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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PASSION PLAY CAPTURES EDWARD P. EVANS STAKES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DETERMINED KINGDOM WINS THIRD CONSECUTIVE PUNCH LINE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Casse, DeVaux, Stidham, McCaughey, Trombetta and more enter multiple runners

Opening Day of the 2024 Colonial Downs live racing season is Thursday, July 11, and the card has been drawn. The 12-race program features an average field size of 10.4, as 125 entries were taken with six of those sitting on the also-eligible list. Beginning with three National Steeplechase Association (NSA) races, first post on Thursday is 11:45 a.m. (all times Eastern).

The Old Dominion 6, a classic Pick 6 with a $1 minimum, includes five legs which are overdrawn or full at 12 runners. The Late Pick 5 with a 12% takeout is equally as flush with an average field size of 11.4. Eleven of the 12 races are scheduled for the Secretariat Turf Course. The lone dirt affair comes in Race 4, one of three events on the card for 2-year-old fillies. Leading freshman sire by earnings Complexity will be represented on the card, as will fillies from the first crop of Tiz the Law and McKinzie.

Last year’s top barns come out firing on Thursday. The 2023 top conditioner Michael Trombetta leads all with five entries. Michael Stidham enters three; Kelsey Danner, four. Mark Casse and Shug McGaughey are represented with two apiece.

In her first meet stabled at Colonial Downs, Cherie DeVaux enters three. Zartownis and Norwich will face off in the turf sprint allowance feature, which goes as Race 8, and Prouver enters the turf route allowance feature one race later.

Select Thursdays throughout the nine-week meet will begin with three steeplechase races, a hallmark of Colonial Downs racing. When Steeplechase races are carded, first post on Thursdays is 11:45 a.m. The flat contests begin at 1:30 p.m. on both Thursday and Saturday. New this year is later afternoon racing every Friday with a first post of 4:30 p.m.

STAKES RACING KICKS OFF SATURDAY, JULY 13

The first three stakes races of the season – the $125,000 Million Preview, $125,000 Beverly D. Preview and $125,000 Boston – will be drawn on Saturday, July 6. All three races will be run over Colonial’s renowned Secretariat Turf Course on Saturday, July 13.

The Million Preview is for older horses at 1-1/8 miles; the Beverly D. preview is for older fillies and mares at 1-1/16 miles; and the Boston, which serves as a prep for the G2 Secretariat Stakes, is for 3yo’s traveling one mile.

2024 WAGERING MENU

New Carryover Rule for Pick 5; Takeout Remains at 12% New for 2024, when there is a carryover in either 50-cent Pick 5 – whether Early or Late – that money will be carried into the following day’s Late Pick 5. The Early Pick 5 will cover the first five flat races on the card and the Late Pick 5 will cover the final five races each day. Takeout remains at a bettor-friendly 12%.

The Old Dominion 6 returns for 2024, a classic $1 Pick 6 wager with a 15% takeout covering the final six races daily. If nobody correctly selects all six winners, 25% of the net pool will be paid out to those selecting the most winners while 75% will be carried over to the following program.

The remainder of the wagering menu consists of the standard $2 Win, Place and Show; $1 Exacta, 50-cent Trifecta, and 10-cent Superfecta. There will be Rolling $1 Daily Doubles and $1 Pick 3’s on all flat races, plus two Pick 4 bets – one on the first four flat races and the other on the final four events.

Also new this year is the opportunity for horseplayers to link up their multi-race opinions in the National Steeplechase Association (NSA) races, which will be held on selected Thursdays. There will be a $1 Pick 3 starting with Race 1 to cover the (NSA) races and $1 Daily Doubles coupling Races 1-2 and Races 2-3. Each steeplechase race will offer the standard $2 Win, Place and Show; $1 Exacta, 50-cent Trifecta, and 10-cent Superfecta wagering.

OPENING WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS

Live racing gets underway Thursday, July 11 with an 11:45 a.m. post time. The first three races will be NSA steeplechase events which include wagering. The flat racing portion of the card will start at approximately 1:30 p.m. It will be the first Thirsty Thursday of the season with $3 draft beer refills every Thursday all season long with the purchase of a souvenir cup.

Friday, July 12 will be Party at the Downs featuring happy hour beer and wine specials from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and live entertainment in the Trackside Tent. Post time every Friday is 4:30 p.m.

In addition to the inaugural editions of the $125,000 Million Preview, $125,000 Beverly D. Preview, and the $125,000 Boston, Saturday, July 13 features a giveaway of an 18-month calendar loaded with photos of the stars of the 2023 season at Colonial Downs.

Colonial’s races will be prominently featured on FanDuel TV all season long. Additionally, FanDuel TV will be on-site for coverage of the Festival of Racing on August 10.

Racing fans are encouraged to wager on racing from Colonial Downs via www.TwinSpires.com, the official advance-deposit wagering service for Churchill Downs Incorporated and its family of racetracks. TwinSpires.com boasts an improved wagering experience and mobile app combining the latest technology with the ability to wager on virtually every quarter,
harness and thoroughbred horse race from venues around the globe. TwinSpires.com also offers access to unmatched insight and analysis from our horse racing experts, handicappers, insiders, educators and Bloodstock Research Information Services (Brisnet).

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. 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. The 2024 live racing season, which consists of 27 days from July 11 through September 7, is highlighted by the Grade 1 Arlington Million, Grade 2 Beverly D. and Grade 2 Secretariat Stakes on August 10 and the Grade 3 New Kent County Virginia Derby on

Horsemen across the state and beyond reaping the benefits of Virginia Thoroughbred Association’s innovative Virginia Certified program

Colonial Downs invites horsemen across the country to discover if their Thoroughbred, bred outside of Virginia, qualifies as Virginia Certified; therefore, eligible to enter in the many Virginia Restricted races. Any horse that maintained residency in Virginia for at least a six-month consecutive period prior to December 31 of its two-year-old year qualifies. There are 46 Virginia Restricted races in the first book alone. Across the 9-week 2024 Colonial Downs racing season, over $2.4 million in non-stakes purses are up for grabs. 

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

The Virginia Thoroughbred Association has diligently kept track of all Virginia-certified, Virginia-sired, and Virginia-bred Thoroughbreds, and horsemen can reap the benefits by following this link to check if their horse qualifies: https://link.edgepilot.com/s/541590df/YvqvI35q20aypvlj3PzFnw?u=https://www.vabred.org/vbf/searchthoroughbreds/.

“If the horse wasn’t named when we registered it, then it’s not named in the database,” said Debbie Easter, Executive Director of the Virginia Thoroughbred Association. “If they don’t find it by name, then they need to search for it by the dam’s name and the date of birth.”

On the website, one can simply check the box for “Virginia Certified” at the top of the page, then either search by horse’s name, dam’s name and date of birth, or view a list of all registered horses alphabetically. 

Created in 2016 by the Virginia Thoroughbred Association, the Virginia Certified program incentives horsemen to raise and train their Thoroughbreds in the Commonwealth state. It has been integral to breathing life into Virginia’s horse industry. In a recently conducted economic study, it was found that the program has generated $86.2 million in economic benefits for the state.

“What this has done is save our industry’s infrastructure in Virginia,” Easter said. “Our farms were going away. Our training centers and our farms that raise young horses were going away. We were losing veterinarians, blacksmiths, everyone you need for the horse industry. We designed this certified program with hopes of bringing 400 horses to Virginia each foal crop. It is bringing more like 800 to 900. It’s been a huge savior to our farms.”

The Virginia Certified program has awarded $14.6 million to owners since 2016. The Virginia Owner’s Purse Bonus awards owners of Virginia-bred and Virginia-sired horses a 50% purse bonus for horses finishing 1st through 4th in all open races. When a Virginia Restricted horse wins an open company race, the Virginia Developer’s Purse Bonus offers up to a 25% purse bonus to that horse’s developer (the owner of the horse when it makes its first lifetime start). 

“Our Virginia farms are hiring people, they’re making capital improvements, they’re able to raise their rates,” Easter said. “In these 7 years that we’ve been registering certified horses, we’ve gotten over 5,000 horses in our program. These are the beautiful things about what we’re doing.”

Those 5,000 and counting Virginia Certified horses are eligible to enter in the Virginia Restricted races at Colonial Downs, and the purses are run for 15% more than the open company races. 

Opening day at Colonial Downs is Thursday, July 11. The first condition book can be found here: https://link.edgepilot.com/s/4c7cf51a/BXzY6LScskCcswjL_xp8Tg?u=https://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbHorsemenAreaDownloadAction.cfm?sn=CB-CNL-20240711-20240815D.

Listed below is a list of VA- Certified horses that have started in 2024, and are eligible for Va- Restricted races at Colonial Downs.

The 9-week summer thoroughbred racing season at Colonial Downs will be conducted from July 11 through September 7 with racing every Thursday through Saturday. Post time is 11:45 AM on Thursday, 4:30 PM on Friday and 1:30 PM on Saturday. The popular “Festival of Racing” program will return August 10 and feature the Grade 1 Arlington Million, Grade 2 Beverly D ($500,000 purse) and Grade 2 Secretariat Stakes ($500,000). The Million will be run at 1-1/4 miles, the Beverly D. will be contested at 1-3/16 miles and the Secretariat will cover one mile. All three races will be held on Colonial’s acclaimed Secretariat Turf Course. 

The Beverly D. has again been selected as a Breeders’ Cup Challenge Win and You’re In race for the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf to be held November 2 at Del Mar. Festival Day is being expanded for 2024 to include four additional stakes races: the $100,000 Petramalo Mile, a one-mile dirt race for 3-year-olds and its sister race, the $100,000 Penny Chenery for fillies at seven furlongs; the $150,000 Van Clief for 3-year-olds & up at 5½ furlongs on the turf and its distaff companion event, the $150,000 Andy Guest. 

Opening weekend action will be highlighted by a new event — the Million Preview Day card — July 13 that includes three new turf stakes: the $125,000 Arlington Million Prep at 1-1/8 miles; $125,000 Beverly D. Prep over 1-1/16 miles; and the $125,000 Boston at one mile, a prep for the Secretariat. 

The Boston Stakes will resonate with fans locally in Central Virginia, which is home to Colonial Downs. Boston, who was bred by Richmond attorney John Wickam and foaled in nearby Henrico County, was America’s most accomplished racehorse in an era when thoroughbred racing was the nation’s most popular sport. Boston won 40 of 45 known races between 1836 and 1943 on tracks from Georgia to New. York, once in front of a crowd of 70,000. Later a renowned sire, he was an inaugural inductee into the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame in 1955. He lived from 1833-1850 

Boston is a grandson of Sir Archy and was a regal chestnut-colored horse with a white blaze on his nose. During his racing career, he was undefeated as a 4 and 5-year-old starting in 15 races. Thirty of Boston’s victories were in four-mile heats and nine were in three-milers. In the era of grueling marathon contests, Boston was in a class of his own.

Thirteen of his starts took place in Virginia including eight in Petersburg –- all of which he won. Post-racing, Boston was the leading sire in 1851, 1852 and 1853 and eventually sired 95 winners of 293 races. Among his noted progeny were Lexington and Lecomte.

To celebrate his importance to Virginia racing, the County of Henrico will dedicate a new historical marker at Boston’s foaling location this summer, soon after the inaugural Boston Stakes at Colonial.  

Steeplechase racing will be showcased on six different Thursdays throughout the 2024 summer racing season at Colonial Downs and for the first time in several years, pari-mutuel wagering will be offered on the entire jump slate — 18 races in all. Three jump races will be contested on the following Thursdays — July 11 (opening day), July 18, August 1, August 8, August 22 and September 5. 

First race each Thursday is 11:45 AM and all three will be completed in time for Colonial’s first scheduled flat race at 1:30 PM. Steeplechase riders will use the regular jockey’s room on the track’s front side and horses will saddle in the paddock. The jump races will be available to watch and wager via Colonial’s simulcast signal. In addition to regular bets, there will be an All-Steeplechase Pick-3 and two daily doubles that cover races 1-2 and 2-3.  

The first of two Colonial Downs condition books is out and available online via the track’s website. Conditions for four of the six jump days are included and feature four $50,000 maiden hurdles, a pair of $55,000 allowance hurdles and a $50,000 filly/mare maiden hurdle among others. A pair of $100,000 filly and mare stakes highlight the schedule — the Randolph D. Rouse on August 8 and the Life’s Illusion on September 5. Both will be run at the 2 ¼ miles distance. More details are available at nationalsteeplechase.com. 

Post navigation

Casse returns along with multiple champion Stidham, DeVaux, Desormeaux, and Clement lead the list of new trainers

Signaling the beginning of the 2024 Thoroughbred season, Colonial Downs’ barn area will open on Monday, June 24, welcoming returning conditioners, as well as newcomers who are sure to impact the standings. Training is scheduled to begin on Thursday, June 27.

Multiple leading trainer Mike Stidham and Hall of Fame conditioner Mark Casse are among the trainers preparing their string for Colonial Downs 2024 Thoroughbred Season. Casse returns after a successful debut meet where he won 10 races, including Fev Rover’s score in the Grade 1 $500,000 Beverly D., a Breeders’ Cup Challenge Win and You’re In race for the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf.

“It was our first meet and we loved it,” Casse said. “(Colonial Downs) has got one of the nicest turf courses in North America. When I came in for the Beverly D, I flew in with Tyler Gaffalione, Kendrick Carmouche, and Javier (Castellano), and they all commented that this is one of the nicest turf courses they have ridden.”

A celebrated mainstay of the summer season, Karen Dennehy Godsey plans to return to Colonial Downs, coming off the most successful meet in terms of earnings of the trainer’s 11-year career.

“Colonial offers races that no other track has, especially given the Virginia-bred and Virginia-certified program,” Godsey said. “It’s quality racing. The money is good, the racing is good, and the track is gorgeous. There is no other turf course like it. Most every horse in my barn is Virginia-bred or Virginia-certified, so those races they offer level the playing field.”

Newcomers expected to stable at Colonial in 2024 include Christophe Clement, Cherie DeVaux, Jordan Blair, and Keith Desormeaux.

“After looking at the condition book, I saw they have a lot of 2-year-old races, they have a lot of 2-year-old route races, and they have plenty of turf racing,” Desormeaux said. “The surface is second to none –turf and dirt. The facility is very nice, the purses are substantial — there were many features that attracted me. Our goal does not change — we’re developing horses to run at the highest level. It’s going to be a great place to develop these young horses.”

Exiting the most successful season in the history of the racetrack, in terms of record number of races, race days, visitors, horses in competition, live bets and off-track bets, Colonial Downs’ 2024 stakes program consists of 27 races worth $5.7 million. The season will feature daily average purses of nearly $700,000.

The 27-day meet runs from Thursday, July 11 through Saturday, September 7.

MEET HIGHLIGHTS:

Every Thursday is Thirsty Thursday with $3 domestic draft refills every Thursday with the purchase of a souvenir cup.

With a 4:30 p.m. post time, Fridays are Party at the Downs featuring happy hour beer and wine specials from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and live entertainment in the Trackside Tent.

Opening weekend Saturday, July 13 is highlighted by the inaugural editions of the $125,000 Million Preview, $125,000 Beverly D. Preview, and the $125,000 Boston, which serves as a prep for the Secretariat Stakes. Nominations for the three stakes close Thursday, June 27.

Saturday July 13 also features a giveaway of an 18-month calendar loaded with photos of the stars of the 2023 season at Colonial Downs.

Colonial’s races will be prominently featured on FanDuel TV all season long. Additionally, FanDuel TV will be on-site for coverage of the Festival of Racing on August 10.

Racing fans are encouraged to wager on racing from Colonial Downs via www.TwinSpires.com, the official advance-deposit wagering service for Churchill Downs Incorporated and its family of racetracks. TwinSpires.com boasts an improved wagering experience and mobile app combining the latest technology with the ability to wager on virtually every quarter, harness and thoroughbred horse race from venues around the globe. TwinSpires.com also offers access to unmatched insight and analysis from our horse racing experts, handicappers, insiders, educators and Bloodstock Research Information Services (Brisnet).