The VEA (Virginia Equine Alliance) recently sent out its end of year 2023 newsletter. Covering everything from the Arlington Million to Shenandoah Downs inaugural spring meet. To read more about these topics and everything else Virginia horse racing from 2023 you can view the newsletter here.

Frank Petramalo, longtime Executive Director of the Virginia HBPA, announced he will be retiring at the end of the year. He will be replaced by Glen Berman who served as Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Director and General Counsel from 2009-2016 and most recently, as head of the Florida HBPA.

Petramalo served on Virginia’s HBPA Board from 2001-2005 and took over as Executive Director in his final year. A native of Rochester, New York, he was introduced to racing at a young age betting harness races at nearby Batavia Downs. “Everyone in the neighborhood was crazy about playing races there,” he said. “I remember winning my first daily double on a 5-5 combination that paid $18 and was hooked instantly.”

Petramalo bought his first horse in 1995 from Virginia horsewoman Diana McClure and they turned it into a steeplechaser. McClure acquired the horse from Billy Turner, who was trainer of the legendary Seattle Slew. Petramalo has owned jump horses ever since.        

Highlights from Petramalo’s HBPA stint read like a history of Virginia racing. He played a lead role in many accomplishments and victories. Included in the lengthy list: Ensuring that a percent of a track’s live race signal sales are directed to horsemen, legalizing Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW) in Virginia, increasing the number of OTBs that Colonial Downs can operate from six to ten, increasing the percent of ADW handle that goes to the track and horsemen, formation of the Virginia Equine Alliance (VEA), legislating a source market fee that helps fund the VEA and enabled it to open four OTBs while Colonial Downs was shuttered, and to enact legislation that allows Historical Horse Racing (HHR) in the state — which led to the reopening of Colonial in 2019 and a new era of higher purse levels and quality racing. 

“Virginia racing had always been small on the radar screen,” said Petramalo. “The most we ever raced in New Kent was a 45-day meet in 2008 which took place over nine weeks. The HBPA got involved in some cutting edge and very interesting stuff over the past couple decades though. In 2001, the horsemen had a contract with Colonial and weren’t getting a dime on the sale of the Colonial simulcast signal. They needed horsemen’s approval to race so in 2002, we negotiated a deal and for the first time, horsemen got 50% of host fees.”

“The HBPA got involved in lobbying and was very successful. In cooperation with the track, increasing the amount of OTBs to ten was huge,” he added. “Keep in mind these were the old days and financing purses came from year-round wagering at the OTBs. We worked a partnership agreement with Colonial and from that, set up a matrix to determine the number of live race days each year. We set a daily purse goal of $200,000 a day and based on how much was in the purse account, figured out how many days we could run.” 

The formation of VEA in 2015 was key to bringing racing back to Virginia. “That was solely Debbie Easter’s idea,” said Petramalo. “We put together a horsemen’s organization after Colonial shut down and moved forward as a non-profit corporation. We developed a four-way partnership and went back to the legislature to propose that the five percent source market fee of wagers that went to Colonial should go to the VEA. It became a direct funding mechanism and has worked out great. The VEA opened up OTBs as a result which was totally unprecedented.” 

Later that year, the VEA ran a harness meet in Nelson County (south of Charlottesville) and in 2016, opened Shenandoah Downs in Woodstock which begins its ninth season of standardbred racing on April 6. In 2017, Larry Lucas, who had been Board Chairman of Youbet.com, met with Petramalo and Stephanie Nixon about his group’s desire to buy Colonial Downs. In order to move forward, they needed to get legislation in place that allowed HHR. He asked the HBPA to support the cause.  

“We worked closely with Larry’s people and lo and behold, legislation was enacted to enable HHR. We negotiated a revenue sharing agreement and the VEA’s four member groups share in the HHR revenue. Nobody expected HHR to be as lucrative as it has turned out to be.”

This year, over $4 billion will be wagered on 2,790 HHR terminals in play at seven Rosie’s Gaming Emporium locations acrosss the state. 

“We started out at purse levels of $200,000 a day and with the HHR revenue sharing agreement, were over $690,000 a day this year. We paid out $18.7 million in purses in 2023 and 75% of that came from HHR revenue. The trajectory is going forward and upwards.”

Petramalo hands the torch off to Berman on January 1 and leaves the industry in an enviable spot. “I think it’s a nice position to be in. Virginia is one of the few states where racing’s future looks pretty good as far as increasing days and purses. Glen should be a perfect fit here. Where else can you have an opportunity to do something positive versus handling damage control.”

There will be challenges to tackle in the near future, mainly in the expansion of gaming. “That is something I never expected,” said Petramalo. “When I came to Virginia you couldn’t shop on Sundays, but things change of course. The state put its foot in the water with HHR followed by sports gambling, fantasy games and casinos. There are currently four casinos being built with a fifth one coming at some point. Legislation is pending to allow grey machines to come back to the extent they will be taxed and regulated. They are a huge competitor for us. We’ll all be keeping our fingers crossed that HHR continues to sustain itself and can compete with other forms of gaming.” 

Petramalo said he will miss working with various Boards to help better the racing business. “I served under two HBPA presidents — Robin Richards and David Ross — and a number of Board members like Donna Dennehy, Jill Gordon-Moore and Susie Chatfield-Taylor who are all very good and very smart people. Same with the other HBPA Board members that have been there for a long time. It’s been a real pleasure to have worked with them. It’s a group of horsemen so you’ll always hear different opinions, but they made working there a lot of fun.”

Asked if he’ll miss being involved in racing on a day-to-day basis, Petramalo admitted that he will. “During the meet, I spend most of my time on the backstretch. The time between 6 and 10 AM on the backside is the most enjoyable part of the racing experience. There are a lot of characters working back there that make the day fun and interesting. There is great satisfaction in being able to help grooms. The people there work seven days a week and the pay is pretty low. We provided medical, dental and optical care for folks back there. Dental care was very important – we spent $45,000 last year in dental bills alone. Satisfaction comes from helping folks who could really benefit,” he added. “They are pleased as punch that you are helping them. They are very nice people. The part I won’t miss though is being away from home in New Kent for three solid months and coming home only on Sundays.”

a has managed to maintain, grow, and thrive in the modern horse-racing industry. This is possible because of the men and women who work so hard every day to continue to expand the sport. No one in the Commonwealth has been more supportive or a greater spokesperson than First Lady Suzanne Youngkin. The attached clip is a promotional piece done by the VEA (Virginia Equine Alliance) in partnership with First Lady Suzanne Youngkin. The video can be watched here.

Churchill Down (CDI) purchased Colonial Downs at the end of 2022. Part of CDI’s promise to the Commonwealth was that racing would continue and be stronger than ever in Virginia. They kept this promise by creating the Colonial Downs “Festival of Racing.” This massive card on August 12 attracted many of the biggest horses and horsemen in the nation. The event was highlighted by the Grade I Arlington Million, and Beverly D, as well as the Grade II Secretariat Stakes. But also, by the presence of Virginia Governor and First Lady, Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Youngkin. The Governor and his wife have been extremely supportive of the “Virginia Renaissance” in racing. They even hosted a party the night before the “Festival of Racing” for members of the horse racing community in Virginia, Churchill Downs Executives, and the last living connections of racehorse hero and Virginian Secretariat.

Another huge step forward for the equine industry in 2023 was the addition of the first-ever Spring Harness meet at Shenandoah Downs in Woodstock, VA. The expansion of dates and addition of a whole other meet illustrates the commitment to the equine industry in the Commonwealth and the upward trajectory of not only thoroughbreds — but also the standard-bred harness horses and all the men and women who make their livelihood from the sport of harness racing.

Horse racing in Virginia has never been in a stronger position. An industry that creates over 38,000 jobs and contributes over 1.3 billion dollars to the economy annually. With the continued partnership of CDI, the VEA, and Virginia’s first family, the future is bright. We look forward to many more years of expansion in the equine industry and to bringing more breeders, owners, and trainers into the Commonwealth. Governor Youngkin’s campaign slogan is “I think Virginia is the best place to live, work, and raise a family.” On Arlington Million Day he had one more to add to the list: “Virginia is the best place to be a horse!” 

The Virginia Thoroughbred Association’s (VTA) 2022 Virginia-Bred Two-Year-Colt Champion Gigante is back with another stakes win. Gigante was bred by Ann Backer in the Plains, VA. The colt started his racing career at Colonial Downs, breaking his maiden in the second start of his two-year old season. His stakes-winning ways began his next time out winning the Black Type Kitten Joy Stakes in September of 2022.

He began his 3-year-old season with another Black-type stakes victory in the Caesars Handicap at Horseshoe Indianapolis and did not slow down coming into Colonial for the 2023 season. He was able to cross the wire first in the Grade 2 Secretariat Stakes during Colonial’s “Festival of Racing.” Besting some of the best three-year-old horses in the world, we look forward to Gigante returning home to Virginia to continue his winning streak during his 4-year-old campaign.

Originally posted on Paulickreport.com on 11/26/2023, as an edited press release.

Virginia-bred Gigante angled out at the top of the stretch, collared Smokey Mandate inside the three-sixteenths pole, and kicked away late to win the off-the-turf $257,500 Commonwealth Turf on Sunday at Churchill Downs, closing day of the 134th Fall Meet.

The Not This Time colt won by 4½ lengths over 3-5 favorite Northern Invader, earning his fifth win from 12 career starts.

Gigante, who broke his maiden at Colonial Downs as a 2-year-old in his only other race on dirt, ran 1 1/16 miles over the fast main track in 1:44.46 to collect his fourth stakes win. Luan Machado rode the winner for the meet’s leading trainer, Steve Asmussen.

Originally carded as a Grade 3 race, the race was shifted to the main track when track officials on Friday canceled turf racing for the remainder of the meet. The race’s status will be reviewed by the American Graded Stakes Committee.

Sent off at odds of 10-1, Gigante had to check off heels as the field of eight 3-year-olds raced into the first turn, but he settled nicely in fourth just behind J. P. Race, Wild Sean, and Smokey Mandate who raced three-wide through early fractions of :23.86, :47.56, and 1:12.12. When J. P. Race began to retreat leaving the final turn, Gigante spurted three-wide into contention and proved best down the lane.

“He’s a very nice horse and Steve Asmussen and his team did a great job getting him prepared for this race,” Machado said. “I sat a beautiful trip behind the pace and he came with his closing kick down the lane. Every time I asked him, he dug in.”

Previously, Gigante won the Kitten’s Joy at Colonial Downs at age 2 and prevailed in this year’s Caesars Handicap at Horseshoe Indianapolis in May at odds of 33-1 and Secretariat (G2) at Colonial Downs in August at 22-1 odds.

“He’s a beautiful Virginia-bred and it was great to see him dominate versus open company today,” Asmussen said. “I thought Luan gave him a great ride today. We’re very fortunate to be in the position we’re in with horses like him.”

Gigante returned $22.06 as the fourth betting choice. Northern Invader got up by a head for second, and Smokey Mandate was third in the eight-horse field.

Winters Lion, Lincoln Highway, Wild Sean, Worthington, and J. P. Race completed the order of finish. Anglophile, Runaway Storm, Ohana Honor, Irish Aces, Bal a Kazoo, Santorini, and Clyde’s Get a Gun were scratched.

Gigante netted $150,350 for owners Iapetus Racing and Diamond T Racing and boasts career earnings of $915,475.

Gigante is out of the Empire Maker mare Summertime Green and was bred by Ann Mudge Backer and Smitten Farm. Taylor Made Sales Agency sent bay colt through the auction ring at the 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, where he was bought by Andrew Dean for $120,000.

Originally posted on Fauquiernow.com on 10/28/23.

B.G. “Bob” Sowder of Catlett, VA, passed away on October 14, 2023.

One of eleven children, he was born December 4, 1937, in Weirwood, WV, to William Ernest and Goldie Pearl (Settle) Sowder. He is survived by his wife, Janet, of 62 years, son, Andrew Sowder, daughter-in-law, Dean Foster, and grandchildren, Anna Charlize, Lucas James, and Laurel Legare Sowder, all of Mount Pleasant, SC. Bob is also survived by his sister, Rosann Culley, brothers, James and Charles, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his son, Mark Sowder, and by his parents, sisters, Lorraine, Evelyn, Betty, Bonnie Sue, and Geneva, and brothers, Harold and Sherman.

Bob Sowder left his childhood home among the coal fields of West Virginia before completing high school to find work and opportunity in the Northeast. He later settled in the Washington, D.C., region where he would meet his lifelong companion, Janet, and go to work for Eastern Airlines on the ramp and later as a ground agent at National and Dulles International Airports.

Working evenings, he received his high school equivalency diploma (GED) and changed his vocation to real estate, which would become his passion for the rest of his life. Rising quickly from real estate agent to broker, Bob would go on to establish many real estate firms and land development companies throughout his five-decade career. In 1997, Bob Sowder was named the Fauquier Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year.

Bob enjoyed raising and racing thoroughbred horses. While he celebrated the “wins, places, and shows” of his horses over the years, he was particularly proud watching his filly win the 2012 Maryland Million Ladies Race at Laurel Park, MD.

Education was always important to Bob given his own limited options growing up in rural West Virginia. And when the opportunity arose, he did not hesitate to offer “The Barn” and 2.5 acres of land on his Corral Farm property just south of Warrenton on Route 29 – along with renovation funds – to start the Fauquier campus of the Laurel Ridge Community College (formerly Lord Fairfax Community College). His service to the Virginia community college community continued with additional donations, an endowed scholarship for students, and an emergency student fund. Bob has been affectionately recognized as the “grandfather” of the Fauquier campus, and the library bears his name and a plaque dedicated to the memory of his mother, Goldie Pearl.

The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to all his friends and caregivers during his extended illness. Special appreciation goes out to the personnel of Manassas Home Instead, to the nurses and staff of Warrenton Heartland Hospice, and to the staff of the Blue Ridge Christian Home in Bealeton, VA, for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Bob’s memory to the Laurel Ridge Community College “Building the Future Fund” for career and technical education, including the skilled trades. Checks payable to the Laurel Ridge Foundation can be sent to 173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown, VA 22645. Online donations can be made at http://laurelridge.edu/donatenow.

A Celebration of Life is planned for early Spring 2024.

Online condolences may be expressed at moserfuneralhome.com.

Colonial Down’s alumni Nobals was back in style over the weekend at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. Winning the Breeder’s Cup Turf Sprint in his first start back after taking the $150,000 Black type Da Hoss stakes over the summer in New Kent, VA.

Originally Posted on Paulickreport.com on 11/4,

Patricia’s Hope LLC’s Nobals parlayed a ground-saving trip into a diminishing neck victory over Big Invasion in the 16th running of the $1-million Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) on Saturday afternoon at Santa Anita.

Trained by Larry Rivelli and ridden by Gerardo Corrales, Nobals covered the five furlongs over a firm turf course in :55.15. It is the first Breeders’ Cup victory for Rivelli and Corrales.

European raider Live In The Dream (IRE) shot to the front and opened a daylight advantage through an opening quarter-mile in :21.15 while Corrales had Nobals racing on the inside.

Live In The Dream took his advantage into the stretch, where he shook off a challenge from defending champion Caravel and Arzak but left room to his inside where Nobals slipped through at mid-stretch to take command.

Nobals opened enough of a cushion to hold off Big Invasion, who had followed him along the inside into the stretch and a fast-closing Aesop’s Fables (IRE), who was another half-length back in third with Live In The Dream and Motorious completing the top five. Caravel finished 10th.

Nobals is a 4-year-old Noble Mission (GB) gelding. Bred in Kentucky by Dr. John A. Chandler, he is out of the Empire Maker mare Pearly Blue.

The victory was worth $520,000 and increased Nobals’ lifetime earnings to $1,453,274 with a record of 18-10-3-0.

Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint Quotes:

Winning trainer Larry Rivelli, Nobals – “Absolutely not (how I drew it up). Stuff happens in these types of races and I think the jock made the difference today. He rode the horse perfect and stayed inside and the gap came and he was gone. This is it. I’m a third-generation trainer and we’ve been doing this forever. I’m happy for the connections — Vince Foglia, my buddy — and all my owners and friends and staff and family… it’s nice.”

Winning jockey Geraldo Corrales, Nobals – “We had a real nice trip. I had a lot of horse and when the rail opened up, my horse was ready to go. He was the best horse today.”

Virginia Certified Wolfie’s Dynaghost wins first graded stakes race at Woodbine. The five-year-old gelding was certified at Rene & Lauren Woolcott’s Woodslane Farm in Middleburg, VA. Wolfie’s Dynaghost is a Colonial Downs alumni, having won the 2022 Bert Allen Stakes in New Kent, VA.

Originally posted on Paulickreport.com on 11/5, Written by Chis Lomon/ Woodbine Communications.

Wolfie’s Dynaghost, a 5-year-old son of Ghostzapper, put on a front-running tour de force to win Sunday’s $175,000 Autumn Stakes (G2) at Woodbine.

Trained by Jonathan Thomas for owner-breeder Woodslane Farm, the gelding arrived at the 1 1/16-mile main track race for 3-year-olds and up off a third in the Durham Cup (G3) at the Toronto oval on October 7.

Supplemented to the Autumn, multiple graded stakes placed Wolfie’s Dynaghost earned his first graded triumph courtesy of a flawless performance on a cloudy gray afternoon at Woodbine.

Sent on his way at 7-2 in the compact field of six, the bay, with leading rider Kazushi Kimura aboard, was engaged by multiple graded stakes victor War Bomber (IRE) and Win for the Money in the run to the first turn.

Wolfie’s Dynaghost was a half-length clear of War Bomber through an opening panel timed in :24.71, followed by Win for the Money, 3-5 choice Tyson, Artie’s Storm, and Luckman.

In front by a length through a half in :48.44, Wolfie’s Dynaghost, making his third appearance at Woodbine, remained unfettered on the front end in the leadup to the final turn, with little change in positioning throughout the field. Coming off the turn for home, Wolfie’s Dynaghost, still running comfortably on the lead, began to pull away from his pursuers and held a 2½-length advantage at the stretch call.

From there, the only thing left to decide was second place, as Win for the Money and 40-1 Luckman dueled for the runner-up spot, with the former three-quarters of a length clear of his rival at the wire.

The final time for Wolfie’s Dynaghost’s 4½-length victory was 1:42.52.

“I felt like he had a nice, high cruising pace, and I just kept him steady and just kept it going from the beginning,” said Kimura. “He was really relaxed on the backstretch and just took off from the three-eighths. It was a magnificent race.”

It was the ninth lifetime win, accompanied by a pair of seconds and five thirds from 24 starts for the Kentucky-bred, whose travels have taken him to Florida, New York, Kentucky, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

Wolfie’s Dynaghost, whose dam is the Dynaformer mare Dynaire, returned $9.70 for the win.

(WOODSTOCK, VA — 10/30/2023) — Pam Wagner’s Petes For Real completed a sweep of his Virginia Breeder’s divisional championship series with a big win in Sunday’s $85,025 2-Year-Old Colt & Gelding Pace, one of eight title races for freshman and sophomore pacers and trotters of both sexes that were on the card. Those eight carried total purse money of $702,000 and combined with a four pack of $20,000 Aged Breeder’s races and a pair of $10,000 Opens, a total of $802,200 was distributed Sunday making it the richest card in Virginia harness racing history. 

The 2-year-old Rusty’s For Real colt won both his $8,000 preps on back-to-back weeks in 1:59 1/5 and 1:59 4/5, then powered home to a 1:56 4/5 finishing time in the finale. Driver Fern Paquet Jr. was in the sulky in all three legs for trainer John Wagner, who had three wins total on Championship Day. Petes For Real sat second in the final behind Tracy Bradshaw’s Bgoing Away until mid-stretch then surged past late to win by a comfortable 2-3/4 length cushion. Bgoing Away finished second while Pam Wagner & Scott Woogen’s K J Real Deal was third. 

Anne McDonald’s Sweet Pirategirl captured the $90,100 freshman female counterpart going wire-to-wire with trainer Mark Gray aboard in 1:59/1. The Sweet Lou filly, who finished second in her lone prep, crossed two lengths better than Pam Wagner’s Covid For Real in gaining her first lifetime win. Caviart Farms’ Caviart Sanibel was third. 

Jane Dunavant’s Rip Away kicked off the afternoon festivities by connecting in the $92,400 2-Year-Old Filly Trot with her Dusty Winner homebred filly. The Carlo Poliseno trainee broke at the start of her second prep a week ago and came up a nose shy at the wire but that wasn’t the case Sunday. After breaking before the quarter pole in the final, she rebounded quickly and regained the lead after previous leader Divoc broke stride near the half. Rip Away went on to win by three lengths in 2:02 3/5 with Cody Poliseno in the bike. Nanticoke Racing Inc. and Delbert Cain’s Platinum Proposal finished second and Arthur Hauser’s Ida Muscles was third.      

Pam Wagner and Scott Woogen’s K J Dash continued a stellar young racing career with a close win over Debbie Warnick’s Royal Beep Beep in the $87,875 2-Year-Old Colt/Gelding Trot. Interestingly, the Lockkeeper gelding did not win either of his prep races after breaking stride in both. On Sunday with Corey Braden in the sulky, K J Dash stayed flat throughout but trotted sixth at the half — nearly ten lengths behind Royal Beep Beep — then came outside to begin making up distance but was still fourth at the third marker trailing by 5-3/4 lengths. In the final straightaway, Braden had his trotter positioned second and he pushed forward to nip Royal Beep Beep by less than a length in 1:59 4/5. Pam Wagner’s Gerald A Keeper took third. The winner’s bankroll now stands at $157,809 from seven wins in ten career starts. 

Driver Victor Kirby Collects Career Victory Number 5,000 in Final Breeder’s Race

In three-year-old finals action, driver Victor Kirby collected career win number 5,000 when he piloted Pam Wagner’s K J Todd to victory in the $85,600 Colt/Gelding Trot. Sent off at 10-1, the Trixton gelding had to make up a deficit of 18-1/2 lengths in the second half of the race but after passing Tyler Shehan’s Cantab Speed and Scott Woogen’s KJ Devil in deep stretch, prevailed by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:59 3/5. The other pair finished second and third respectively. The win was trainer John Wagner’s third in Breeder’s action for the afternoon. Kirby initially came to Woodstock Sunday with plans to make one drive — in the second race aboard his trainee Ronnie Ridge. He ended up taking over five of John Wagner’s drives as well including the finale’s board K J Todd. Wagner was involved in a spill the day prior and even though he was at the track Sunday, was unable to drive.    

In the $84,000 filly counterpart, Caviart Gwen took over the lead from Graham Grace Stables’ Quarantine Crisis at the quarter and never looked back, winning by 5-1/2 lengths in 1:59 2/5. Trainer Philip Scott Sonsteby earned his first win in the U.S. with Caviart Gwen in her September 30 prep where she dominated by ten lengths. Sent off again Sunday at odds of 1-9, she did not disappoint in boosting her impressive lifetime bankroll to $258,497. Jane Dunavant and Thomas Davis’s Starlight Lounge was second and Quarantine Crisis finished third.

Charles Myers’ Hillbillypacinhill saved the best of his three Woodstock appearances for last by outdueling an eight horse field of 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers in the $89,800 divisional final. The Racing Hill gelding went coast-to-coast in 1:53 3/5, just two-fifths of a second off his lifetime best. Reinsman Lucas Myers authored quarter fractions of :27.0, :56 3/5 and 1:24 4/5 before sailing across the wire three lengths ahead of Jimmy Viars’s Miraclepowerfull — last year’s 2-year-old champ in this division. Myers’ consistent pacer has finished first, second or third in 11 straight races and in 16 of his last 17. Lawrence & Derrick Cooper’s Caviart Stoney finished third.

Hickory View Farm’s Caviart Leeloo led initially in the $87,400 3-Year-Old Filly Pace, surrendered the top spot to Pam Wagner’s Lloyd’s Loves in the second turn and didn’t regain the lead until just before the finish. The Downbytheseaside filly caught Lloyd’s Loves just in time and ended up three-quarters of a length the best in a lifetime mark of 1:55 2/5. David Ward drove for trainer Tom Blankenship. Pam Wagner’s Morgans All In finished third.

Champions Day marked the end of Shenandoah Downs’ fall season. Combined with its first ever spring meet earlier this year, the Woodstock oval offered 28 pari-mutuel race dates over a 14-week period evenly split between spring and fall. A 7-week spring campaign is planned for 2024 pending Virginia Racing Commission approval. The meet would run from April 6 – May 19 with racing every Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Racing applications will be available at shenandoahdowns.com beginning February 1.       

                                                                          -30-

Origionally posted on Nationalsteeplechase.com on 10/31/2023, written by Tod Marks

On a day that felt more like August at Colonial Downs in nearby New Kent, Va., rather than The Plains in late October, Bruton Street-US’ Snap Decision captured the G2 $75,000 David L. “Zeke” Ferguson hurdle stakes while Dolly Fisher’s Schoodic scored in the $75,000 International Gold Cup timber stakes.

The day was nothing short of a tour de force for Hall Of Fame trainer Jack Fisher and jockey Graham Watters, who not only combined for victory in the two stakes, but captured two other races on the eight-race card. Watters additionally finished second three times and third once, propelling him to a tie in the NSA standings for leading rider with Harry Beswick, who had one winner on Saturday. Both are knotted at 16 victories.

Snap, crackle, and plenty of pop

Flashing the form that made him an electrifying force in the steeplechase world starting in 2019, the nine-year-old Phipps-bred dueled Upland Flats Racing and John Lewis’ West Newton throughout the 2 1/8 Ferguson. The two raced as a pair for most of the going, separated from the rest of the field. Snap Decision finally putting away his gutsy challenger after the final fence. The margin of victory for Snap Decision, who carried 20 pounds more than West Newton under the race’s handicap conditions, was 3 lengths. Riverdee Stables and Ten Strike Racing’s Awakened, a Grade 1 winner at Saratoga last summer, was third. Snap Decision’s victory came a week after he was pulled up in the Grand National at Far Hills over a soft course that wasn’t to his liking.

The victory — his 15th — was also a milestone in Snap Decision’s magnificent 42-race career, which began on the flat under the tutelage of Hall of Fame conditioner Shug McGaughey in 2016. It put the grand gelding over the $1 million-mark in total earnings.

Watters’ other triumphs came aboard Bruton Street’s Neotropic, also trained by Fisher, and Maranto Manor’s Auction Kingdom, for trainer Neil Morris. Fisher’s other score came with Northwoods Stable’s Look North.

Ageless Schoodic adds to his incredible resume

At age 13, Schoodic has racked up a list of career accomplishments that would be the envy of just about any race horse.

After three innocuous starts on the flat as a 2-year-old in 2012, and a couple more in his 3-year-old season, the son of Tiznow switched to jumps and became a phenom from his first outing, in the prestigious Gladstone stakes at Far Hills.

Since then he has made 46 trips to the post, winning 14 more times, and finishing second or third in 17 others. His victory in the $75,000 International Gold Cup at 3 1/2 miles on Saturday was his 10th stakes score over both timber and hurdles. His earnings to date: $571,606.

Only four went postward in the Gold Cup: The Hundred Acre Field’s Cracker Factory, a stakes winner himself; Boudinot Farms’ Elusive Exclusive, who was caught near the wire by Cracker Factory in the Brown Advisory timber stakes at Shawan; and Irv Naylor’s Stooshie, a maiden and allowance winner looking for his first stakes score.

Elusive Exclusive took the lead under Freddie Procter and held it under a leisurely pace for three miles, until Schoodic, the odds-on favorite, took command on the final turn and extended his advantage to 6 1/4 lengths as Watters celebrated nearing the wire.

Cracker Factory put in a late charge under Jamie Bargary to be clearly second best, nine lengths ahead of Elusive Exclusive.

Bred and originally owned by Edie Dixon, and trained by Michael Matz on the flat, Jack Fisher took over conditioning duties at the start of his NSA career. When Schoodic ended his long hurdle career and switched to timber, Dolly Fisher became the owner.

Imperial Assassin is top gun in $30,000 maiden opener

Armata Stable’s Imperial Assassin, who began his career this year and had three thirds in his first four starts, found the winner’s circle in the first division of the Virginia Equine Alliance maiden special weights hurdle.

Settling in mid-pack in the field of seven for most of the 2 1/8 miles, the five-year-old Irish-bred, ridden by Parker Hendriks and trained by Kathy Neilson, took aim at the leader, Teresa Haupt and Carl Doran’s Boffo Kid (with Bernie Dalton) on the final turn, and led a charge over the final fence in a thrilling race to the wire.

Bruton Street-US’ Quick Master (Graham Watters), a four-year-old son of Hard Spun making his second start over jumps, also launched his bid on the final turn, dueling Imperial Assassin and R. Larry Johnson’s Mr Jefferson over the last hurdle and hanging in gamely to the finish. The margin of victory was three-quarters of a length. Alexander Fulton’s Reassured (Jamie Bargary), who was shuffled back on the far turn, reasserted himself to finish third, four lengths behind Quick Master.

Look North looks great in $30,000 maiden score

The second division of the Virginia Equine Alliance maiden special weights hurdle was almost a carbon copy of the first.

Northwood Stable’s Look North began his career in the spring and had made four starts coming into Saturday’s International Gold Cup Races. And just like Imperial Assassin in the opener, Look North was an impressive first-time winner.

With Jamie Bargary riding for Jack Fisher, the four-year-old Maryland-bred son of Lookin At Lucky led from the start, was never headed, and drew off through the stretch to score by 5 lengths over Hard Game’s High Deff (Gerard Galligan). Kincraig Stables’ In Effect, making his second NSA start, was third.

Seven years later, veteran Mercoeur repeats in $30,000 Steeplethon Stakes

Making his seventh start at Great Meadow since 2016, Ballybristol Farm’s Mercoeur captured his second Steeplethon, blowing by pacesetter Salamanca School coming out of Swan Lake and never looking back.

The Steeplethon is a unique race in which competitors navigate mixed obstacles — including hurdles, natural brush fences, and water. Contested at 3 miles, Fat Chance Farm’s Salamanca School and Freddie Procter seized the lead at the start and held it for the first mile and a half or so, with the 12-year-old gray French-bred his constant shadow. As the field of six headed to the water, Salamanca School continued to show the way with Mercouer and Harry Beswick to his outside, and Sheila Fisher and Northwoods Stable’s Storm Team sitting in third.

Mercoeur maintained his advantage and was never seriously threatened. Storm Team, who made a strong bid two fences out, overtook Salamanca School on the final turn, but was outkicked in the stretch.

The victory was the seventh in Mercoeur’s long career, which began in Europe in 2014. He’s finished in the money 33 times in his 48-race career. He also boasts a stakes win over hurdles, taking the Noel Laing at Montpelier in 2017. He captured the Steeplethon at Great Meadow in 2016.

Neotropic flashes winning form, romps in allowance

Snap Decision wasn’t the only star of the day for Bruton Street-US. Neotropic, who garnered attention since his NSA debut a year ago, found the winner’s circle for the first time since breaking his maiden at Charleston last November, with a powerful 6 3/4-length score in a $35,000 non-winners of two allowance hurdle.

With Graham Watters riding for Jack Fisher, the five-year-old son of Tapit snatched the lead after the second fence, had a clear lead after the final hurdle, and extended his advantage through the stretch. Gill Johnston’s Pure Courage, with Elizabeth Scully, put in a spirited rally in the stretch to finish second. Greg Hawkins’ Kiyomori, stepping up after a maiden victory at Virginia Fall two weeks ago, gained steadily for third.

Following Neotropic’s win at Charleston, he was a close second to highly regarded The Hero Next Door in allowance company at the Middleburg Spring Races last May, in which he finished ahead of subsequent Grade 1 winner Awakened. In his next start, he was uncharacteristically dull when finishing off the board at Shawan Downs in September.

He’ll Do does it again

Sanna Neilson and John Huganir’s He’ll Do won for the third time in his last four outings, getting up in the final strides to edge Gill Johnston’s Ping Pong Champ by a length in a $30,000 115 ratings handicap.

With Parker Hendriks in the saddle, the seven-year-old Florida-bred, who is also trained by the jockey, passed the $100,000 career earnings mark.

Content to sit fourth in the field of five for the first mile and a half, Hendriks roused his mount heading toward the last fence. Going over the last, He’ll Do was still in second to favored Ping Pong Champ (Graham Watters), as the duo dug in for the stretch run. But He’ll Do had the momentum to win going away. Bruton Street-US’ South Mountain was far back in third.

After capturing a 110 handicap at Foxfield last fall, He’ll Do scored in a 115 handicap a few weeks later at Montpelier. He was uncharacteristically dull in a 120 handicap at Foxfield earlier this month, a race in which he never got untracked.

Auction Kingdom takes $20,000 maiden claiming finale, ends Watters’ day with an exclamation mark

Making his fourth start over jumps, and his first outside of the maiden special weights ranks, Maranto Manor’s Auction Kingdom completed Graham Watters’ riding grand slam.

Advancing steadily from ninth to first, Auction Kingdom, benefitted from a less-than-perfect jump at the final fence by Louisa Stevenson and Achsah O’Donovan’s pacesetter Greylover and jockey Jamie Bargary. Though the pair locked horns through the stretch, Auction Kingdom outfinished his foe by three-quarters of a length. Sawbuck Racing’s Bellamine Hall was third.

The four-year-old son of Animal Kingdom, trained by Neil Morris, began his second career over the summer at Colonial Downs, following a 16-race campaign on the flat, mostly at Laurel. He has two seconds in his brief NSA tenure to go along with his victory on Saturday.

NEW KENT, Va. (10/31/2023) – Eleven horses who raced at Colonial Downs, led by Fev Rover and Gina Romantica, the 1-2 finishers G1 Beverly D. on August 12, are among the 167 runners entered for the Breeders’ Cup World Championships to be run at Santa Anita Park on Friday, November 3 and Saturday, November 4.

The Mark Casse-trained Fev Rover a 3½-length victress in the Beverly D. has been installed at odds of 8-1 in the G1 $2,000,000 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf while Gina Romantica, from the barn of Chad Brown, runs in the G1 $2,000,000 Breeders’ Cup Mile with a morning line of 12-1. The Argentina-bred Didia, winner of the 2022 Old Nelson Stakes also goes in the Filly & Mare Turf for trainer Ignacio Correas IV. Both the Filly & Mare Turf and Mile are part of Saturday’s program which gets underway at 1:10 p.m. with the first Breeders’ Cup race slated for 2:30 p.m.

Also on Saturday, Brown has Adhamo slated to go in the G1 $4,000,000 Breeders’ Cup Turf. The Irish-bred finished third in G1 Arlington Million which was raced in Virginia for the first time on August 12.

Da Hoss Stakes winner Nobals, trained by Larry Rivelli, carries the Colonial flag into the G1 $1,000,000 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, the eighth of the nine Championship races on Saturday. Calumet Farm’s Gear Jockey, who finished sixth in the Van Clief Stakes also runs in the Turf Sprint.

Friday spotlights the “Future Stars” of racing with a strong contingent of Colonial Downs runners starting at 2:30 p.m. The first Breeders’ Cup race is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. and kicks off the five Championship races for the best two-year olds in the world.  

The 2023 Rosie’s Stakes winner, No Nay Mets, trained by George Weaver, returns to action in the G1 $1,000,000 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. Trainer Kelsey Danner has Shards, who broke her maiden here on September 7, entered as well. In 2019, the inaugural Rosie’s winner, Four Wheel Drive, went on to capture the Juvenile Turf Sprint also at Santa Anita.

Additionally on Friday, Kitten’s Joy Stakes winner, the Graham Motion-trained Tok Tok, and a pair of maiden winners for trainer Arnaud Delacour in Air Recruit and Fulmineo, are among the 14 runners in the G1 $1,000,000 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf.

Wagering for both days of Breeders’ Cup action begins Friday and will be offered throughout Virginia at Colonial Downs in New Kent, all Rosie’s Gaming locations – Richmond, Hampton, Vinton, Collinsville, Dumfries and our newest location in Emporia – and VA-Horseplay locations at Breakers Sports Grill in Henrico and Buckets Bar & Grill in Chesapeake. If you can’t make it to one of our off-site wagering locations, betting is available online at www.twinspires.com. For more information visit www.colonialdowns.com.

About Colonial Downs
Colonial Downs Racetrack, in New Kent, Virginia, hosts live thoroughbred racing on two nationally renowned surfaces – the Secretariat Turf Course, the widest turf course in North America at 180 feet wide and on a 1 1/4-mile dirt track, second in length to only the world-famous Belmont Park. The Colonial Downs Group, which is owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN), also operates Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums ® in Richmond, Hampton, New Kent, Vinton, Emporia and Dumfries which offer innovative historic horseracing (HHR) gaming technology and full card simulcasting as well as Rosie’s Game Room in Collinsville, which features a limited selection of some of their best HHR titles plus full card simulcasting.

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