VA-Bred Owners' Bonus Program Begins July 1
An owners' bonus program for Virginia-bred runners that win overnight races at tracks in the Mid-Atlantic region will begin July 1 and run through Dec. 31.
Virginia
News, Articles, Videos and other content about Virginia
VA, MD State-Bred Stakes Top Pimlico Card
Horses bred in Maryland and Virginia will be in the spotlight June 25 at Pimlico Race Course as part of a new venture between racing and breeding interests in the two states.
Maryland, Virginia Partner on Racing Day
A cooperative effort between Maryland and Virginia racing and breeding stakeholders will expand this year beginning June 25 at Pimlico Race Course.
Backer Shared His Love of Thoroughbreds
William M. "Bill" Backer, who after teaching the world that sharing a Coke could bring people together imparted his passion for Thoroughbreds, died Friday, May 13, in Warrenton, Va.
First Foal for J J's Lucky Train
First foal for the grade III winner is a West Virginia-bred colt born April 14.
Laurel to Reopen as Turf Racing Season Nears
Racing returns to Laurel Park March 11 after a more than three-week break as part of a new schedule that will allow the facility to capitalize on its expansive turf course.
Virginia to Regulate Daily Fantasy Games
State policies on the legality of daily fantasy games continue to take shape with Virginia the first to legalize and regulate the relatively new form of gaming.
Hettel Leaving Virginia Regulatory Position
Citing business commitments in Kentucky, Bernie Hettel will step down from his position as executive secretary of the Virginia Racing Commission.
Virginia Training Center Under Quarantine
The Thoroughbred suffering from equine herpesvirus that led to a 21-day quarantine at Payson Park Thoroughbred Training Center in Indiantown, Fla., has necessitated a similar quarantine in Virginia.
Virginia Breeder Cox Dies at Age 75
Virginia-based Nellie Mae Cox, breeder of two-time grade I winner Showing Up, died Feb. 24 in Goochland, Va. She was 75.
Owner/Breeder, Consignor Carolyn Rogers Dies
- By Blood-Horse Staff
- Thoroughbred Racing, Thoroughbred Breeding, Thoroughbred Sales, Northeast Region, Kentucky, Mid-Atlantic Region
Carolyn Rogers, a longtime owner, breeder, buyer, seller, and patron of the Thoroughbred industry, died Feb. 14 in Leesburg, Va., at the age of 88.
Hugh Motley, Va. Horseman, Dies at 60
The bloodstock agent came up under his cousin, L. Clay Camp; had a breaking and training business for more than 25 years.
Colonial Owner to Sell Off-Track Properties
Jacobs Entertainment announced Jan. 8 the selection of Cushman & Wakefield-Thalhimer to sell the properties formerly used as off-track betting facilities in conjunction with its Colonial Downs in New Kent County, Va.
VRC Suspends TwinSpires ADW License
TwinSpires.com, one of three advance deposit wagering systems licensed to accept bets from Virginia residents, had its license suspended by the Virginia Racing Commission effective Dec. 18.
Maryland Continues Rebuild of Racing Program
At a time when some Mid-Atlantic region tracks are cutting live racing dates, Maryland is moving in the opposite direction as part of a master plan to make the state a year-round Thoroughbred racing and stabling destination.
Virginia Breeder Rogers Dies at Age 93
Prominent Virginia Thoroughbred breeder Sam Rogers Jr. died Oct. 27, in Leesburg, Va., at the age of 93.
Virginia Racing Plans Continue to Take Shape
The Virginia Equine Alliance plans to run a day of flat racing Sept. 20 at Great Meadow, while the owners of Colonial Downs continue to float proposals to offer racing through an alternative horsemen's group.
Virginia Aims to Move Graded Stakes to Laurel
While some details still need to be worked out, racing leaders in Virginia hope to offer the state's four graded stakes in Maryland at Laurel Park this year.
'Sea Hero' Symposium Set for May 30
The National Sporting Library & Museum May 30 will host a symposium and reception celebrating the recent gift of the bronze sculpture Sea Hero.
Award-Winning Turf Writer Farley Dies
Dan Farley, an award-winning turf writer and former president of the National Turf Writers Association, died May 1, in a Mechanicsville, Va., hospital. He was 72.
Duchossois Honored by Washington and Lee
Richard Duchossois, chairman and CEO of Arlington International Racecourse, was honored by his alma mater, Washington and Lee University, Feb. 6 in Lexington, Va.
First Reported Foal by Justin Phillip a Colt
The first reported foal by grade I winner Justin Phillip is a colt born Jan. 23 at Lee Anne Smith's Paradigm Farm in Virginia.
Stud Book Privileges Denied Vitiello
The Jockey Club has announced that Rhiannan R. Vitiello will be denied all privileges of The American Stud Book permanently, effective Jan. 1, 2015, for a 2012 conviction for cruelty to animals in Charles City County, Va.
Colonial Withdraws Request for 2015 Dates
The owner of Colonial Downs said Oct. 15 the racetrack has withdrawn its request for Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing for 2015, as well as a request to have a new horsemen's group.
Colonial Owner: OK Plan or Operations Cease
The owner of Colonial Downs said the Virginia racetrack and its network of off-track betting parlors will close Nov. 1 if the Virginia Racing Commission doesn't approve its plan for live Thoroughbred racing in 2015.
Rocketts Mill Farm Founder Stevens Dead at 82
Thoroughbred breeder Ed Stevens, founder of Rocketts Mill Farm in Doswell, Va., died Aug. 6 at age 82.
Virginians Take Over Laurel Park Sept. 13
The cooperative spirit between racing and breeding programs in the Mid-Atlantic region will be on full display Sept. 13 when Maryland's Laurel Park offers five stakes for horses bred and/or sired in Virginia.
Mellon Estate on Market for $70 Million
Oak Spring Farm, the 2,047-acre estate of the later Rachel "Bunny" and Paul Mellon near Upperville, Va., has been placed on the market at an asking price of $70 million.
Colonial Downs Challenges VRC Plan in Court
Before any action is taken on a Virginia Racing Commission plan that could have paved the way for racing at Colonial Downs in 2015, it will be challenged in court by the New Kent, Va., track.
Under Plan, No 2014 Racing at Colonial Downs
The Virginia Racing Commission has asked that horsemen and Colonial Downs come to an agreement on an eight-week schedule for 2015 in a deal that would see no live Thoroughbred racing in 2014 at the New Kent, Va. track.
Assault, Secretariat, Affirmed Lead 'Chrome'
- By Frank Angst
- Thoroughbred Racing, Triple Crown, Southeast Region, Southwest Region, West Region, Kentucky, Mid-Atlantic Region
If California Chrome wins the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) June 7 at Belmont Park, he would become the first California-bred Triple Crown winner and just the fourth horse bred outside of Kentucky to sweep the three classics.
Colonial Downs, Horsemen Still Talking Dates
The Virginia Racing Commission granted an extension to Colonial Downs and the Virginia Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association to reach an agreement on racing dates this year.
Secretariat Celebration Set for March 29
The annual birthday celebration for legendary 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat is set for March 29 at his birthplace in Doswell, Va.
2014 Virginia Racing Dates Still Unresolved
The 2014 racing schedule for Colonial Downs remains in limbo due to a contract stalemate over dates between track management and the Virginia Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association.
Owner/Breeder Albert Coppola Dies at 89
Albert Coppola Sr. won the 1982 Travers Stakes (gr. I) and two jewels of the Canadian Triple Crown with Runaway Groom.
VA Commission Adopts Model Drug Rules
The Virginia Racing Commission Sept. 25 unanimously adopted the Association of Racing Commissioners International model medication rules, which set uniform thresholds for a list of 24 controlled therapeutic medications.
Mid-Atlantic Racing Series Gets Another Look
With more stability in racing dates in the Mid-Atlantic region, the chairman of the THA plans to hold a fact-finding meeting to see if there is interest in bringing back the MATCH series.
Nellie Cashman Springs Virginia Oaks Surprise
Bettors sent Sycamore Racing's 3-year-old Nellie Cashman off at odds of 19-1 in the $150,000 Virginia Oaks (gr. IIIT). But the plucky Mineshaft filly had other ideas July 13 at Colonial Downs.
Field of Ten Set for July 13 Virginia Derby
The 16th running of the $500,000 Virginia Derby (gr. IIT) July 13 at Colonial Downs brings together a varied field of competitors, and quite a few of them share the same bloodlines.
Bodemeister is Virginia Horse of the Year
Grade I winner and classic-placed Bodemeister was crowned Virginia-bred Horse of the Year and 2012 champion Virginia-bred 3-year-old colt when annual awards were presented July 6 at Colonial Downs.
Three VTA Board Members Resign Over Firing
Virginia racing industry leaders Anne Poulson, Ernie Oare, and Dr. Jens von Lepel resigned from the Virginia Thoroughbred Association board June 28 over the controversial firing of former executive director Glenn Petty.
First Winner for Bias Comes at Colonial Downs
Bias, an unraced son of Unbridled, sired his first winner in Asalor, who broke his maiden June 22 in a 5 1/2-furlong maiden special weight on the inner turf course at Colonial Downs.
London Lane Rolls to Colonial Turf Shocker
Maryland shipper London Lane, ignored at odds of 50-1, charged from the rear down the center of the track to land the $300,000 Colonial Turf Cup (gr. IIT) in a shocker June 22 at Colonial Downs.
Colonial Downs Event to Benefit TRF
Colonial Downs and the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation at James River are joining together to host the first-ever "Mr. TRF" Second Chances Stakes, a competition of ex-racehorses June 29.
Channel Lady Owns Class Edge in All Along
Grade III winner Channel Lady carries top weight of 124 pounds into the $100,000 Edward P. Evans All Along Stakes (gr. IIIT) on the evening of June 22 at Colonial Downs in New Kent, Va.
Colonial Downs Begins Meet With Full Fields
Colonial Downs kicks off its 2013 meet June 8 with full fields for turf racing and three steeplechase events highlighted by the grade III David L. "Zeke" Ferguson Memorial Stakes.
Belmont II, Mellon Named Pillars of the Turf
August Belmont II and Paul Mellon were selected as the inaugural Pillars of the Turf inductees for the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame's new category June 5. They will be inducted Aug. 9 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
Colonial Owner Wants to Sell to MTR Gaming
The owner of the Colonial Downs in Virginia wants to sell his company to West Virginia-based MTR Gaming Group Inc., in exchange for $144.5 million in MTR stock.
Miner's Mark, 23, Euthanized
Miner's Mark, a grade I winner and the first foal out of the legendary Personal Ensign, was euthanized April 30 at Blue Ridge Farm in Virginia. The son of Mr. Prospector was 23.
Colonial Downs to Offer 16 Stakes in 2013
Colonial Downs will offer $1,755,000 in purse money for its 16 stakes in 2013. The meet is highlighted by the 16th running of the $500,000 Virginia Derby (gr. IIT).
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