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.
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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
- Racing, Triple Crown, Southeast Region, Southwest Region, West Region, Kentucky, Mid-Atlantic
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).
Virginia Is for Breeders
- By Claire Novak
Morgan's Ford Farm enjoys uncanny success breeding stakes winners Download Now
Grade I Winner My Big Boy Dies
My Big Boy, a grade I winner for Heidi Doubleday, died July 30 at Doubleday's After Hours Farm in Marshall, Va.
Richards Elected National HBPA President
Robin Richards was elected president and Stephanie Beattie first vice president of the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association during the organization's board of directors meeting July 1 in Iowa.
Colonial Downs Cancels Sunday Card
Due to the severe storm and a current power outage, Colonial Downs has canceled its live race card for Sunday, July 1.
Major Producer Minstrella Dies
Minstrella, a homebred champion and major producer for the late Edward P. Evans, was euthanized early this year at age 28.
Colonial Downs' Turf Course Set Ablaze
The Secretariat Turf Course at Colonial Downs was intentionally set ablaze March 22 as the Virginia track undertook a "controlled burn" in an effort to get the grass to re-grow in time for the meet that begins June 2.
March 31 Secretariat Event May Be Moved
Organizers of a March 31 event to celebrate the birthday of legendary Secretariat and the 40th anniversary of Riva Ridge's Kentucky Derby Kentucky are scrambling to find a new location after The Meadow Event Place closed.
Colonial to Move Lights for Night Turf Racing
Relocation of its lighting system will allow Colonial Downs to offer nighttime turf races as part of its new schedule in 2012.
Grand Reserve Sires First Winner
New York stakes winner Grand Reserve sired his first winner when his daughter Shes a Grand Show scored at Charles Town Sept. 4 for owner/trainer Jean L. Rofe.
VTA Announces 2010 Year-End Winners
The legacy of the late Edward P. Evans was carried on in a big way when the 2010 Virginia-bred champions were announced by the Virginia Thoroughbred Association.
Schedule Changes Benefit Colonial Downs
Colonial Downs credits a shortened race week and revised Saturday post time for increases in average daily attendance and wagering during the 32-day meet that ended July 31.
Heat Forces Tracks to Cancel Racing
Due to extreme heat conditions live Thoroughbred racing at Woodbine and Colonial Downs was canceled July 21, and Monmouth Park rescheduled its July 22 program for July 25.
Rahystrada, Aruna Big Winners at Colonial
Rahystrada won the Colonial Turf Cup and Aruna won the Edward P. Evans All Along Stakes (gr. IIIT) at Colonial Downs in Virginia June 18.
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.
For Rutledge Farm, the Tradition Continues
Rutledge Farm was back in the winner's circle Charles Town Classic night for the third straight year, but not with its homebred Researcher.
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.
Hettel Named to VA Racing Commission Post
The Virginia Racing Commission March 22 announced Bernard "Bernie" Hettel as its new executive director effective April 1.
Cosa Vera Sires First Foal
Cosa Vera sired his first foal when the City Zip mare Sugar Zip foaled a colt Feb. 24.
Instant Racing Bill Passes Virginia Senate
The Virginia Senate has again approved legislation authorizing Instant Racing--wagering on historical races--but the bill's reception in the House remains uncertain.
Prominent Breeder-Owner Edward Evans Dies
Edward Evans, whose racing and breeding program at Spring Hill Farm in Casanova, Va., produced numerous stakes winners including 2010 multiple grade I winner Quality Road, died Dec. 31 in New York. He was 68.
A Little Warm Retired
Grade II winner A Little Warm, who suffered condylar fractures to both front legs during a routine gallop at Delaware Park Oct. 21, is recovering from surgery performed at the New Bolton Center.
John Kluge, Owned Morven Stud, Dies
John Kluge, who owned Morven Stud Farm in Virginia and once was listed as the richest person in the United States, died Sept. 7 at his Charlottesville, Va., home.
Le Glorieux, Won DC International, Dies
Le Glorieux, a top international runner of 1987, died Aug. 19 at Werner Wolf's Haras du Logis Saint-Germain in Normandy, France,
Stakes Winner Key Spirit Dies
Key Spirit, who was a stakes winner during the early part of his career and a $3,000 claimer near the end, was euthanized Aug. 18 because of complications from laminitis.
Secretariat Foaled 40 Years Ago
Big Red born March 30, 1970, at Christopher T. Chenery's The Meadow near Doswell, Va. The son of Bold Ruler would become racing's ninth Triple Crown winner in 1973.
Captain Red to Stand in Virginia
Aqueduct track-record holder Captain Red will stand for a private treaty at the Virginia Equine Research facility at Morgan Mills near Jeffersonton, Va.
Greenberg, Breeder of Colonial Affair, Dies
Hermen Greenberg, breeder of 1993 Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Colonial Affair, died Feb. 28.
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
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