The Powhatan Plantation in King George, Virginia is not unique in the fact that they have horses enrolled in the Virginia Certified program, it is unique because it is one of the only farms in the Commonwealth that is involved in raising both standardbred and thoroughbred race horses. 

The facility was initially constructed in 1829 by Edward Thorton Tayloe and was a major agricultural centre trading with English ships coming in on the Rappahannock River. The current operation was started by present owner Achille Guest’s father Raymond Guest, after he purchased the facility in 1952. 

Raymond bred and raised thoroughbreds, some of which were well renowned race horses, not just here in the States, but overseas in Ireland, France, and England as well. Raymond was the United States Ambassador to Ireland from 1965 – 1968, He was always passionate about horses. He played polo,  hunted, and rode; he was a true horseman. He is one of only three owners to win both the Epsom Derby and the Grand National. Some of his most iconic horses included Sir Ivor, the winner of the 1968, 2000 Guineas Derby in New Market, and Larkspur, winner of the 1962 Epsom Derby. 

He was voted in as President of the Viriginia Thoroughbred Association in 1958. His most accomplished horse in the States was Tom Rolfe, the winner of the 1965 Preakness Stakes whose accomplishments led him to win American Champion 3-year-old Male Horse honors. Guest also dabbled in steeplechasers, the most impressive of which was I’Escargot a U.S. Racing Hall of Fame member who was awarded 1969 U.S. Steeplechase Horse of the Year. After receiving the award, he shipped across the Atlantic to England where he won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in back-to-back years (1970-1971). There is a history of greatness at the Powhatan Plantation. 

The farm started with Polo horses, Raymond played Polo and began keeping the horses on the property in the off-season. Typically, the horses played a summer season in New York and then returned to Virginia to rest for the off-season before returning to Florida for the Winter. To this day they continue to house polo horses in the off-season.

When the Virginia Certified program started, Raymond’s son Achille was seeking to diversify the cattle business that dominated his interests. In 2019,  they brought in their first bunch of standardbred race horses, these horses were owned by Virginia Harness Horse Association President Dr. Scott Woogen. He remains the primary owner of the standardbreds on the property. The farm is currently on their fifth group of standardbreds. 

Farm Manager Gena Nelson has been at Powhatan since 2018 when the farm was focused on cattle. She delighted in the arrival of the horses and said“ I’ve always loved racehorses and thoroughbreds; I love polo horses as well. But working with the standardbreds is a little different. They are some really smart, intelligent, and levelheaded horses. So, a lot of times they’re not handled as much as the thoroughbreds are, but they seem to settle in quicker once they understand.” She knows the difference in the breeds is significant but is comfortable managing both. “The one thing about taking care of animals is that they can’t tell you what they need. And if there’s one gift that I’ve been given, it’s the sense of just understanding, okay, they need this or they want that, or this is what’s necessary. And that’s just not something that I necessarily have been taught. It’s just something that I’ve learned with experience.”

The first group of thoroughbred race horses showed up to Powahattan last December, the first group consisted of 4 colts and 3 fillies. Unlike the standardbreds who usually arrive as two-year olds, the thoroughbreds were primarily yearlings. With the farm’s rich history Achille has always wanted to return to the thoroughbred roots of the farm and continue his father’s legacy. 

Some of the standardbreds they helped develop can be found racing for Sharon Robert’s local farm in Maryland, or right here in Virginia where Dr. Scott Woogen races his horses from Powhatan every Saturday and Sunday during the Spring and Fall at Shenandoah Downs. 

When asked about his experience with Powhatan, Dr. Woogen said “I like it because they have 1000 acres, good pastures, good fences, and good people working with the horses. They handle them so, when it’s time to be broken, they are ready.” Dr. Woogen also noted that KJ Dash, the 2-year-old Maryland Champion who has won over $100,000 for him this year, was trained and broken at Powhatan Plantation last year.

Originally posted on Nationalsteeplechase.com on October 19, Written by Tod Marks

At the Virginia Fall Races in Middleburg, the rain stopped long enough to complete the entire eight-race card, highlighted by the return of veteran timber star Schoodic in the $50,000 National Sporting Library & Museum Cup at 3 ¼ miles. In a fight to the finish, Dolly Fisher’s 13-year-old son of Tiznow fought off recent stakes winner and defending Cup winner Cracker Factory, to win by 1 ¾ lengths.

With the victory, Schoodic, ridden by Graham Watters for trainer Jack Fisher, went over the half-million-dollar mark in earnings in a remarkable 51-race career that began in 2012.

On the sidelines for 17 months, Schoodic returned to the races two weeks ago at Shawan Downs to finish a hard charging second, in a timber allowance. The gelding has been a model of consistency, not only winning multiple stakes over hurdles and timber, but finishing in the top three 32 times, including in Grade 1 competition.

Here’s how the rest of the card played out:

Press Pause goes fast forward in maiden hurdle

Rolling Tide’s Press Pause, a French-bred five-year-old, led from start to finish in the $30,000 Theodora A. Randolph Cup maiden hurdle at 2 1/8 miles, the distance of all of the hurdle races at Glenwood Park.

Trained by Doug Fout for owner Allie Lawaetz, Press Pause, under Harry Beswick, broke swiftly in the nine-horse field, and extended his lead at every call, drawing off easily by 16 lengths at the wire. The win came in Press Pause’s fifth career start. He began his career at the Carolina Cup Races in April and finished in the top three in four of his five outings. Northwood Stable’s Look North (Graham Watters) was second. Armata Stable’s Imperial Assassin was third.

Kiyomori comes from behind to break maiden in exciting finish

Greg Hawkins’ NY-bred four-year-old gave leading 2023 rider Harry Beswick back-to-back wins. The race began with Kiyomori stalking the pacesetter, Gary Barber’s Finding Freedom, in the $30,000 Virginia Equine Alliance maiden hurdle.

The gelding, in the hands of new trainer Todd Wyatt, fell back to fifth, then launched his bid heading toward the final fence. Kiyomori still trailed Michael Smith’s Foxy Walk (Mikey Hamill), who raced close to the lead throughout, and South Branch Equine’s I Can Only Imagine (Jamie Bargary), as the last hurdle loomed. Turning into the stretch after the long downhill run, Kiyomori narrowed the gap and closed with a flourish to get up at the wire by three-quarters of a length. Foxy Walk was second in his career debut, with I Can Only Imagine, third.

Eye of Gunfighter gives Larry Smith milestone win

Trainer Larry Smith earned his 300th career victory – on the flat and over jumps – when Hickory Made Stables and Celtic Venture Stable’s Eye of Gunfighter captured the $30,000 Magalen O. Bryant ratings handicap.

With Gerard Galligan aboard, the six-year-old Pennsylvania-bred tracked the leader, Flying Elvis Stable’s Vincent Van Gogo, in second the first time around the course, took charge on the final lap, and held off Bruton Street-US’ South Mountain (Jamie Bargary) by 1 3/4 lengths. Gill Johnston’s Ping Pong Champ (Graham Watters) was third.

The victory was the second in a row for Eye of Gunfighter, who took a maiden claimer at Foxfield on Oct. 1.

“General” takes no prisoners in $20,000 maiden starter hurdle

Making his first start over jumps after 11 tries (and three victories) on the flat, Sycamore Run Farm’s Union Gen. George made his move the second time around the course under Parker Hendriks, took the lead in a cavalry charge over the final fence, and was in an all-out drive to score by a neck over Maranto Manor’s Auction Kingdom in a race for runners who had previously started for a claiming tag of $20,000 or less.

Kathy Neilson trained the winner, a five-year-old son on Union Rags. The second and third-place finishers are also newcomers to steeplechase racing. Auction Kingdom, a son of Animal Kingdom trained by Neil Morris and ridden by Graham Watters, began his career over the summer at Colonial Downs. He finished two lengths ahead of South Branch Equine’s Casamo, who made his NSA debut at Shawan Downs two weeks ago.

Sheppard-bred Lap of the Gods gives Hendriks his first training victory

On a week that a memorial was held in honor of training legend Jonathan Sheppard, a horse that the late Hall of Fame conditioner bred made his first trip to the winner’s circle after three years and a dozen starts.

Owned by Stewart Strawbridge, whose father, George, teamed up with Sheppard to campaign several champions and multiple stakes winners, Lap of the Gods was third at the final fence and made up ground in the stretch to get up in time to defeat Bon Nouvel Chasers Ya Boy Ya by a length in the $20,000 James P. McCormick maiden timber.

The winner, a six-year-old Pennsylvania-bred son of Temple City, was trained and ridden by leading 2022 jockey Parker Hendriks. It was Hendriks’ first victory as a conditioner.

Ya Boy Ya, ridden by Gerard Galligan and making his first start in two years, was second best, 11 lengths ahead of Keystone Thoroughbreds’ Hard Strike.

Fashion Line makes statement in $25,000 steeplethon

Armata Stable’s Fashion Line, a seven-year-old son of Morning Line, made it three wins in six 2023 outings with a come-from-behind victory in the Kinross Steeplethon over mixed obstacles.

Ridden by Gerard Galligan, Fashion Line gave trainer Kathy Neilson her second score on the card, uncorking a late burst after the natural brush final fence to catch the leader, Leipers Fork Steeplechasers Court Ruler (Harry Beswick). The winning margin was 1 3/4 lengths. Sheila Fisher and Northwoods Stable’s Storm Team was another three-quarters of a length behind in third.

Scanno takes training flat finale

After 25 starts on the flat from Gulfstream Park in Florida to Woodbine in Canada, S. Rebecca Shepherd’s Scanno made his NSA debut a winning one on the flat at 1 1/4 miles.

With Taylor Kingsley riding for trainer Liam Bourke, the six-year-old son of Bernardini dueled Elizabeth McCue’s Prince Khozan, with Gretchen Eisenberg aboard, for most of the going. Heading downhill toward the stretch, Scanno – a winner of nearly a quarter-million-dollars in his flat career — took the lead and coasted to the wire 2 3/4 lengths ahead of late-closing Clifton Down (Mikey Hamill), an Irish-bred and France-raced three-year-old making his NSA debut for Runnymoore Racing and Leslie Young.

For Scanno, the race was a prep for next weekend’s $100,000 John Forbes Memorial flat stakes at Far Hills. For Liam Bourke, who works alongside his dad, trainer David Bourke, it was the first victory under the younger Bourke’s name.

Originally posted on nationasteeplechase.com on October 13, Written by Tod Marks

Eight races have been carded for the 69th Virginia Fall Races at Glenwood Park in Middleburg. First run in 1955, the meet carries $205,000 in purses for a mix of timber and hurdle races.

Anchoring the program is the $50,000 National Sporting Library & Museum Cup stakes at 3 ¼ miles. The race has gotten a purse bump of $20,000 over last year.

A field of seven is expected, including The Hundred Acre Field’s Cracker Factory, who captured the race last fall for trainer Mark Beecher. The eight-year-old is coming off a come-from-behind victory in the Brown Advisory stakes over Elusive Exclusive and champion Andi’amu at Shawan Downs two weeks ago.

The wildcard in the race is Dolly Fisher’s venerable star Schoodic, trained by her son, Hall of Fame conditioner Jack Fisher. The 13-year-old, a multiple stakes winner of nearly half-million-dollars over hurdles and timber, returned recently after 17 months on the sidelines to run a hard-charging second, beaten 2 ½ lengths by Chosen Mate in an allowance race at Shawan Downs. A model of consistency over his 11 years on the track, Schoodic has 13 top-three finishes in 15 starts since April 2019.

Leslie Young, sends out Leipers Fork Steeplechasers’ Tomgarrow, the 2021 timber champ. Tomgarrow began 2023 with a win in the My Lady’s Manor stakes, and had won four of his previous five outings coming into the Virginia Gold Cup in May, where he fell.

Fat Chance Farm’s Flaming Sword, trained by Richard Valentine, was second in the Willowdale Steeplechase, and set the pace for 2 miles in the Brown Advisory at Shawan before tiring to finish last. Valentine also saddles Jacqueline Ohrstrom’s Hafajay, who makes his first start in more than two years. The lightly raced British-bred 10-year-old broke his maiden over timber at Winterthur in 2021.

Upland Partners’ Shootist, trained by Todd McKenna, makes his first appearance at Middleburg. The nine-year-old son of Smart Strike is stakes placed over timber. He was third in the Maryland Grand National and competitive in the four-mile Maryland Hunt Cup before tiring and being pulled up at the 18th fence.

Rounding out the field is Stooshie, a winner of two of his past four starts for leading owner Irv Naylor and trainer Cyril Murphy. The 10-year-old broke his maiden at the Virginia Fall Races in 2022 and outfought multiple stakes winner Storm Team in an allowance event at the Old Dominion Hounds meet in April. He lost his rider in his only other start this year, in the Steeplethon stakes at Great Meadow.

Besides the timber stake, the card consists of two $30,000 maiden special weight hurdles; a $30,000 handicap for horses rated at 115 or less; a $20,000 maiden starter allowance for horses who have run for a claiming tag of $20,000 or less; a $20,000 maiden contest over timber; a $25,000 steeplethon over mixed obstacles; and a training flat finale. Post time is 12:30 p.m.

For complete entries, click here: https://nationalsteeplechase.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Middleburg-revised-1.pdf

You can watch all of Saturday’s races via live stream from the link on the NSA homepage, www.nationalsteeplechase.com. The stream is sponsored by Brown Advisory.

The first weekend of the National Steeplechase Association fall season was a blockbuster for Leslie Young, who padded her lead in the training standings, while Freddie Procter zoomed into the top three among riders.

With a hat trick at both Shawan Downs in Cockeyesville, Md., and at Foxfield in Charlottesville, Va.,Young has amassed 27 victories with nine meets to go on the calendar. Five of those wins came over hurdles. Last season, Young won her first training title, with 37 wins, and you’d have to go back to the late Hall of Famer Jonathan Sheppard in 1988 to find a trainer who won more races than that (39). Jack Fisher is currently second in the standings, with 13 wins.

Procter, who rang up 19 victories and 33 top-three finishes in 51 starts in his first year on the circuit, hasn’t ridden as much this year, but he’s made the most of his opportunities. His four weekend victories give him a total of nine in 22 starts, which moves him up to third, three behind Harry Beswick and two behind Graham Watters, and tied with Barry Foley (who is out with an injury).

Here is a recap of the Action at the Foxfield Hunt Races

Eye of Gunfighter wins shootout in maiden claimer

Virginia Korrell, who had a winner on the final race on Saturday at Shawan Downs, picked up where she left off on Sunday, piloting Hickory Made Stables and Celtic Venture Stable’s’ Eye of Gunfighter to a front-running score over eight rivals in a $15,000 maiden claiming hurdle at 2 ⅛ miles.

Sprinting to the lead at the flag drop, the six-year-old Pennsylvania-bred, trained by Larry Smith, led by as much as five lengths and repelled challenges at one time or another from Tom Rice’s Secret Soulmate, Runnymoore Racing’s Codigo, and a late surge by Vivian Rall’s Icandothat, who finished second, under rider/trainer Sean McDermott, beaten two lengths. Louisa Stevens and Achsah O’Donovan’s Greylover (Jamie Bargary) was third.

In his lengthy, 54-race career, Eye of Gunfighter has seesawed between flat and jump racing. This was his first victory over hurdles.

The Hero Next Door makes heroic return

Michael Smith’s The Hero Next Door, a budding star en route to victory when he fell at the final fence in the Green Pastures novice stakes at the Iroquois Races in May, made his first start since his mishap in the second at Foxfield, a training flat race.

Ridden by Mikey Hamill for trainer Leslie Young, The Hero Next Door was content to sit in second in the field of 11 going 1 1/4 miles, as Shannon Hill Farm’s Sliabh Aughty, with Tom Garner, exploded to a huge lead and nursed his advantage until running out of gas near the final turn. At that point, The Hero Next Door snatched the lead and prevailed in a hand ride by 2 ½ lengths over Sonny Via’s late-closing Welshman (Graham Watters). Leipers Fork Steeplechasers’ Fast Vision was third.

The victory by The Hero Next Door sets the Irish-bred four-year-old up for the fall’s big races to come, notably steeplechasing’s championship day at Far Hills on Oct. 21. The lightly raced gelding had won his first two starts impressively and had a clear lead in the Green Pastures when he fell.

Afraid Not takes $30,000 filly & mare maiden

Bonnie Rye Stable’s Afraid Not, another runner who has alternated between flat and jump racing, defeated nine foes by 3 ¼ lengths in the maiden special weights hurdle for fillies and mares at 2 ⅛ miles.

Breaking alertly under Gerard Galligan, the Julie Gomena-trainee set the pace as Atlantic Friends Racing’s Lacey Underall and Mell Boucher stalked in second. But with two fences to go, the field bunched up and fanned across the course, and it looked like any one of the eight runners had a legitimate shot. Heading to the final fence, Buttonwood Farm’s Lady’s Game (Tom Garner) made her move on the outside, but Afraid Not had plenty left and actually drew off powerfully in the final furlong. Lacey Underall fought back to finish second, with Lady’s Game 4 ½ lengths behind in third.

Newcomer Garrison Forest takes down nine foes in $30,000 maiden hurdle

The third time proved a charm for Leipers Fork Steeplechasers’ Garrison Forest. The four-year-old Irish-bred, who began his career with two previous unplaced starts over the summer at Colonial Downs, benefitted from those experiences with a come-from-behind victory in the fourth race, another maiden special weights event at 2 1/8 miles.

With Freddie Procter riding for Leslie Young, the Walk in the Park Gelding broke in midpack, rallied on the outside from seventh after the ninth fence to pass the frontrunners, Northwoods Stable’s Look North, with Jamie Bargary, and Gill Johnston’s Active Duty (Tom Garner). Active Duty was tough as nails and dug in, until Garrison Forest drew clear by a length and a half in the final strides. Look North was four lengths behind Active Duty in third.

Arrowheart makes it back-to-back wins with $25,000 handicap score

Starting slowly and waiting patiently to strike, Charlie Fenwick’s Arrowheart took charge after the first mile and didn’t look back, drawing off by nearly 10 lengths in a handicap for horses rated at 110 or less at 2 ¼ miles.

The five-year-old New York-bred Hard Spun Gelding, a veteran of a dozen starts on the NYRA circuit, entered the race off of a layoff of nearly 11 months. In his previous start, he captured a maiden claiming hurdle at the Montpelier Hunt Races.

The win was also the second straight on the card for both trainer Leslie Young and jockey Freddie Procter.

Content to sit in midpack as Ann Jackson’s Left Blank and Elizabeth Scully set the early pace, Arrowheart assumed control with two fences to go, widening his lead with every stride. Buttonwood Farm’s Baltimore Kid, ridden by Stephen Mulqueen, came within striking distance with a quarter mile to go, but faded. After a poor start, Paul and Molly Willis’ New Appointment rallied to finish third under Mell Boucher.

Who’s Counting an easy winner in $35,000 handicap

In a third win on the day for horses who have concurrently competed on the flat and over jumps, South Branch Equine’s Who’s Counting pounced on Genet Racing’s Wicked West after the second to last fence, cut the corner on the far inside and spurted clear to take the finale at Foxfield, a 120 handicap at 2 ¼ miles, by 6 ¾ lengths.

Trained and ridden by Sean McDermott, the five-year-old Maryland-bred won for the first time since consecutive victories at Colonial Downs in 2022, a starter allowance on the flat over turf, and a handicap over fences.

When Wicked West (ridden by Tom Garner) weakened in the late going, Bruton Street-US’ Presence of Mind (Jamie Bargary) launched his bid from sixth at the10th fence and appeared as if he’d be in the thick of things but was unable to gain ground on the winner. William Russell’s Animal Kingston (Graham Watters) was third.

Originally Posted on Ustrotting.com on October 1, 2023, Written by John Berry, For the United States Harness Drivers Club.

Shenandoah, VA – Shenandoah Downs Racing Secretary Dee Lineweaver carded 15 races on their Saturday afternoon (Sept. 30) racing program; 14 pari-mutuel events and one race to find a cure for cancer as quickly as possible.

First, the track played host to the “Pink Power” fundraiser putting the spotlight on breast cancer awareness benefitting the American Cancer Society’s Harrisonburg, VA chapter.

That event featured five of the top female drivers and as medicine looks for a “theorem”—a formula for something that is needed to be proven—the event went to the aptly named “Theorem” (Southwind Frank) wiring the competition for Veronica Merton.

The 5-year-old was perfectly rated as the 1-5 tote-board choice and was never threatened in scoring the 2:01.4 win over Triple T Swinger, handled by Devan Miller, and Tungsten Tim, with Sierra Seidner driving. Stacey McLenaghan and Betsy Brown were next with their respective charges.

After that event, Stacey McLenaghan (fourth in the event) lamented, “The real winner of that race was the American Cancer Society and we just hope our ‘Pink Power’ event can continue to put a dent and find a cure for a very difficult disease. It’s about ‘time’ to find a method of prevention and a cure was found.

“I’m hoping I can win one for our ‘pink power’ ladies in one of the USHDC events coming up.”

For Theorem, it was his fourth win of the year in 13 starts and 12th success lifetime. For Veronica Merton, who has 239 training successes, it was her 27th career driving win.

Theorem is trained by Michael Whitaker for Shantae Gant.

The track then teamed up with the United States Harness Drivers Club to conquer that most important race of the afternoon—a cure for cancer—and representatives from the American Cancer Society were at the track for an initial $1,000 donation presentation.

Racing Secretary Dee Lineweaver was on hand for the festivities, as was Dein Spriggs, president of the USHDC and several Club members for the generous donation.

The amateur racing was, again, outstanding with driver Scott Woogen repeating his feat of last week with yet another driving double.

The good doctor kicked off the festivities by guiding the 10-year-old gelding KJ Erich (Roll With Joe) to an upset victory—$59.40—in the first of four events for the USHDC.

The warhorse overcame a difficult journey from the outside eight post and survived being roughed up early while double-bubbled through an opener in :28.3 and then got into yet another skirmish the final 5/16ths to bully his way to a win measuring a half length in 1:58.

The pacesetter, Hoosier Shark fought valiantly and finished second for John McNeil III while Cruise Control, driven by Adrian Wisher, Jr. finished third.

Woogen also owns KJ Erich while Oscar Johnson, Jr. trains.

Stacey McLenaghan, indeed, fulfilled her hopes in the next amateur event and she meant business from the first stride to the last with the 5-year-old pacer Hulou (Sweet Lou).

Zipping off the wings with alacrity, Hulou had daylight measuring a dozen lengths through an opener in :27.2 and had even more daylight—15 lengths—at the half in :55.1 before coasting the rest of the way to win by 12-1/2 lengths in 1:56.4.

Windemere Frank, with Dein Spriggs in the sulky, came from more than 20 lengths away at the half to get up for second with Cole On The Beach, driven by Kubi Erzene, just another nostril or two back in third.

Rollatown, handled by (Wyatt Long) and Doc’s Papparazzi, with Justin Griffith, were four-five in the mile.

For Houlu, it was win number four of the year with the win—his 13th lifetime—vaulting him over the $100,000 plateau—$102,644—with the success benefitting his faithful to the tune of $7.20.

Hulou is trained by Scott Warnick for Deborah Warnick.

It was McLenaghan’s 37th career driving success to go along with 377 training wins.

Veronica Merton then put an exclamation for the “pink power” gang in the next race with a hard fought win back of Betabcool N (Bettor’s Delight) in 1:58.3

The gutsy 13-year-old mare, trained by Michael Annunziata for the Ettore Annunziata Trust, had “1’s” at every call, got in a heated discussion with Lenda Hand Man, with Wyatt Long in the sulky, and, after an epic stretch duel, prevailed by a neck.

Freak On A Leash, driven by Scott Wooten, was just another neck back in third.

Pacific Stride with John McNeil III was next while Amazing Ponderosa and Stacey McLenaghan teamed up to get the nickel.

For the winner, it was his 51st career victory—37th in North America—and pushed his career earnings to $644,222, of which $522,295 has been earned since arriving from “down under” in 2017. Betabcool N returned $6 to win.

For Veronica Merton, it was her first driving double, although, driving sparsely, she did win two races on consecutive days at Monticello Raceway back in 2003.

In the amateur finale, Woogen, for the second straight week, doubled up guiding the chalk, Moneyorroses (Cougar Hall), to a handy two-length win in 1:57.1.

Out from fourth before the half, Moneyorroses ducked back after finding the garden spot near the third station and then had a :29.2 final panel under his girth at the expense of the pacesetting Anythingforlove A, driven by Adrian Wisher, Jr., for the win.

Hey Siri, with Stacey McLenaghan, was third with Allieverdreamedof and Wyatt Long teaming for fourth and Relentless Dancer, driven by John McNeil III, earning the final check in this septet.

Eric Davis owns and trains Moneyorroses.

It was the first win of the year for Moneyorroses in 33 starts with this success leaving him just a “nose” short of $100,000 in career bounty—$99,374. The winner paid $4.

After the festivities, USHDC President Dein Spriggs lamented, “This is what great goodwill can do or worthy causes and our sport. When we can walk forward with the tracks and race office personnel like Dee (Lineweaver) and so many others, it makes our efforts well worth it.

“Our members donate 100% of their driving earnings to these great causes and, since our inception, that number is over $300,000 and we know that our efforts and participating tracks make a positive difference in many lives.”

Originally posted on nationalsteeplechase.com on September 29

Following a two-year hiatus, fall steeplechasing resumes at historic Charlottesville, Va., for the second straight year on Sunday.

After years of decline, the meet was put on hold in order to reimagine the event. During that time new leadership was put in place, leading to partnerships with charitable organizations, major improvements to the course and grounds, a de-emphasis on the consumption of alcoholic beverages, and a commitment to becoming a good neighbor to the community.

This year’s meet will be bigger and better than ever, with six races worth $140,000 on the program, representing a substantial boost over last year’s $95,000 card.

The Foxfield card consists of six races, highlighted by a $35,000 handicap for horses rated at 120 or less. The other races are a $15,000 maiden claiming hurdle; $30,000 maiden hurdle for fillies and mares; $30,000 maiden hurdle for three-year-olds; $25,000 handicap for horses rated at 110 or less; and a training race on the flat at 1 ¼ miles.

Click here for complete entries: Entries

First race post time is 12:30 p.m. Gates open at 9:30 a.m., with activities starting at 10 a.m. For a full schedule of the day’s events, food, and vendors, click here: https://www.foxfieldraces.com/schedule/.

If you can’t make it to the races, be sure to watch the live stream, sponsored by Brown Advisory, at www.nationalsteeplechase.com.

Originally Posted on Rosiesgaming.com on 9/25/2023

Grand Opening celebrations included donation of $25,000 to local non-profit organizations.

At a ceremonial outdoor ribbon cutting, Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI”) (NASDAQ: CHDN) announced om Monday that Rosie’s Gaming Emporium (“Rosie’s) is now open in Emporia. Rosie’s, located on West Atlantic Street and convenient to Interstate 95, features 150 slots-like gaming machines, simulcast horse racing, a restaurant and bar. At the event, Rosie’s displayed its commitment to the community by donating $25,000 to five (5) local charities: the Family YMCA of Emporia/Greenville, Community Youth Center, Ltd, Emporia Greenville Recreation Association, Communities in Schools of Virginia and H.E.A.R Me Out Inc.

Jack Sours, Vice President of Gaming Operations for CDI, stated, “It is very exciting to be opening the seventh Rosie’s in Virginia. The opening of this Rosie’s adds to our tremendous success in the state and takes us to the Southern border for the first time. The Emporia location builds on our commitment to provide more than one thousand jobs and generate significant tax revenues across the Commonwealth by bringing together gaming enthusiasts and the community to experience an exciting and fun activity.”

Jeremy Callahan, General Manager at the Emporia location, said, “I am so pleased to be part of the expansion of Rosie’s in Virginia. We have built a team that is fully committed to delivering a fun experience and economic development to the Emporia community and we are ready to play!”

Rosie’s in Emporia will be open Sunday – Thursday from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 a.m. It will create more than 100 local jobs and generate approximately $1 million in annual tax revenue for the City of Emporia.

Since opening in Virginia just five years ago, Rosie’s and Colonial Downs have invested more than $400 million in the Commonwealth; created over 1200 new jobs; and now contribute $54 million a year in state and local tax revenue.

The 22^nd annual Virginia Breeders Fund Yearling Futurity was held September 5 at the Warrenton Horse Show Grounds which again saw solid participation from over twenty different breeders who were competing for $40,000 in awards.

The prize money was distributed that day in each of four classes — VA-Bred/Sired yearling colts/geldings, VA-Bred/Sired yearling fillies, VA-Certified colts/geldings and VA-Certified fillies. Grooms were recognized as well with awards in each division and in the championship class. 

The event was judged by renowned Maryland trainer Brittany Russell, who compared each entrant’s confirmation, quality, substance and suitability to become racehorses. The top two finishers in each of the four classes returned to compete for Futurity Grand Champion and Champion Reserve honors.  

The Grand Champion, winner of the Virginia Certified Fillies class, was a 2022 Un-named bay by Vino Rosso out of Astral Favor by Astrology. She is owned by Timbercreek Farm’s Sara Miller. Reserve Champion honors went to the second-place finisher in the same category —- an Un-named bay by Practical Joke out of Empire Lady by Empire Maker. Also owned by Sara Miller and Timbercreek Farm, and bred by Magic Cap Stables LLC

Finishing third in the Certified Fillies category was Philanthropic 22 by This Time Out (Ann Backer/ Smitten Farm) followed by a 2022 Un-named bay by Holy Boss Out (Charles Clement). Rounding out the class was Un-named bay by Great Notion (Brandon Mackey/ Dark Hollow Farm & John Foster), an Un-named bay by Mo Town (Alfred Smithwick/ Anzac LLC/ Respite Farm &Terlep), Street Expectation by Street Magician (Diana McClure/ DMC Racing Stables), an Un-named bay by Always Dreaming (Alfred Smithwick/ Chc Inc), a 2022 Un-named bay by Speightster (Tommy Fahrney/ Amy H. Daney Bloodstock), Nancy’s Notion by Great Notion (Nancy B. Heil), an Un-named bay by Jimmy Creed (Joan Fontana/ Country Life Farm & Sagamoon LLC), and an Un-named bay by Always Dreaming (Joan Fontana/ Don Alberto Corp)

The Virginia-Bred/Sired Colts & Gelding class winner was Nancie’s Boy by Unified out of Jumpin’ Nancy by Jump Start. Owned and Bred by Quest Realty and Daniel Wukich. Second place finisher was Se Thar Barr by The Factor out of Embarr by Royal Academy. Owned and bred by Susan Cooney. Third was a 2022 Un-named dark bay by Maclean’s Music (R. Larry Johnson). Finishing out the class was Go to Bingo by Holy Boss (Helen H. Masek), Buthespretty by Paynter (Virginia Equine PLLC/ Douglas K. Daniels DVM), Blackthorne Brusca by Summer Front (Quest Realty/ Daniel Wukich), a 2022 Un-named dark bay by Kobe’s Back (Becky Lavin), Darbyfullofblarney by Mr. Prankster (Diana McClure/ DMC Racing Stables LLC), and Into Reality by Tom’s d’Etat (Machmer Hall/ Picturesque Farm)  

 The Virginia-Bred/Sired Fillies class was won by a 2022 Un-named bay by McKinzie out of the Sky Cooper mare by Petionville.  Owned and bred by R. Larry Johnson. Runner-up was a 2022 Un-named Gray or Roan by Cupid, out of Hen House. The Filly is owned and bred by Elise W. Kendall.  Friendly Chase by Friend or Foe was third (Phyliss C Jones). The rest of the class included an Un-named bay by War of Will (Morgan’s Ford Farm), Dame’s Rocket by Karakonite (Althea Richards), a 2022 Un-named Gray or Roan by Frosted (Morgan’s Ford Farm), Sunflower State by Divining Rod (Virginia Equine PLLC/ Douglas K. Daniels, DVM), We’re Just Friends (Diana McClure/ DMC Racing Stables), and Louvar by Golden Years (Bruce B Collette).

In the Virginia-Certified Colt/Gelding class, a 2022 Un-named chestnut by Gormley prevailed over seven others. Owned by Joni Fontana/ Sugarland LLC Equine Etiquette and bred by Gmbracstables LLC, the ribbon earner is out of Tell a Secret by British Blue. Runner-up was an Un-named chestnut by Tapiture owned by Sara Miller/Timbercreek Farm and bred by Haymarket Farm LLC. Blessings Bestowed was third (C. Allen Johnson) followed by an Un-named bay by Rowayton (Joni Fontana/Sugarland LLC Equine Etiquette). Finishing out the class was an Un-named Chestnut by Gormley (Alfred Smithwick), Wild as Fridaynite by First Mondays (Diana McClure/ DMC Racing Stables LLC), a 2022 Un-named dark bay by Street Boss (Sara Miller/ Timbercreek Farm/ Theta Holding I, Inc), and an Un-named bay by Peace and Justice (Joan Fontana/ Sugarland LLC Equine Etiquette).

Shenandoah Downs will open its eighth fall season of pari-mutuel harness racing on Saturday September 16 at the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds in Woodstock and continue its 7-week “Harness the Mountain Magic” campaign through October 29. Racing will take place every Saturday and Sunday at 1 PM. The track conducted a 7-week spring meet for the first time earlier this year.

Meet highlight is the 26^th running of the $640,000 (est.) Virginia Breeder’s Championships which will close out the season on Sunday October 29. Two and three-year-old pacers and trotters of both sexes will compete in eight divisional title bouts, each worth a minimum $80,000 purse. The “Day of Champions” event has been conducted at Colonial Downs from 1998-2014, at Oak Ridge Racecourse in 2015 and at Shenandoah Downs since.   

Two premium giveaway days are planned. Fans that attend opening day festivities will receive a free T-Shirt commemorating 137 years of harness racing in Woodstock while those that come to the October 21 Armed Forces Day promotion will get a free Shenandoah Downs Camouflage Baseball Cap. 

Small animals will get their moment in the spotlight again this fall. A trio of miniature horse races will complement pari-mutuel action on Sunday October 8 while the popular wiener dog races will return the following Sunday, October 15.

Regional bands like the Skillbilly’s, Seven Bends Band, River’s Edge, Surf Jaguars and Jake Johnson/Chris Howerton duo will perform on select afternoons during the races. A new trackside karoake promotion will make its debut on Saturday September 23.

The track will also host a series of double seater sulky races throughout the fall featuring first responders, war veterans and breast cancer survivors.    

The Shenandoah simulcast signal will be streamed on Dish-TV so fans around the country can wager Virginia races at their favorite track or simulcast outlet, and online via Twinspires, TVG, Xpressbet and NYRAbets. Free Trackmaster past performance programs along with handicapper “Derby Bill Watson’s” Tip Sheet will be available at shenandoahdowns.com.

Parking and admission are always free and the races are family friendly. The track is located at the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds at I-81, Exit 283 in Woodstock, halfway between Harrisonburg and Winchester. Complete meet details are available at shenandoahdowns.com.

Horsemen should note that entries for each weekend’s race cards are due the Tuesday morning prior. A total of $715,000 in OverNite purse money will be available for the 14-day meet — an average of over $51,000 per day. In addition, $640,000 in purses will be dedicated to Virginia Breeder’s 2 and 3-year-old Championship races, $336,000 to Breeder’s eliminations and $80,000 to aged Breeder’s divisional races. Any questions can be directed to the race office at 540-459-4807 or by e-mail to raceoffice@shenandoahdowns.com.   

Six Stakes Worth $1.3 Million to be Contested

(NEW KENT, Va. August 28, 2023) –The 20^th running of the G3 New Kent County Viginia Derby – showcase event on the September 9 closing day card at Colonial Downs that also includes five additional turf stakes – attracted a total of 38 nominations including nine from the Todd Pletcher stable. The 1-1/8 miles Virginia Derby carries a $500,000 purse, up $200,000 from 2022. All six stakes, with combined purses of $1.3 million, will be drawn on Wednesday September 6.

Among Pletcher’s contingent are LSU Stables’ Far Bridge and Spendthrift Farm’s Major Dude. The former won the G1 Belmont Derby July 8 and before that, had back-to-back seconds in a pair of G2 stakes – the Pennine Ridge at Belmont and American Turf at Churchill. Most recently, the English Channel colt finished third in the G1 Saratoga Derby Invitational. The latter has already bankrolled $754,645, aided by a trio of stakes wins in the G2 Penn Mile, G3 Kitten’s Joy at Gulfstream and the G3 Pilgrim. The Bolt d’Oro colt most recently finished fourth in the G2 Secretariat Stakes held at Colonial August 12. 

The first- and second-place finishers in the Secretariat Stakes have been nominated. A neck separated Iapetus Racing and Diamond T. Racing’s Virginia-bred Gigante and Little Red Feather Racing, Madaket Stables and William Strauss’s Nagirroc at the wire in a thriller. After Pletcher’s pair, Gigante and Nagirroc hold the third and fourth highest bankrolls of all nominees with $737,000 and $506,550 respectively. The latter is trained by Graham Motion, winner of two straight Virginia Derbies in 2019 and 2021, who nominated three (the Derby was not held in 2020 due to Covid).

Chad Brown has three Derby nominees including Klaravich Stables’ Program Trading who is 3-for-3 and fresh off a win in the G1 Saratoga Derby Invitational. The English-bred also prevailed in a maiden special weight at Monmouth and in a Belmont allowance. 

Brad Cox nominated two including Godolphin’s Wadsworth who has a pair of stakes wins at Ellis Park – the American Derby and Kentucky Downs Preview Dueling Grounds Derby. The Quality Road gelding is 4-for-9 with earnings of $411,886.    

The featured undercard stakes is the 14^th running of the $250,000 Woodford Reserve Virginia Oaks which attracted 38 nominations. The 1-1/8 miles turf test is for 3-year-old fillies. Graham Motion nominated the most with six including RyZan Sun Racing and Madaket Stables’ Mission of Joy whose resume includes a pair of G3 stakes wins in the Regret Stakes at Churchill and Florida Oaks at Tampa Bay Downs. The Kitten’s Joy filly is 4-for-7 with a $293,317 bankroll.

Black Type Thoroughbreds, Swinback Stables, Steve Adkisson, Christopher Dunn and Anthony Spinazzola’s Sacred Wish finished second by a neck in the G1 Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga July 22. The Not This Time filly also had a runner-up finish in the Gulfstream Park Oaks April 1.

The $150,000 Biosaphe Colonial Cup, a 1 ½-miles turf race and new this year to the Virginia Derby Day lineup, has attracted some intriguing contenders among its 41 nominees including seven who have reached the winners circle in G1 or G2 stakes in 2022 or 2023. 

Trinity Farm’s Red Knight has competed in three straight G1 events and captured the first of that trio – the Man o’ War at Belmont May 13. Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners’ Speaking Scout was best in the G1 Hollywood Derby last fall at Del Mar. Among the nominated G2 winners are James and Donna Daniell’s Offlee Naughty; Three Diamonds Farm and Pura Vida Investments’ Stolen Base; NBS Stable’s Spooky Channel, Michael Dubb’s Therapist; and Paradise Farms and David Staudacher’s Temple. 

A total of 35 turf sprinters have been nominated for the $150,000 Korbel Da Hoss Stakes to be contested at 5-1/2 furlongs. Patricia’s Hope’s Nobals has collected impressive wins this year in the G2 Twin Spires Turf Sprint at Churchill and in the G3 Troy Stakes at Saratoga. The Larry Rivelli trainee has earned $843,274. Michelle Lovell and Griffin Farm’s 7-year-old Justin Phillip gelding Just Might has also been nominated. The million-dollar earner won the 2021 Da Hoss, one of four stakes in New Kent in which he has competed.

A pair of $125,000 stakes for two-year-olds round out the under card – the Exacta Systems Rosie’s Stakes at 5-1/2 furlongs and the TAA Kitten’s Joy Stakes at 1-1/16 miles. A total of 43 have been nominated to the former and 36 to the latter. 

High earner amongst the Rosie’s nominees is R.A. Hill Stable, BlackRidge Stables, Swinback Stables, Big Tufff Stables and Black Type Thoroughbreds’ Amidst Waves. The George Weaver trainee has captured back-to-back stakes and currently has earnings of $194,000. The Midshipman filly won the Colleen Stakes at Monmouth July 29 and the Bolton Landing Stakes at Saratoga August 20. Impressive as well is Paradise Farms Corp., David Staudacher, Kevin Haynes and John Huber’s Ship Cadet who has a win and two seconds in three stakes appearances.

Repole Stable’s Noted, a Todd Petcher trainee, is most prominent among the Kitten’s Joy nominees. The Cairo Prince colt won the $206,000 Sapling Stakes August 26 at Monmouth which followed a maiden special weight score at Saratoga one month earlier.

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, 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. The 2023 live racing season, which consists of 27 days from July 13 through September 9, is highlighted by the Grade 1 Arlington Million, Grade 1 Beverly D. and Grade 2 Secretariat Stakes on August 12 and the Grade 3 New Kent County Virginia Derby on September 9.  The Beverly D. is a Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win & You’re In” race.