Channel, the winner of the first leg of the $5-million "Grand Slam of Grass." Jockey John Velazquez returns to ride Todd Pletcher's $500,000 Colonial Turf Cup winner.

More Dirt Racing Planned at Colonial Downs

As Colonial Downs's opens its summer meet Friday, spectators coming to New Kent will see more racing on its dirt course as well as some changes to the facility, both exterior and interior.

Scrappy T Won't Run in the Belmont

Racing fans will be deprived of a rematch between the top two finishers of the dramatic May 21 Preakness (gr. I) won by Afleet Alex. Trainer Robbie Bailes and owner Marshall Dowell have decided that runner-up Scrappy T will not run in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) June 11.

Scrappy T's Connections Now Leaning Toward Belmont

Preakness Stakes (gr. I) runner-up Scrappy T will likely make his next start in the $1-million Belmont Stakes (gr. I) rather than the inaugural $500,000 Colonial Turf Cup, for which he is also under consideration.

Virginia Derby Purse Increased to $750,000

Based on the approval of the 2005 Thoroughbred racing and stakes schedule by the Virginia Racing Commission at its February meeting, Colonial Downs and the Virginia Thoroughbred horsemen have agreed to increase the purses for Colonial's two marquee stakes events.

Colonial Downs Schedule Includes $2-Million Grass Bonus Scheme

A $2-million "Grand Slam of Grass" bonus and a three-day Labor Day Weekend Turf Festival highlight a proposal prepared by Colonial Downs and the Virginia Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association that will be reviewed by the Virginia Racing Commission Feb. 16.

Kitten's Joy Worth Purring About in Virginia Derby

Ken and Sarah Ramsey's Kitten's Joy drew away from favored Artie Schiller in the final sixteenth of a mile to win the $500,000 Virginia Derby (gr. IIIT) at Colonial Downs on Saturday.

Three Graded Stakes Winners Top Field for Virginia Derby

Graded stakes winners Kitten's Joy, Artie Schiller, and Prince Arch headline a field of 10 3-year-olds for the seventh running of the $500,000 Virginia Derby (gr. IIIT) at Colonial Downs on Saturday.

Plenty of Grass Racing Set for Colonial Downs

Colonial Downs in Virginia opens June 11 for a 34-day meet that again will feature extensive use of the facility's turf course.

Colonial Downs to Hold Inaugural 'Virginia Million' Day

Colonial Downs will host the first-ever "Virginia Million" July 10, which is highlighted by a trio of turf stakes and will be the richest day of racing in the state's history.