Author Archives: Aiden Turnge-Barney

Saturday’s “Secretariat Racing into History” Statue Dedication to Be Streamed Live by the Virginia Equine Alliance  

(WARRENTON, VA —- 3/28/2024) —- Racing fans in Ashland, Virginia will celebrate Secretariat — the Commonwealth’s most famous thoroughbred racehorse — with an annual birthday bash this Saturday March 30 and this celebration will offer something extra special. After a year of being trailered around the country to tracks like Churchill Downs, Pimlico, Belmont, Saratoga and Virginia’s two pari-mutuel tracks — Colonial Downs and Shenandoah Downs (harness) — for fans to enjoy, sculptor Jocelyn Russell’s magnificent bronze statue of Big Red has been permanently placed at the new Reynolds Family Plaza just outside the Randolph Macon college campus grounds in Ashland. Locals and visitors can now enjoy this famous Virginia-bred 365 days a year.

A formal dedication of the “Secretariat Racing Into History” statue will take place this Saturday at 2 PM and feature guest speakers like Russell, Kate Chenery Tweedy and others, along with musical performances and a ribbon cutting. The Virginia Equine Alliance, whose mission is to sustain, promote and expand the horse breeding and horse racing industries in the Commonwealth, will be live streaming the entire ceremony via its Virginia Horse Racing YouTube and Facebook channels so fans around the country – and world — can enjoy the special occasion. Viewers can simply click here on Saturday and link directly to the festivities. 

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The 83rd Annual Piedmont Fox Hounds Point-To-Point Recap

The Piedmont Fox Hounds Point-to-Point took place on March 23rd, at the historic Salem Racecourse in Upperville, VA. The card was made up of eight races, ranging from a mile and a quarter to three and a half miles around the track. This meet is important to local fans of the sport who get to come out in the Northern Virginia area and see one of the first racing events of the year.

The spring PTP season continues at the Woodley Farm in Berryville March 30 (Blue Ridge Hunt), Ben Venue Farm in Washington, VA on April 6 (Old Dominion Hounds), Morven Park in Leesburg April 21 (Loudoun Hunt) and Glenwood Park in Middleburg April 28 (Middleburg Hunt).

Thanks to Douglas Lees for the Exceptional Photography!

VHBPA flat winner Grunion ridden by Michael Woodson
Maiden Flat winner Band Tour ridden by Manuel Aquilera
Open Flat Race Winner Scanno
Rokeby Challenge Bowl winner To Be or Not to Be along with rider Teddy Davies and the rest of the connections
Rokeby Challenge Bowl Piedmont race field led by Piedmont Huntsman on way to the post
Ladies Timber Race Winner Gaye Breeze ridden by Virginia Korrell jumping over a fence
Foxhunter Timber race winner Keys Discount ridden by Sam Cockburn
Amateur and Novice Rider Timber winner The Butler Yates nearing the finish line, ridden by Freddie Proctor
Amateur and Novice Rider Timber race winner The Butler Yates jumping over a fence ahead of 4th place finisher Post War
Suzanne Stettinius of Mint Meadows Farm congratulates Yomar Ortiz on his win in the medium pony race. Stettinius is also the trainer of the winner Blueberry.
Maiden Timber race winner Eternal Story ridden by Freddie Proctor
Junior Pony Race winner Janneydancer ridden by Yomar Ortiz

Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point Recap

The Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point took place on March 16th, at the historic Airlie Racecourse in Warrenton, VA. The card was made up of ten races, ranging from a mile and an eighth to three miles around the track. This meet is important to local fans of the sport who get to come out in the Northern Virginia area and see one of the first racing events of the year.

The spring PTP season continues at the Salem Course in Upperville March 23 (Piedmont Fox Hounds), the Woodley Farm in Berryville March 30 (Blue Ridge Hunt), the Ben Venue Farm in Ben Venue April 6 (Old Dominion Hounds), Morven Park in Leesburg April 21 (Loudoun Hunt) and Glenwood Park in Middleburg April 28 (Middleburg Hunt).

Thanks to Douglas Lees for the Exceptional Photography!

Novice Rider Flat Race winner Kenilworth King ridden by Conor Tierney
 Freddie Procter won Open Flat race on The Hero Next Door
Todd McKenna, trainer of Amateur and Novice Rider timber winner Hard Strike with trophy
Open Flat Race left to right: #4–The Hero Next Door (Freddie Procter, up) –1st; Caramelised (Jamie Bargary, up) –2nd; Ireland’s Call (Evan Dewan, up) –3rd; Boffo Kid–4th
Virginia Bred or Sired Flat race 2nd-place finishing Jockey Virginia Korrell after the race
Foxhunter Timber winner Keys Discount
Novice Rider Timber race winner Sarah Cundith on Karl Cares on way to post
3rd Division Maiden Hurdle Winner In Effect ridden by Parker Hendriks
Open Timber race left to right: Parker Hendriks who won race on Lap of the Gods; #1–Mystic Strike (Andrew Burke Ott, up)
2nd Division Maiden Hurdle race winner Giantsbane ridden by Virginia Korrell
First Division winner of Maiden hurdle race Love Saga ridden by Sean McDermott, followed by Teddy Davies on Cuppateaman
First Division winner of Maiden hurdle race Love Saga ridden by Sean McDermott
Amateur/Novice Rider Hurdle race winner Decisive Triumph ridden by Dan Nevin
Open Hurdle Winner #3 Lightning Rod ridden by Parker Hendriks

Penny Chenery: The Woman Who Saved Meadow Stable

In honor of International Womens Day we celebrate Penny Chenery and her contributions to the horse racing industry both in the Commonwealth of Viriginia and to the sport as a whole. Exceptional Horsewomen like Penny have paved the way for the modern racing industry in Virginia!

Originally posted on Americasbestracing.net.

Penny Chenery and her most famous horse, Secretariat. (Paul Schafer/BloodHorse photo)

The letters meant so much to Penny Chenery, breeder and owner of 1973 Triple Crown champion Secretariat. They were written by ambitious girls from coast to coast, telling her she served as a role model for them.

In an age when there was no emphasis on providing women with an advanced education, Chenery attended Columbia Business School. That gave her the background she needed as she turned around faltering Meadow Stable, a racing and breeding operation founded by her father, Christopher.

Chenery, who passed away in September 2017 at age 95, never forgot her father’s encouragement and how much that meant to her.

“He told me, ‘You can accomplish anything you want to, as long as you work hard and care,’ ” she remembered in a 2015 interview.

She became determined to revive Meadow Stable for reasons that involved the heart more than business. “I love horses and I loved my dad,” she said. “He was failing and my brother and sister wanted to sell the stable and I said, ‘No, not while Dad is alive.’ ”

Penny Chenery and Secretariat

Chenery and Secretariat enter the winner’s circle. (Bob Coglianese)

Chenery embraced the role of a rare female leader in business. She knew horses, having ridden since age 5, and she was prepared to make tough decisions. She fired Casey Hayes, the farm’s long-time trainer, in 1969.

After consulting with family friend and business associate Bull Hancock of Claiborne Farm, she hired Roger Laurin to replace Hayes. He helped to make the operation profitable again before leaving to train for the Phipps family. Chenery hired Roger’s father, Lucien, to succeed him.

Her wisdom and diligence paid off in a big way in 1972. Riva Ridge swept the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes while Secretariat began to fulfill his seemingly boundless potential as the champion 2-year-old.

Chenery thought highly of Secretariat from the minute he was born.

“He was a strong foal and he had an air about him. He was very self-confident,” she said. “He was the boss.”

He achieved somewhat measured victories in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness in 1973, each time holding sway by 2 1/2 lengths. Ron Turcotte, always believing a Triple Crown was well within reach, kept as much in reserve as possible for the Belmont Stakes.

And then he emptied the tank. That led to one of the most monumental performances in any sport, one Chenery remembers so vividly. Secretariat broke sharply this time; there was no hanging back the way he had in the first two legs. Sham was determined to make him run and make him run early. Sham gave everything he had – it was not nearly enough.

“He just ground Sham down,” Chenery said.

She could still hear Chic Anderson’s famous call, his voice rising with excitement. “Secretariat is widening now. He is moving like a tremendous machine!” She could still hear Lucien, always fearing the worst, saying, “Ronnie, don’t fall off.“

She could still see Secretariat, all but flying down the stretch as Turcotte peeked behind him to see the scorched competition almost fading from view.

Her pride in Secretariat was as strong in 2015 as it was when he was hailed as a Triple Crown champion. “He’s a hero without blemish,” she said. “He’s a true champion you can admire from any field.”

Chenery went on to join Martha Gerry and Allaire du Pont as the first women to be admitted as members of The Jockey Club. It was only fitting.

Note: This artice was originally published in 2015 and has been updated.


Fun Facts

  • Her father, Christopher Chenery, overcame childhood poverty to make a fortune in utilities.
  • She served as a Red Cross volunteer who traveled to France as a Doughnut Girl to boost troop morale during World War II.
  • She bred Saratoga Dew, the first New York-bred to win an Eclipse Award. Saratoga Dew was voted the top 3-year-old filly in 1992.
  • She was portrayed by Diane Lane in the 2010 motion picture “Secretariat.”
  • She received honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Va., in March 2011.

BLUE RIDGE HUNT INVITES ALL ON MARCH 30 FOR POINT-TO-POINT RACES AND FAMILY FUN

The Blue Ridge Hunt Point-to-point returns to Woodley Farm in Berryville, VA on Saturday, March 30th for its 75th running. For the first time, the event will feature NSA-sanctioned races! The two sanctioned races are sponsored by the VEA and will feature purses of $15,000.  Gates open at 10 AM and the first post is 1 PM. For tickets and more information visit BRH | Blue Ridge Hunt.

Originally Posted on Clarkeva.com, written by Rebecca Maynard

Everyone in the community is invited on Saturday, March 30 to enjoy the running of the Blue Ridge Hunt’s 75th annual point-to-point races, held at Woodley Farm.

The historic 383-acre property is located at 490 Woodley Lane, two and a half miles south of Berryville. It was originally bought by Daniel Sowers in the 1830s from George Washington’s cousin and has been used for fox hunting ever since. One of the unique things about the property is that it has one of the only point-to-point courses in Virginia that allows spectators to see the entire course at one time.

As Norm Fine notes in his history, today’s followers of the Blue Ridge hounds ride over the same hills and fields and along the same twists and turns of the Shenandoah River as did George Washington nearly 300 years ago when he followed the hounds of his employer and friend Thomas, the sixth Lord Fairfax. At 16, Washington had come to Fairfax’s Greenway Court in what is now White Post, to help survey Fairfax’s holdings. The two pursued the native gray fox behind hounds that Fairfax had sent over from England prior to his arrival.

Fine explains that fox hunting in Virginia flourished privately until the massive changes after the Civil War set the stage for the formation of organized hunts and subscription packs. The period following the war saw a number of Englishmen moving to Virginia, many of whom were fox hunters in their native England. One such Englishman, Archibald Bevan, helped to organize the Blue Ridge Hunt in 1888, and he served as its first Master.

A hundred thirty-six years later, Jeffrey LeHew, Joint Master of the Blue Ridge Hunt and chairman of the races, says that this year is a special one.

“It’s our 75th year at Woodley Farm, which is a big deal for us, and we’ve had races for all these years,” LeHew said. “We have the same things we’ve always had — a parade of fox hounds, a parade of beagles, a kids’ stick horse race, car show, and carriage parade. What we’re having this year is special, and something we’ve never had before. We’re fortunate enough to have the National Steeplechase Association sanction two of our races, and with the help of the Virginia Equine Alliance sponsorship, those two races will have purses of $15,000 each. Because of the purses, we hope they will bring in some really nice racehorses from the East Coast.”

Attendees are welcome to bring picnic lunches to enjoy on the general admission hillside, and food vendors will also be on site, along with a “vendor village” with crafters and other items for sale. There will also be an appearance by the
Easter Bunny.

“We moved our date forward two weeks to March 30, but another exciting thing is we moved it from Sunday to Saturday, and that is a big deal,” LeHew said, explaining that many people had expressed a preference for Saturday in order to be able to picnic and enjoy the day without being concerned with work or school the next day.

General admission is $30 for a carload ahead of time and $40 at the gate, and reservations can be made online at www.blueridgehunt.org or by phone at 540-931-1919. LeHew said there is a new, easy to use online ticketing option this year that allows people to view a chart and reserve parking spaces.

“We hope that many in the community will come out and that we’ll get a big crowd, even if they don’t like horse racing, because there are so many other things to do,” LeHew said.

Aidan Turnage-Barney Wants Virginia to be for Lovers of Horse Racing

Originally posted on Harnessracingupdate.com on 3/8/2024, Written by Chris Lomon.

Aidan Turnage-Barney always treasures the moment when he sees the smiles grow wider and wider.

It is a scene he has witnessed, first-hand, dozens of times, and will no doubt view countless times in the future. While reactions are nearly identical, Turnage-Barney will never grow tired of watching them unfold.

“My biggest enjoyment is having a new fan come to the track and see them really get it,” Turnage-Barney said. “Whether it’s at Colonial [Downs] or Shenandoah [Downs], taking people to the backside where they can see the horses up close, I find there is always a moment where they get it, they understand what makes our sport so great. To me, it’s the click of them understanding why we all love it so much and why we do it.”

The 24-year-old, who currently holds the reins of marketing and racing operations assistant for the Virginia Equine Alliance and field director for the VHBPA, can certainly relate.

He was once that kid; and still very much is.

“My journey at the racetrack started when I was little,” he said. “I have family down in Virginia and my uncle used to work at Colonial Downs as a host, taking people around for tours and things like that. I grew up going to the races — this is when Colonial had both thoroughbred and standardbred racing — and I loved it all.

“Growing up and going to school — I was a Recreation Management Major at Lock Haven University [in Pennsylvania] — I always loved going to the races. I made a point of trying to get to Colonial Downs every time I was in Virginia.”

Hired as an intern at VHBPA two years ago, Turnage-Barney’s unabashed enthusiasm for the sport is unmistakable.

He has already made significant contributions to the Virginia horse racing industry.

Turnage-Barney, who covers the nine-week summer thoroughbred meet at Colonial Downs, also helps in all departments at the spring and fall Shenandoah Downs harness meets in Woodstock.

“I started working as an intern for the VHBPA,” he said. “I worked for the thoroughbred horsemen’s group at Colonial Downs for that first summer. I fell in love with it right away. Getting to work on the backstretch and meeting so many people, seeing how people — grooms, hotwalkers, trainers — work so hard to get the horses ready to run. It was important for me to see that.

“After I graduated, Darrell Wood offered me the opportunity to come work as a full-time VEA employee. Being involved with the racing at Shenandoah Downs and continuing my work with Colonial, and then everything in-between in the off-season; it keeps me busy.”

All the experiences helped further his passion for the sport and its equine athletes and spurred his dedication to attract more people to the racing offerings in Virginia.

Turnage-Barney would love to see more people in his demographic coming to the racetrack.

“I never understood why it was never a bigger draw for people in my age group,” Turnage-Barney said. “When I was in college, sports wagering was always such a big thing with kids my age. I got obsessed with this idea of getting younger people to go to the races and wagering.”

He would also like to see Virginia horse people earn more recognition for what they do.

“It stuns me every day that there are these people in horse racing who spend their whole lives dedicated to this sport and their craft,” he said. “What they do is magnificent.

“To me, it’s all about spreading the awareness of what goes on in the backstretch. People don’t realize all the effort and commitment that goes into putting on great racing. I know that energy and I have been sharing that ever since.”

Turnage-Barney is also proud to share, unprompted, how he feels about his roles in racing.

What is the best part of his job?

“I tell my friends all the time that I have the best job in the world,” he said. “It’s never the same day twice. One day, I’m in Woodstock getting miniature horses ready for a special race at Shenandoah, and the next day, I am in a horsemen’s meeting.

“I get to be all over the place and see the sport from so many different viewpoints. I soak it all in and try to be the biggest benefit I can to horse racing in Virginia.”

It means a lot of time on the road and meeting a lot of people throughout the week.

“One of the things I do for both breeds is to go around to all the farms to make sure the horses are where they are supposed to be, in order for them to be eligible for our certified programs,” Turnage-Barney said. “I have days where I hop in my pickup truck and drive around Virginia to talk to the farmers and horsemen and do whatever I can do to help them and encourage them to bring more of their horses to the racetracks in our state.

“I love everything I do every day. I’m busy, but I like to be busy. The biggest challenge is that I am always moving, but it’s not a challenge because I enjoy it so much.”

Don’t expect his enthusiasm to wane.

“The thing I think is so unique about Virginia horse racing is the community we have built through all of our organizations; the fluidness between the thoroughbred and standardbred horse people,” he said. “The VEA being involved in all of it bridges all of it together and has led to great relationships with the people who play integral roles in our sport. We all come together and work as a team, to do what is best for horse racing here.”

Creating awareness and enjoyment of the sport remains a top priority for Turnage-Barney.

There is no doubt he has a knack for it.

“Every person I have been able to introduce to our sport, my hope is that we have crafted a life-long fan,” he said.

Rappahannock Hunt Point-to-Point Kicks off 2024 Racing Season in VA

The Rappahannock Hunt Point-to-Point (PTP) Race took place over the weekend, and it was an exciting event for equestrian enthusiasts and fans of steeplechase racing. The race took place on Saturday, March 2, 2024, in Boston, Virginia.

The Rappahannock Hunt is one of the oldest Point-to-Point races in Virginia, dating back to 1951 when the first races were held. The event attracts riders and horses from all over the region, and it has become a popular fixture in the local equestrian calendar.

The spring PTP season continues at the Airlie Racecourse March 16 with the Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point, followed by others at the Salem Course in Upperville March 23 (Piedmont Fox Hounds), the Woodley Farm in Berryville April 30 (Blue Ridge Hunt), the Ben Venue Farm in Ben Venue April 6 (Old Dominion Hounds), Morven Park in Leesburg April 21 (Loudoun Hunt) and Glenwood Park in Middleburg April 28 (Middleburg Hunt).

Overall, the Rappahannock Hunt Point-to-Point Race was a great success, with a lively atmosphere, and some fantastic racing action. Equestrian fans will no doubt be eagerly anticipating next year’s event, which promises to be even bigger and better than ever before.

Thanks to Douglas Lees for the Exceptional Photography!

Large Pony Race winner Bailey ridden by Tessa Tullock
Abby Taylor won the medium pony race on Spur of the Moment
Rappahannock Hunt Flag
Small Pony Race (left to right) 2nd place finisher Gilbert ridden by Pauly Aquilera, and winner Roger ridden by Abby Taylor
Maiden Flat race winner #6 Bohemian Dancer ridden by Felix Astudillo
Maiden Flat winner Bohemian Dancer in winners circle with owner/trainer Jeremy Gillam with trophy and race chairman Oliver Brown, MFH
Open Flat winner #3 Prince Khozan ridden by Manuel Aquilera
Open Timber and Foxhunter races combined winner Barrister ridden by Forrest Kelly
Forrest Kelly receiving trophy and congratulations for Open timber win on Barrister
Maiden Timber race winner #11 Pleasecallmeback ridden by Virginia Korrell
Maiden Timber winner Pleasecallmeback ridden by Virginia Korrell post-race
A close finish in the Maiden Timber race between Pleasecallmeback and Karl Cares
Maiden hurdle winner Go Take Charge, with trainer Kathy Neilson

Gray Machine Threat Poses Risks to Virginia’s Horse Racing Industry

In the last few months, the issue of Skill games in Virginia has come to a boiling point. After being deemed illegal on July 1st of this year, major players in the skill game industry have been lobbying and sending money to politicians in Virginia with the intention of bringing these machines back online. These unregulated gambling devices not only jeopardize the integrity of gaming in Virginia but also pose serious risks to economic impact of the racing industry and safety in the Commonwealth as a whole.

Key concerns regarding gray machines in Virginia:

  1. Unregulated Gambling: Gray machines operate outside the purview of existing gambling regulations, creating an environment ripe for illegal activities. This not only undermines the legal framework but also allows these gray machines to operate without either the local or statewide referendums that were previously required for all casinos and OTB’s (Off Track Betting Parlors) in the Commonwealth.
  2. Revenue Loss: The horse racing industry is a vital contributor to Virginia’s economy. The infiltration of gray machines threatens to divert potential revenue away from legitimate racing operations and the HHR machines that help fund the races in Virginia. Unlike other forms of gaming in the Commonwealth the “Skill-Games” are currently not obligated to pay any taxes and do not support any of the programs mandated with other gaming in the state (Gambling Addiction and Retired Racehorses programs). This could lead to money being taken away from everyone involved in the industry from Veterinarians, Truck Drivers, Racetrack Personal, and beyond.
  3. Potential for Criminal Activities: Unregulated gambling environments often attract criminal elements. The unchecked growth of gray machines could open the door to money laundering, fraud, and other illicit activities that can further harm the overall safety of the locations these machines would be installed in all across the Commonwealth. Furthermore, these machines lack of accountability allows children much younger than the required 21 years of age to play to have the opportunity to participate in their local gas stations. This could lead to an explosion in underage gambling in the Commonwealth.

Here are couple of Articles from local outlets that have come out recently discussing the dangers of these games.

Keep ‘gray’ machines out of Virginia (richmond.com)

Virginia: Skill game legalization hits House roadblock (richmond.com)

As stakeholders in the Virginia horse racing community, it is imperative that we join forces to address this issue promptly. Here’s how you can help:

  • Complete the form at the bottom of this email to Contact your Legislator!
  • Spread Awareness: Share this information with fellow horse racing enthusiasts, industry professionals, and anyone else dedicated to protecting the “Sport of Kings” in the Commonwealth. Increased awareness is key to fostering a united front against the threat of gray machines.
  • Advocate for Regulation: Support efforts to regulate and monitor gambling activities, urging policymakers to take decisive action to address the proliferation of gray machines.

Let us work together to safeguard the future of Horse racing in Virginia. By addressing the risks posed by gray machines, we can ensure a fair, transparent, and thriving environment for all involved. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.

Please contact your legislator here.

Montpelier Hunt Races Promotional Video with Audi of Charlottesville

Check out this promotional video done by the Montpelier Hunt Races and Audi of Charlottesville capturing their record setting year with over 19,000 in attendance during the annual Fall Steeplechase meet. The video can be viewed here.

For more of a recap of the November …. races read the article below. originally posted on Nationalsteeplechase.com and written by Tod Marks.

At Montpelier in Montpelier Station, Va.

Former Brad Cox trainee makes successful debut on the flat

Lord Donegal, a three-year-old son of Noble Mission who started three times for Eclipse Award-winning trainer Brad Cox, made his NSA debut a winning one, taking the Montpelier Foundation Cup at a mile on the dirt for his new connections.

Owned by Karl McMillan and Richard Lam and ridden by Harry Beswick, Lord Donegal, who in his previous career won a maiden special weights win at Horseshoe Indianapolis in 2022, finished three lengths ahead of QR Stables’ Noble Gem (Bernie Dalton). Both Lord Donegal and Noble Gem are trained by Neil Morris.

Following an off-the-board finish in a black type stakes at Fair Grounds, Lord Donegal was claimed out of a race at Keeneland in April by Joe Sharp. The training race at Montpelier was his first start for his new team.

Hail to the chief: Potus takes $25,000 handicap in a landslide

In a handicap for horses rated at 110 or less, Riverdee Stable’s Potus took charge after the first fence, increased his margin, and won by daylight after Straylight Racing’s Frontline Citizen lost his rider while mounting a late bid.

With Jamie Bargary riding for Jack Fisher, the five-year-old son of Lemon Drop Kid earned his first victory since breaking his maiden at the International Gold Cup Races in October 2022.

Though he controlled the pace from the outset, Potus faced a serious threat from Frontline Citizen in the stretch, who was challenging for the lead when jockey Alex Leventhal was unseated. Once that happened, Potus was able to score handily, by 11 ¼ lengths. Charlie Fenwick’s Withoutdestination (Harry Beswick) mounted a rally of his own two fences from home to finish second. William Russell’s Seismic Wave was third.

Rider-trainer McDermott wins first of two aboard Icandothat

Longtime NSA rider Sean McDermott has been turning more of his attention in the past few seasons to his training duties, but has remained active in the saddle as well, and on Saturday he piloted two winners while doing double duty.

In the $20,000 maiden claimer, McDermott broke swiftly aboard Vivian Rall’s Icandothat and was never seriously threatened, drawing off through the stretch by 9 ¾ lengths over Kiplin Hall’s Absam (Mikey Hamill), a one-time allowance winner on the turf at Saratoga. R&K Racing’s Bless Bless (Teddy Davies) was third.

The winner, a four-year-old Maryland-bred son of Divining Rod, has made nine starts this year, splitting his time between flat racing and steeplechasing. This was his first victory in 18 career outings.

Factotum opens NSA career with a victory

Celtic Venture Stable’s Factotum, a veteran flat runner at Woodbine and Penn National, made his NSA debut in a $20,000 maiden claiming hurdle and looked every bit like a seasoned warrior, digging in to hold off Hudson River Farm’s Sleight of Hand by a neck.

Trained and ridden by the father-and-son duo of Joe and Teddy Davies, the four-year-old Ontario-bred son of Blame started toward the back of the field, gained ground after the ninth fence, and had a lead into the stretch when Sleight of Hand (Tom Garner), also a recent convert to jump racing, came at him. Taco Tuesday Amigos Ice Bar, trained and ridden by Gerard Galligan, was third.

Casamo gives McDermott training-riding double

Sean McDermott was back in the winner’s circle in the fifth race with South Branch Equine’s Casamo, who made a late rush to surge past a handful of rivals in the stretch to break his maiden by 1 ¼ lengths. The Hundred Acre Field’s Samui Sunset (Mikey Hamill), who mounted a late rally of his own, was second.

Like many of McDermott’s runners, Casamo is a Maryland-bred, and the lightly raced  four-year-old son of Mosler, a stakes-placed son of War Front, improved off of a sharp second in a maiden hurdle at the Virginia Fall Races last month. That race in Middleburg was only his second effort over jumps.

Right Tempo turns the table on Say Goodbye and talented field in filly & mare stake

On paper, it was hard to look past Robocour’s Say Goodbye in the $50,000 Marion duPont Scott Memorial filly and mare stakes. The seven-year-old made her first start outside of Ireland in October in the Peapack stakes at Far Hills. Sent off as the odds-on favorite off of two wins in her previous three starts in Europe, the Gordon Elliott-trainee sat behind pacesetter Bella Coola, took a slight lead heading up the backside the final time, and battled Potter Group USA and Ashwell Stable’s Right Tempo from the final fence to the wire. It wasn’t until the pair was in deep stretch that Say Goodbye was able to edge clear, winning by 3 1/4 lengths.

But at Montpelier, Right Tempo, trained by Leslie Young and ridden by Jamie Bargary, was content to sit back in the field of four as Say Goodbye (Mikey Hamill) set the fractions for the first two miles. Right Tempo began to pick up the pace at the eighth fence and was in contention entering the stretch. Meanwhile, Say Goodbye – toting high weight of 165 pounds in the handicap, 22 more than Right Tempo – was out of gas by that time and faded to last. Irv Naylor’s Bercasa actually grabbed the lead before the final fence, but was outrun by Right Tempo, who was in front by 1 ¼ lengths at the wire.

For Right Tempo, a five-year-old French-bred, it was her first stakes score and fourth top-three finish in five stakes outings since starting her racing career in the spring.

Photo Credit Montpelier Hunt Races

Noel Laing gives Zabeel Champion back-to-back stakes wins

Coming off of a hard-fought victory in the $50,000 Appleton Stakes at Far Hills, Martin Tedham and Wasdell Properties’ Zabeel Champion proved his victory on racing’s championship day was no fluke.

The $75,000 Noel Laing drew a field of seven including three of those who finished far back in the Appleton: Bruton Street-US’ Proven Innocent, Riverdee Stable’s Gordon’s Jet, and Del Rio Racing’s Soviet Pimpernel. Also in the field were two runners exiting the Grade 1 Grand National at Far Hills: Gill Johnston’s Mortlach and Irv Naylor’s Scorpion’s Revenge.

But it was all Zabeel Champion, who started slow under Bernie Dalton, moved up to stalk leader Eye of Gunfighter after the first mile and a half, and took charge entering the stretch. Scorpion’s Revenge, under Gerard Galligan, was also in contention through the stretch but outrun by the winner. The margin of victory was 3 ¼ lengths. Proven Innocent (Jamie Bargary) was third, about two lengths behind Scorpion’s Revenge. Hall of fame conditioner Jack Fisher trained both the winner and runnerup.

January Stakes Schedule

It is a new year and that means we are that much closer to the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby. Listed below are some significant races coming up throughout January, including several Derby preps. The next opportunity to advanced wager on the Kentucky Derby will be available on January 19th and running until the 21st. All of these races and much more can be wagered in Virginia at all seven Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums in New Kent, Richmond, Hampton, Dumfries, Emporia, Collinsville & Vinton, at the VA-Horseplay OTBs inside Breakers Sports Grille in Henrico & Buckets Bar & Grill in Chesapeake, and online via four partner sites—Twinspires.comTVG.comXpressbet.com & NYRABets.com.

Graded Stakes:

1/6/2024 – San Vicente at Santa Anita (Gr. 2)

1/20/2024 – Lecomte Stakes at Fairgrounds (Gr. 3) – Derby Prep

1/27/2024 – San Pascal Stakes at Santa Anita (Gr. 2)

1/27/2024 – Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park (Gr. 3) – Derby Prep

Pegasus World Cup Weekend at Gulfstream Park:

1/27/2024 – Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park (Gr. 1)

1/27/2024 – Inside Information Stakes at Gulfstream Park (Gr. 2)

1/27/2024 – Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational (Gr. 2)

Triple Crown Dates:

Kentucky Derby: 5/4/2024

Preakness: 5/18/2024

Belmont: 6/8/2024