Colonial Downs' opening day handle of $1,185,809 was more than double the 2000 Opening Day handle of $590,723. Attendance was virtually unchanged from last year; 5,177 in 2001 compared to 5,186 in 2000. The handle increase came largely from the $958,924 wagered out of state, compared $279,974 last year.
Opening day at Colonial Downs was deemed a success at the mutuel windows and on the track. Two-time defending riding champion Mario Pino picked up right where he left off at Colonial Downs, winning the first race of the season aboard favored Sunda. Pino finished with a riding triple, with wins on Franklin's Mint in the fifth race and Wilma Lee in the 8th race. He also had a second and picked up two thirds.
