Led by New York-bred Tojo’s Mojo, Hickory Tree Attracts Twelve;

West Virginia-bred Diakonissa Tabbed at the Top of Nine Fillies for the Keswick

The fields for Saturday’s pair of 2-year-old stakes at Colonial Downs are stamped with what makes Virginia’s racing program unique to other states. Attracting 21 entries in total, five are Virginia-bred; 16 are bred elsewhere but qualify as Virginia Certified, including the morning line favorites in the $150,000 Hickory Tree and sister counterpart the $150,000 Keswick.

Run at 5½ furlongs on the dirt, the Virginia Restricted stakes written for Virginia-bred, -sired, or -certified attracted runners bred in Kentucky, New York, Maryland, Florida, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

“We often hear from owners and trainers who did not know their horse qualifies for our Virginia Restricted races,” said Gary Palmisano, Executive Director of Racing for Churchill Downs. “The rules are unique to what you find in other states in that the groundwork to become eligible is done early in a horse’s career, so horses claimed or bought at auction may in fact be eligible unbeknownst to the current connections. I
would just encourage trainers and owners to double check their eligibility so that they can take advantage of this fantastic opportunity.”

Having maintained residency in Virginia for at least a six-month consecutive period prior to December 31 of their 2-year-old year, New York-bred Tojo’s Mojo headlines the Hickory Tree and West Virginia-bred Diakonissa, the Keswick. The pair of stakes are slated to go as the fifth and sixth races on Saturday’s nine race program, beginning with the Keswick.

Set to face a field of 12 freshmen, Joanne Geruso’s Tojo’s Mojo was made the 3-1 morning line favorite in the Hickory Tree. Trained by John Salzman Jr., Tojo’s Mojo broke his maiden by open lengths in July at Laurel Park. The son of Name Changer is one of 11 Virginia-certified freshmen, including Ken Ramsey’s Happyflyer, who exits the Bashford Manor at Churchill Downs having previously broken his maiden there.

Purchased as a yearling for $155,000, Y Not Stables’ Tap that Magic rallied from the back of the back to win on debut at Presque Isle Downs. Trained by Michael LeCesse, the Good Magic colt was bred in Pennsylvania.

Set to face a field of nine Virginia-bred, -sired, or -certified fillies in the Keswick, Ultra Championship Racing’s Diakonissa was tabbed as the 5-2 morning line favorite after her impressive debut score. Trained by Anthony Farrior, the Preservationist filly won her debut by more than nine lengths facing fellow West Virginia-breds at Charles Town. Though she was in hand most of the homestretch, Diakonissa earned a 78 Brisnet Speed figure.

After finishing fifth in her debut on the dirt at Churchill Downs in June, Elements Racing’s Bonne Fille broke her maiden on the Secretariat at Colonial Downs against Virginia-restricted company, impressively running down the loose leader Beyond Question. Trained by Michelle Lovell, the Kentucky-bred by Cupid out of Run Like the Boss is a half-sibling to Andthewinneris, the 2022 Bourbon (G2) victor.

Here is the complete field for the $150,000 Hickory Tree from the rail out with jockey, trainer and morning line odds: Happyflyer (Ben Curtis, Nolan Ramsey, 6-1), Dadsnumbronehelpr (Gustavo Larrosa, Kristy Petty, 20-1), Candycrumbs (Trevor McCarthy, Mary Lightener, 12-1), Stormy Flight (Victor Carrasco, Hamilton Smith, 30-1), Re Markably (Joe Rocco, Lynn Ashby, 8-1), Summerinthecountry (no rider named, Hugh
McMahon, 15-1), Do It for Michael (Xavier Perez, John Robb, 12-1), Tap That Magic (Antonio Gallardo, LeCesse, 6-1), Brewmaster (no rider named, John Robb, 10-1), This Juice B Loose (Fredy Peltroche, Anthony Lucas, 30-1), Audible the Play (Arnaldo Bocachica, Anthony Farrior, 7-2), Tojo’s Mojo (Jorge Ruiz, Salzman, 3-1).

Here is the complete field for the $150,000 Keswick from the rail out with jockey, trainer and morning line odds: Shkhara Fire (Walter Rodrigues, Jose Corrales, 9-2), Safe Trust (Denis Araujo, Jose Corrales, 4-1), Bonne Fille (Gavin Ashton, Lovell, 5-1), Diakonissa (Bocachica, Farrior, 5-2), Sporting Lady (Jorge Ruiz, Cherie DeVaux, 6-1) , Rapido Rosa (Victor Carrasco, Jose Corrales, 8-1), Winfinity (Tyler Conner, John Ortiz, 15-1) , Sail Theseven Seas (Horacio Karamanos, Michael Trombetta, 20-1) , Let Thesunshine In (Mychel Sanchez, Michael Trombetta, 10-1).

The Virginia Racing Commission (VRC) announced today that it has appointed Waqas Ahmed to serve as its Executive Secretary, effective August 10th.

Ahmed brings a wealth of knowledge to the Commission. Most recently, Ahmed served as the Deputy Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, the agency charged with promoting and regulating horse racing, pari-mutuel wagering and sports wagering in Kentucky. In this role, Ahmed carried out several strategic initiatives, including the launch and implementation of sports wagering. Prior to that, Ahmed served as the Director of Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Compliance, and oversaw the launch of several tracks, historical horse racing facilities as well as advance deposit account wagering providers. During his tenure, wagering increased to more than $9 billion during a period of historical horse racing gaming growth, resulting in the monitoring of tax receipts of over $140 million per year.

Ahmed holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Kentucky and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Austin Peay State University. He has served as a member on various industry boards related to racing and wagering.

Commission Chair Stephanie Nixon stated, “We are pleased to welcome Mr. Ahmed to the Virginia Racing Commission. His vast experience will continue to promote, sustain, grow, and control a native horse racing industry. On behalf of the entire Commission, we look forward to working with Mr. Ahmed for many years to come.”

Ahmed stated, “I am honored to join the Virginia Racing Commission as Executive Secretary. Virginia’s horse racing industry boasts a proud history and plays a significant role in the Commonwealth. I am committed to fostering its growth with integrity and excellence. I appreciate the Commission’s trust in me and look forward to working closely with my new colleagues and stakeholders.”

For more information, please contact Bernard Hettel at (804) 966-7404.

Richmond, VA-based BES Studios and its client, the Virginia Equine Alliance (VEA), were awarded a prestigious Telly Award this past week in recognition of a sixty second TV commercial titled “Virginia Wins With Horses” that was submitted in the annual competition which honors excellence in video and television across all screens. 

BES Studios and the VEA were honored to receive a “Silver” in the Travel & Tourism Regional TV category — the highest achievement awarded by the Telly awards judging panel, a diverse body of over 200 executives from television networks, production companies, global agencies, immersive content studios, and streaming platforms around the world.  

The Telly Awards annually showcases the best work created within television and across video, for all screens. Receiving over 12,000 entries globally from 6 continents and all 50 states, Telly Award winners represent work from some of the most respected advertising agencies, television stations, production companies and publishers from around the world. The Telly Awards recognizes work that has been created on behalf of a client, for a specific brand and/or company or self-directed as a creative endeavor.  

The VEA, whose mission is to sustain, promote and expand the horse breeding and horse racing opportunities in the Commonwealth of Virginia, initiated a multi-media campaign titled “Virginia’s Economy Wins With Horses”. BES Studios acquired hours of authentic footage to select from via day-long video shoots at four key locations— Colonial Downs Racetrack in New Kent, Shenandoah Downs Racetrack in Woodstock, Eagle Point Farm in Ashland and Audley Farm Equine in Berryville. Footage highlighted the state’s economy, tourism, jobs, careers and agriculture.  

The VEA then forged a strategic partnership with Virginia Broadcast Solutions (VBS) and the Virginia Association of Broadcasters (VAB) to develop a comprehensive advertising plan which aimed to highlight the profound economic and social impacts of the Virginia horse industry, emphasizing its integral role in contributing to the Commonwealth’s prosperity. The campaign included TV, radio, digital, streaming and social media with different versions of ads often running simultaneously on the various platforms. In the eight-month period from October 2023 – May, 2024, the campaign produced 90,146,579 total impressions. 

A major focus of messaging in the spots is the $542 million economic impact the racing and breeding industries have on Virginia’s economy. Jobs supported by the industry number 5,209 and the estimated total economic impact of horse racing events and visitor spending is $68.7 million annually. 

Also of note is the significant impact the Virginia-Certified Residency Program for thoroughbreds has on Virginia’s economy. The initiative requires out-of-state thoroughbred horses to reside at least six consecutive months at a Virginia farm prior to turning three years of age. Once certified, these program graduates can compete to win bonuses from eligible races. The program has generated an estimated economic impact of $86.2 million between 2017-2023.       

Jill Byrne, the VEA’s Vice-President of Strategic Planning, served as the media campaign’s Project Manager from its initial outset through the creative, production and budgeting process. “We are thrilled with the results so far and look forward to continue to promote the agribusiness, economic benefits, jobs, and vibrancy of Virginia’s bustling horse racing and breeding industry through creative spots,” said Byrne. “It’s also a great honor to receive a Telly Trophy on behalf of a great team here led by BES Studios and all the horses and horsemen that contributed to the project.”

Samples of the entire campaign, along with video of the award-winning spot, can be found at the all new virginiahorseracing.com website. 

                                                                  

With Colonial Downs at the one-third mark of its 2024 summer season — and major events like the Festival of Racing Day and Virginia Derby Day still to come — Virginia trainers and connections have made their presence felt often during the first three weeks. Even beyond a four-pack of $125,000 stakes for Virginia-Bred/Sired horses and a slate of lucrative races for Virginia-restricted horses, other noteworthy performances with Commonwealth ties from the July 11 – July 27 race period include the following:    

Susan Cooney, whose stable is based in Delaplane, won on back-to-back days with Virginia Fritz and Carolina Hideaway. Andrew Lavin’s Virginia Fitz was best in a $56,250 maiden claiming 2-year-old race July 25th. The Kobe’s Back gelding was making his first career start and surprised many with a handsome $45.40 win payout. Jockey Ben Curtis collected his third riding win of the day with Virginia Fitz’s score. The winner was bred by Becky Lavin. 

Jockey Trevor McCarthy led Carolina Hideaway’s big win July 26 in a $75,000 maiden special weight event. The daughter of Run Away and Hide collected her first career win in her third career start which was open to Virginia-Restricted fillies and mares. 

Ferris Allen, a native of Varina, Virginia and all-time leading trainer at Colonial Downs, got his first win of the summer season July 25th with Walter Doggett’s Translate. The 7-year-old Tonalist mare earned her fourth career win in come from behind fashion with all-time Colonial leading jockey Horacio Karamanos up. Allen won his 303rd race at Colonial while Karamanos recorded win number 554 in New Kent. 

Trainer Leanne Hester of Gloucester, Virginia kicked off the Friday July 19th race card with a nice win with Cajun Expectation. The 4-year-old Cajun Breeze filly earned her second lifetime score while winning jockey Ubardo Casique earned his second lifetime riding victory. 

Colonial’s all-time leading owner David Ross, a Northern Virginia businessman and President of the Virginia HBPA, collected victory #163 at the New Kent track July 18th with 2-year-old War of Will gelding Curahee. The Brittany Russell trainee was making just his second lifetime start and prevailed by six lengths in a $60,000 maiden special weight race with Jevian Toldeo up. 

Ross, whose stable name is DARRS, Inc., won an opening day race July 11th with 4-year-old Temple City gelding My Sanctuary. The Michael Stidham trainee was ridden by Ben Curtis who led the Ross’ charge to the winners circle for the first time.  

Trainer Madison Meyers’ 3-year-old filly Lady Ophelia who kicked off the July 26th race card with an impressive win. The daughter of Madefromlucky won her first race ever for co-owners Cockburn Stables LLC and Holston Hall. Jockey Ben Curtis led the winning effort; Kieran Norris of Ballyerin Racing was on site – he is one-half of the training team which is based at the Middleburg Training Center. 

Virginia trainer Diana McClure had a big win at Colonial July 19th with Holly House Farm’s 5-year-old gelding Arden’sluckytobe in a $80,000 dirt allowance. The son of Madefromlucky continued a solid 2024 campaign in which he has three wins, a pair of seconds and a third in eight starts, good for $144,490 in earnings. Tais Lyapustina had the winning ride.

Karen Godsey, whose Eagle Point Farm is based in Ashland, collected her first win of the meet in New Kent July 25 with 4-year-old American Freedom gelding Green Beans. The Virginia-bred winner is owned/bred by Robin Richards and was led to victory by rider Gavin Ashton.    

New Kent, Va (July 26, 2024) — With purse money totaling $2.5 million over seven stakes, nominations closed Wednesday for the 2024 Colonial Downs Festival of Racing program. Highlighted by the Grade 1 Arlington Million, the Grade 2 $500,000 Beverly D. and the Grade 2 $500,000 Secretariat Stakes, the Festival of Racing is slated for Saturday, August 10, the traditional weekend for the renowned trio.

Two of the headliners among the 28 3-year-olds and up nominated to the 1¼ miles Arlington Million (G1) are trained by Charlie Appleby. Godolphin’s pair Measured Time (Ire) and Nations Pride (GB) finished first and second in the Manhattan (G1), respectively. The winningest Arlington Million trainer with four titles,
Chad Brown’s trio of nominees is led by e Five Racing Thoroughbreds’ three-time graded stakes winner Carl Spackler. Finishing second to Carl Spackler last out in the Kelso (G3), Allen Stable and CHC’s Talk of the Nation is one of three nominated by Todd Pletcher.

Notable nominations include Million Preview winner Integration, who is trained by Shug McGaughey and owned by West Point Thoroughbreds, Woodford Racing, Pine Racing Stables, William Freeman, Michael Valdes, and John Ballantyne. Two-time winner of the Million, Aidan O’Brien nominated the 3-year-old Diego Velazquez (Ire), a dominant winner against older rivals last out in the Meld Stakes (Group 3).

Once again, the 1 3/16 miles Beverly D. has been selected as a Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win and You’re In” race for the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf to be held at Del Mar in California on Saturday, November Looking to defend her crown for Mark Casse, Tracy Farmer’s Fev Rover is nominated to the Beverly D. With both the Wilshire (G3) and the Beverly D. Preview on her 2024 resume under the care of Neil Drysdale, Nadette (Fr) was nominated just one day after being purchased for $420,000 by Stepaside Farm
at the Fasig Tipton’s July Digital Sale.

The top six finishers in the Diana (G1) are among the 40 older fillies and mares nominated to the Beverly D., including three trained by Chad Brown: two-time Diana winner Whitebeam and Coppice, both owned by Juddmonte, together with Peter Brant’s multiple Grade 1 winner Gina Romantica. Brown, who won five consecutive runnings of the race at Arlington Park from 2015-2019, nominated six in total. Second to Whitebeam in the Diana, Lanni Bloodstock, Madaket Stables, and SF Racing’s Moira is nominated to both the Beverly D. and the Arlington Million. Winner of the New York (G1) before her 4th-place finish in the Diana for trainer Ignacio Correas IV, Merriebelle Stables and Resolute Racing’s Didia (Arg) is nominated to the Beverly D., eyeing a return to the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf.

The Grade 2 $500,000 Secretariat Stakes, named after the Virginia-bred 1973 Triple Crown hero, is a one mile race for 3-year-olds and attracted 36 nominations. Amerman Racing’s Belmont Derby (G1) winner Trikari is nominated for trainer Graham Motion. With a pair of Grade 3 titles for trainer Rob Atras, Red White and Blue Racing’s Neat is nominated. Cherie DeVaux has two nominated, led by Klein Racing’s Brilliant Berti. The last out winner of the American Derby at Churchill Downs has strung together three consecutive wins.

Expanded for 2024, Festival Day includes four additional stakes: the $100,000 Petramalo Mile, a one-mile dirt race for 3-year-olds and its sister race, the $100,000 Penny Chenery at seven furlongs; the $150,000 Van Clief for 3-year-olds & up at 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf and its distaff companion event, the $150,000 Andy Guest.

Tami Bobo, Julie Davies, and George Isaacs’ Florida Derby (G1) runner-up runner Catalytic, trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., leads the 24 3-year-olds nominated to the Petramalo Mile. Other top nominees from the Derby trail include D.J. Stable and Robert Cotran’s Holy Bull (G3) winner Hades, Average Joe Racing Stables and Dan Wells’ Mugatu, and Mellon Patch’s Illinois Derby winner Patriot Spirit.

Of the 36 3-year-old fillies nominated to the Penny Chenery, Brad Cox leads all trainers with seven, led by Stonestreet Stables’ Emery, who has strung together three consecutive wins including the Victory Ride (G3) at Churchill Downs and Red White and Blue Racing’s dominant Beaumont (G2) winner, Denim and Pearls.

Stablemates Nobals and One Timer are among the 49 nominated to the Van Clief Stakes. Trained by Larry Rivelli, Patricia’s Hope’s Nobals ended 2023 winning four of five, including the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1). The 5-year-old One Timer, owned by Richard Ravin and Patricia’s Hope, boasts five stakes victories, including the Franklin-Simpson (G2).

The Andy Guest closed with 45 nominations, including a quartet trained by Christophe Clement. The 2023 and 2024 Caress (G3) winners, Cheyenne Stable and John O’Meara’s Roses for Debra and West Point Thoroughbreds, Scarlet Oak Racing and Titletown Racing Stables’ Dontlookbackatall. West Point Thoroughbreds, Larsen, Chris and Titletown Racing Stables’ Gal in a Rush took the Hendrie at Woodbine
in early July.

Entries for the Colonial Downs Festival of Racing will be drawn Saturday, August 3. Tickets for the Colonial Downs Festival of Racing can be purchased at www.colonialdowns.com.

Susan Moulton’s Tufani topped the field of four in Saturday’s (July 20) $125,000 Brookmeade Stakes at Colonial Downs, capturing the Virginia-bred distaff race by 1¾ lengths.

Trained by Mike Stidham and ridden by Ben Curtis, Tufani completed 1 1/16 miles on a Secretariat Turf Course labeled as firm in 1:43.26.

“Very keen to give her a break and let her mature and you can see she’s filled out and she’s grown,” Curtis said. “She used to be very hot, she got warm and a bit busy in herself. Now you can see it, she walks out like a professional and she relaxes straight away into racing. It makes my job easier, and it makes her job easier. She now has energy to use for the race. I’m just delighted. It’s been a long time from the Fair Grounds, not taking a run between then and now. It’s a credit to the connections for that. She took a nice step forward today.”

Continentalcongres set early fractions of :24.46 and :49.36. After hopping out of the gates, Tufani relaxed in the rear of the field and soon positioned a couple paths off the rail. After making her move to the outside in the far turn, Tufani coasted past her foes under a hand ride down the stretch. Surya finished in second ahead of Galilei. Continentalcongres finished last.

Tufani was sent off at odds of 2-5 and paid $2.80 and $2.20.

After finishing second behind Galilei in last year’s edition of the Broomeade, Tufani notched her first local stakes win. Improving her overall record to five wins and one second from 10 starts, the 4-year-old bred by Chance Farm & Distorted Humor Syndicate earned $75,000 for her win, growing her bankroll to $254,442.

PASSION PLAY CAPTURES EDWARD P. EVANS STAKES

McDonald Reiley’s Passion Play grinded out the victory in Saturday’s $125,000 Edward P. Evans Stakes at Colonial Downs. Running down Gettin’downonit in the final stages of the one-mile contest, Passion Play beat out five Virginia-bred or -sired foes by a half length.

Trained by Mary Eppler and ridden by Horacio Karamanos, Passion Play completed the distance on the Secretariat Turf Course rated good in 1:36.74.

“Since I’ve been training him (2021), Virginia-Bred stakes are the only races he basically runs in outside of a couple of later season exceptions,: Eppler explained. “I expected him to win today’s race and exactly the style he ran. There was speed up front today, so we weren’t going to the front. In his first two stakes wins here, there wasn’t any speed, so he went right to the front in those. My only concern would have been if the race was taken off the turf. In that case, we’d have to deal with Repo Rocks on his preferred surface.”

“Mary Eppler is so special to me,” Karamanos said. “She supported me from the very beginning when I started competing at Laurel. She gave me a chance from day one with some of her really good horses. She has meant so much to my career. She is beautiful because she never gets upset even when you make a mistake. She is always happy and just says next time. I’m so happy to win for her. I love her so much and family loves her too.”

Beating out the multiple graded stakes winner Repo Rocks to the front, Spritzer set the :23.02 early tempo but was soon passed by that foe in the backstretch. Passion Play was one of three to make a middle move past Repo Rocks, with Gettin’downonit pulling away from the field down the stretch. Though he looked clear, Gettin’downonit could not hold on, as Passion Play never quit and took the advantage in the final jumps. Hay Chief rounded out the trifecta. Repo Rocks finished fourth.

Bet down to 3-5, Passion Play paid $3.40, $2.40 and $2.10.

Unraced since winning the 2023 Bert Allen Stakes, the 8-year-old secured his fourth local stakes win, including the 2021 edition of the Edward P. Evans. Improving his record to 30-7-4-4, the son of Hold Me Back bred by Mr. & Mrs. C. Oliver Iselin III earned $75,000 for his win, growing his bankroll to $502,497.

DETERMINED KINGDOM WINS THIRD CONSECUTIVE PUNCH LINE

Determined Stables and Kingdom Bloodstock’s Determined Kingdom scored his third consecutive victory in the $125,000 Punch Line Stakes on Saturday at Colonial Downs. Run at 5½ furlongs across a turf course labeled “good,” Determined Kingdom held off the late charge of his stablemate to win by 1¼ lengths.

Trained by Phil Schoenthal and ridden by Victor Carrasco, Determined Kingdom completed the journey in 1:03.16.

“My instructions were very simple. You got the one hole, you got the best horse, just go on and win, said Carrasco. “He’s been winning that way lately and he’s been very successful. He is such a nice horse. He was ready and I didn’t think anybody could beat him in this race.”
Holding the advantage in a duel with Ship the Goods, Determined Kingdom set the early fractions in :22.28 and :45.03. After Ship the Goods threw in the towel in the far turn, Determined Kingdom ran away from the field, holding off the late kick of King Covee, who secured the Schoenthal-trained exacta. Uncle Andrew ran late for third. Ship the Goods hung on for fourth. Buddy Buddy rounded out the field.

Sent off as the 1-9 favorite, Determined Kingdom paid $2.10, $2.10 and $2.10.

Beginning with the Jamestown when he was a juvenile, the 5-year-old Determined Kingdom has now won a local stakes in every year he has raced. Improving his record to 21-8-2-2, the son of Animal Kingdom bred by Audley Farm Equine now boasts career earnings of $556,789.

MYSTIC SEAPORT SITS PERFECT TRIP TO WIN TYSON GILPIN/GLENN PETTY

Madison Avenue Racing Stable and Jagger Inc.’s Mystic Seaport stalked and pounced victoriously in Saturday’s $125,000 Tyson Gilpin/Glenn Petty Stakes at Colonial Downs. The 4-year-old won her first added-money event, beating five Virginia-bred or -sired fillies and mares by three lengths.

Trained by Jamie Ness and ridden by Mychel Sanchez, Mystic Seaport completed 5½ furlongs across a “good” turf course in 1:03.23.

Chmabeau shot to the lead and set the pace in :22.19 and :44.86. Breaking from the outside post, Mystic Seaport positioned in second to the front-runner’s outside and bided her time before making the winning move early in the stretch. Chambeau held on for second. Chickahominy ran late for third.

Mystic Seaport went off at 3-5 and paid $3.40, $2.40, and $2.10. With her win, she improved her record to 10 wins from 19 starts with purse earnings of $313,480. She was bred in Virginia by Daybreak Stables.