The following appeared in Richmond Magazine and was written by Claire Fortier who took photos as well.

July 23, 2023

From George Washington pitting his best breed of horses against Thomas Jefferson’s to the spectacular Triple Crown victory of Doswell-born Secretariat in 1973, horse racing has a legendary history in Virginia. Now that legend is about to get a leg up.

Colonial Downs, purchased in November by Churchill Downs Incorporated, the company that runs the Kentucky Derby, is the new home for three renowned races: the Arlington Million, Beverly D and Secretariat Stakes, which took place for many years at now-shuttered Arlington Racecourse in Illinois. Scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 12, and offering purses as high as $1 million, the three stakes races will attract “some of the fastest and best horses in the country and the world,” says Mark Hubbard of McGuireWoods Consulting, whose organization was critical in lobbying the Virginia General Assembly to bring back thoroughbred racing in the commonwealth.

The races will highlight the biggest year yet for Colonial Downs. Two changes — moving races from the middle of the week to Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and extending the racing season to a nine-week schedule — are part of a push to make Colonial Downs one of the foremost summer racetracks in the country.

Landing a stakes race is a huge leap toward that goal. There is an elaborate rating system for horse races based on a statistical analysis of the quality of the horses running and the size of the purse for winners. At the pinnacle are Grade 1 races including the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and both the Arlington Million and Beverly D. The Secretariat Stakes is a Grade 2 race, and the New Kent County Virginia Derby on Sept. 9 is a Grade 3 race. The draw of Grade 2 and 3 races is that winning horses could become contenders on the sport’s biggest stages.

“It’s very exciting for any racetrack to have a graded race,” says Frank Hopf, senior director of racing operations for Colonial Downs. “It’s even more exciting to have the opportunity for two Grade 1 races and a Grade 2 race. The big key is to make sure we are getting top-quality horses here to run.”

Finding high-quality contenders is part of Hopf’s job. Hired in March after 13 years at Sam Houston Race Park in Texas, Hopf oversees all racing operations, as well as managing relationships with equestrian groups in Virginia.

“Part of the excitement,” Hopf says of his new role, “was to take what has already happened here and use that to become one of the premier summer tracks in the country, on the same level as Saratoga [in New York] and Delmar [in California].”

“Frank is here to help us build,” Hubbard says. “When we started this whole project to reopen Colonial Downs, it was all about revitalizing the horse industry in Virginia. We are actually watching that happen, and the continued growth is going to further accomplish that goal.”

Originally opened in 1997, Colonial Downs stopped thoroughbred racing in 2013 due to a dispute between track management and equestrian groups over the length of the racing season and proceeds from track betting. In 2018, the General Assembly enacted a law allowing historic racing machines (similar to slot machines) at the track and at off-track betting parlors. That fostered the economic viability to reopen the track. A Chicago-based partnership bought the track and on Aug. 8, 2019, held the first race in six years. Last fall, Churchill Downs purchased Colonial Downs and all of its gaming assets.

For Karen Dennehy Godsey, that’s great news. “This is our home track,” she says, sitting astride her pinto, Tonka, and watching an early morning exercise session on the track. “It’s the best turf track in the country and one of the best dirt courses as well. My horses do very well on it.”

Godsey, with her mother, Donna Gilman Dennehy, owns and operates Eagle Point Farm, a 200-acre thoroughbred training center in Ashland started in 1947 by her grandfather, T. Edward Gilman. Mother and daughter have extensive experience training racehorses, as well as advocating for Virginia-bred horses.

“I love it when a local homebred comes down here and does well,” Godsey says of Colonial Downs. “I have a couple of homebreds with generational history — horses that have run here, and now I have their foals running here. A lot of my clients love running their horses here as well. I had one client with a really nice filly who we wanted to take to a race on another track, but she declined. She said she loves this meet and wants to save her horses for it.”

Another goal at Colonial Downs is to broaden the appeal of horse racing to the public. “Horse racing is a niche sport,” Hubbard says. “What you have out here is a mixed audience of real horse-racing lovers who are here for the sport and those folks who pick their horses based on the color [the jockeys] are wearing or if the horse has an interesting name.”

With a new food concessionaire and more fun activities on Saturdays, Colonial Downs is trying to appeal to the whole family. “My goal is to have the guest experience be as good as it can be,” Hubbard says. “This is a great way to spend an afternoon and do something different. It’s a blast.”

The biggest day in Virginia horse racing history is set for Saturday August 12 at Colonial Downs! The first ever “Festival of Racing” program will feature three prestigious turf stakes races that previously had been run at Arlington International Racecourse for decades — the Grade 1 Arlington Million ($1 million purse), Grade 1 Beverly D Stakes ($500,000 purse) and Grade 2 Secretariat Stakes ($500,000 purse). 

The first Arlington Million took place in 1981 and was the first thoroughbred race to ever offer a purse of $1 million. The Million, which received Grade 1 status in 1983, was geared to attract European horses before their year-end championship events in fall. The race annually attracts the best grass runners in the world. The only two-time Million winner is the great John Henry who won it in 1981 and 1984. In its 40^th running this year, it will be contested at 1-1/4 miles.

The first Beverly D Stakes was run in 1987 and is for fillies and mares, three years of age and up. The stakes reached Grade 1 status in 1991. The 2023 Beverly D Stakes is a “Breeders’ Cup Challenge Win & You’re In” qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf — the winner automatically advances to the “Cup” Championships at Santa Anita this November. Seven Beverly D winners have gone on to be voted American Championship Female Turf Horse. The stakes will be contested at 1-3/16^th miles.

The Secretariat Stakes is named for who many consider to be the greatest racehorse ever. Secretariat was born, raised and trained at The Meadow Farm in Caroline County — where the State Fair of Virginia is currently held. “Big Red” was the 9^th Triple Crown winner in 1973, sweeping the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont in record setting times that still stand today. The stakes named in his honor started in 1974 and is for three-year-old turf horses at the one-mile distance. Interestingly, two former Virginia Derby winners have won the Secretariat Stakes — Kitten’s Joy in 2004 and Paddy O’Prado in 2010.

The spectacular Secretariat “Racing Into History” bronze statue will be at Colonial Downs for fans to enjoy on “Festival of Racing” Day. The breathtaking piece was sculpted by acclaimed artist Jocelyn Russell, who has trailered it to stops around the country this year including extended visits at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby, Pimlico Racecourse for the Preakness and Belmont Park for the Belmont Stakes. The statue, which will be permanently based in Ashland if fundraising goals are met, is 1.5 times Secretariat’s actual size and showcases him racing full stride with jockey Ron Turcotte aboard.     

Reserved seats are going fast for the “Festival of Racing” event. Fans should note that there is a $25 general admission fee that day — but a 60% discount is available by using the promo code MILLION at colonialdowns.com — so tickets will be $10! This offer expires at midnight on August 10. General admission tickets will be $25 after that time. Tickets must be purchased in advance and kids 12 & under receive general admission for free!  

Four Virginia-Bred Stakes Highlight Opening Week Action on Saturday

D. Hatman Thoroughbreds and Kingdom Bloodstock ‘s Determined Kingdom authored a convincing gate-to-wire victory under Mychel Sanchez in the 5-1/2 furlong, $125,000 Punch Line Stakes Saturday at Colonial Downs — one of four turf stakes on the card for Commonwealth-bred and sired horses with purses that totaled $500,000.

The 4-year-old Animal Kingdom gelding won his fifth career race and pushed his bankroll to $325,189 with the win. The Phil Schoenthal trainee won the 2022 Punch Line by 5-½ lengths in a rallying effort and captured Saturday’s edition by 5-1/4 lengths on the front end. 

“He’s always been the kind of horse that relaxed off the pace and came on with a rush,” said Schoenthal, “But in the last two starts, he was very keen and showed a lot of speed and didn’t have his relaxing kind of run. We cut blinkers way back today and felt like that might slow him and relax him but I told Mychel in the paddock that if he wants to go, don’t fight him. He came out of there running. Mychel had a ton of horse, put him in place and put the field away.” 

Schoenthal targeted this race early in the year. Coming off an eight-month layoff, Determined Kingdom had two late spring starts in Maryland that resulted in sixth and seventh place finishes. 

“He needed a couple starts off the layoff,” Schoenthal said. “I didn’t have him totally cranked up at Pimlico and thought he would run better at Laurel but didn’t feel too bad because the winner in that race set a new track record. It was improvement and I felt that in his third start off the bench, he would improve again. I’m real proud of him. We got him as a yearling and he’s been a lot of fun. It’s really rewarding when he shows up on a big day.”

Larry Johnson’s Embolden was second and David Lengel’s Uncle Andrew finished third.

Sam English’s Chambeau defended her 2022 Tyson Gilpin/Glenn Petty Stakes title by defeating seven other fillies and mares Saturday in this year’s edition. The 6-year-old Karakontie mare was ridden by Colonial’s all-time leading jockey Horacio Karamanos — who had two stakes victories on the card — and left the winners circle with a career bankroll of $200,300. Chambeau was positioned second through the half, took the lead at the top of the stretch and crossed 3¾ lengths the best. The Anthony Aguirre trainee — who did not start competing until the age of five — is now 3-for-6.

Robert D. Bone and Edward Brown’s Carolina Sun finished second and Stonestreet Stables’ Aisha R N was third.

Country Life Farm’s Galilei angled three-wide from third at the top of the stretch, passed two front runners and hit the wire first, three-quarter lengths the best, in the $125,000 Brookmeade for fillies and mares at 1-1/16th miles. The 4-year-old daughter of Lemon Drop Kid had her best outing since a maiden breaking turf win at Colonial last summer. Karamanos was in the irons for trainer Michael Trombetta.    

Susan Moulton’s Tufani was runner-up and Larry Johnson’s Continentalcongress finished third.

Six-year-old Flatter gelding Alex Joon, who finished second in last year’s Edward P. Evans Stakes, took a step forward in Saturday’s Evans with a three-length victory over Reiley McDonald’s Passion Play. A field of nine battled one mile in the stake’s fifth running and after an inside move from deep in the field early on, trainer Lindsay Schultz’s Virginia-bred crossed first with Forest Boyce up top. The victor is owned by Ten Strike Racing. Iapetus Racing and Diamond T racing’s Gigante was third.

The following appeared at richmond.com July 14 and was written by Savannah Reger. The Colonial Downs summer racing season continues through September 9 with cards scheduled every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 1:30 PM

There’s a taste of the Kentucky Derby in New Kent County this year.

Bought by Louisville, Kentucky-based Churchill Downs Inc. in 2022, Colonial Downs track opened for the season Thursday and is set for nine weeks of horse racing. It’s the biggest year yet for the track, with three major races to be held: the Arlington Million, the Beverly D. Stakes and the Secretariat Stakes.

Usually these were held at Arlington Park in suburban Chicago, but that track has been sold.

In addition, the Beverly D. Stakes is a part of the Breeder’s Cup Challenge Series, earning the winner an automatic bid to the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf in November.

Then, there’s the larger purses.

Frank Petramalo, the executive director of the Warrenton-based Virginia Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, said purses have grown exponentially over the past few years. The VHBPA represents owners and trainers who are licensed to race, and helps negotiate terms for them with the racetracks, Petramalo said.

So, with higher purses and more high-profile events taking place at the track, it has only increased Colonial Downs’ marquee value in the sport, he said.

“We hope to continue to grow,” he said.

So why did the purses go up?

“What really spurred expansion are those historical horse racing machines,” Petramalo said. “The purse money was generated by year-round wagering at off-track betting parlors. Online wagering has been growing over the years … so, our revenue came from that wagering as well as the off-track betting parlors.”

Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums were legalized in Virginia and opened a few years ago. Since then, a percentage of money goes toward purses. Now, Petramalo estimates that there could be up to 2,700 machines. By 2025, there could be around 5,000 machines.

27 days of racing in 2023

The shift comes as the horse racing industry faces continued financial pressure. Numerous tracks — from Hazel Park Raceway in suburban Detroit to Suffolk Downs near Boston — have shuttered over the past decade. Additionally, the industry has been marred by multiple horse deaths at such places as the iconic Santa Anita Park outside Los Angeles and at Churchill Downs in Louisville.

Colonial Downs opened in September 1997 on a parcel just off Interstate 64. Today, the once-rural area has seen an explosion of development, including new homes and businesses.

This year, there will be 27 days of horse racing. Petramalo said the goal is to ultimately reach 50 days because with every 100 machines, Colonial Downs has to have one day of racing.

With all the investment money that goes into owning a horse and training the horse, Petramalo said, venues with larger purses are attractive because it gives bettors a chance to make some money back, break even or even get ahead.

“The purses are your source of revenue if you win,” Petramalo said. “The high-publicity horses, you know, like the ones in the Kentucky Derby, they’re at the top. The rest of the horses kind of form the rest of the pyramid where they’re kind of the blue-collar workers.”

Mike Tomlinson, a horse trainer from Kentucky, is racing at Colonial Downs this year for the third time. Originally from Oklahoma, Tomlinson moved to Kentucky because it is where horse racing is solid and year-round.

Tomlinson has watched Colonial Downs grow more and more through his three years. He said he understands why the sport is dependent on money from bets, but it worries him to an extent.

“It’s a bit scary to me,” Tomlinson said. “It’s just going to keep growing. This is going to be the new home to the Arlington Million, which is a worldwide international race. So, you’re going to have people from all over the world run here. It’s going to be interesting to see how it progresses with the addition of more casinos.”

In addition to the bigger name races and purses this year, the race days are changing. Previously, race days were Monday-Wednesday, when it would have less competition against other tracks and be able to pull in more money, and then the weekends were reserved for more fan activities.

This year, races are Thursday-Saturday, all starting at 1:30 p.m. Tomlinson said Churchill Downs made the decision based on research. To him, it does not matter what three days his horses race.

Petramalo said he has mixed emotions about the change in race days, from a business and fan perspective. He is happy that the new race days are more convenient for fans even if Colonial Downs generated more money during the Monday-Wednesday stretch because they had the market to themselves.

“On Friday and Saturday, we’re competing with our friends in Maryland at Laurel but also competing with the big dogs in Monmouth, New Jersey, and Saratoga, New York,” Petramalo said. “Those are popular betting venues. When we were running on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, our daily average of wagering on our races was a little over a million dollars. Last year when we were running Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, it was way over 2 million.”

‘We need to build the love of the horse’

Leanne Hester, a trainer at Colonial Downs who is from Virginia, is a fan of moving the race days. Hester, an advocate of taking children to the track, described racing as family-friendly.

“I’ve been here since the first year I had my kids and we were watching races,” Hester said. “It’s not just betting.”

Hester added that while betting is historic, it’s not what the races should be completely about. She said she understands its purpose and it’s not something to shy away from.

“[My family] and I were going to bet on some of the races,” Hester said. “We all picked our own horse, somebody behind me said, ‘You shouldn’t have kids at a racetrack like this.’ And I’ll never forget that because I’m like that should never be the perception. This is a family thing, you know, for all of us.”

The changes will be on display for the next nine weeks at Colonial Downs, including what is on track to be the biggest day in Virginia horse racing history Aug. 12, when the three big racing events mentioned earlier run.

“I’m a huge promoter to the public,” Hester said. “I want people to love racing, to love horses. It’s not all about sitting in front of a TV or a machine. We need to build the love of the horse.”

July 13th, 2023 BYMike Curry

Horses race on Colonial Downs’ lush turf course during the 2022 meet. (Coady Photography)

The 2023 meet at Colonial Downs began July 13 and the New Kent, Va. racetrack traditionally offers some of the best turf racing in the country. The action heats up quickly as Colonial’s Saturday (July 15) card features four turf stakes races, each with a purse of $125,000, for Virginia-bred or Virginia-sired runners.

The Tyson Gilpin/Petty Stakes and the Punch Line Stakes both are 5 ½-furlong turf sprints that drew eight and 10 runners, respectively. The former is for fillies and mares 3-years old and older while the latter is open to all Virginia-bred or sired 3-year-olds and older. The card also features the Brookmeade Stakes at 1 1/16 miles for fillies and mares and the one-mile Edward P. Evans Stakes, which drew a competitive field of 10 and is the focus here.

EDWARD P. EVANS STAKES

Racetrack: Colonial Downs, New Kent, Va.

Date: July 15

Purse: $125,000

Distance: 1 mile on turf

Race: 7

Post time: 4:40 p.m. ET

1. E. P. Milton (30-1 morning-line odds): Ran in the aforementioned Punch Line Stakes last July and finished seventh at 69.50-1 odds, but E. P. Milton enters off a sharp win going seven-eighths of a mile June 6 at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort that earned a career-top 88 Equibase Speed Figure. Adding 2022 leading Colonial Downs jockey Jevian Toledo gives him some appeal as a longshot.

Jockey: Jevian Toledo; Trainer: Susan Cooney

2. Southpaw Mike (30-1): As a lifelong baseball fan named Mike, I wanted to like this 3-year-old gelding, but he’s 2-for-10 lifetime and has been beaten by 4 1/4 lengths or more in last three races. Looks outclassed against this bunch.

Jockey: Antonio Gallardo; Trainer: Susan Cooney

3. Spritzer (30-1): He’s been sprinting on the main track and enters off back-to-back third place finishes, but Spritzer has not finished in the top three in eight previous tries on the grass. With rain in the forecast, he would be helped if this race came off the turf.

Jockey: Jesus Castanon; Trainer: Leanne Hester

4. Hay Chief (30-1): Rallied from well back to finish second and third, respectively, in his previous two starts at 1 1/16 miles on the turf at Laurel Park. Tough to endorse as win candidate, however, with no wins in five career starts, all at the maiden claiming level. A fast pace would improve his chances to close for a minor award, and he ran well when second on a sloppy track in his second race if this stakes is washed off the turf.

Jockey: Yan Aviles; Trainer: Rodolfo Sanchez-Salomon

5. Reconvene (30-1): Has found trouble in three of his last four races and is winless in last 16 starts dating back to an allowance win in August 2020 at Monmouth Park. Reconvene has closed for third in a pair of stakes races during the winless stretch and would really benefit from a fast early pace and some moisture in the turf (his best races have come on softer ground). Jockey-trainer tandem has clicked at 39% with a sparkling return on investment.

Jockey: Mychel Sanchez; Trainer: James L. Lawrence II

Gigante (Coady Photography)

6. Passion Play (4-1): He won this race in 2021 and faded to fifth last year in the Edward P. Evans (following a layoff of over a year) after setting the pace. The 7-year-old Hold Me Back gelding is a win candidate at his best, but there is reason for concern that he might need a race to reclaim his top form as this is his first start in eight months. Trainer Mary Eppler wins at a 20% rate off a layoff of 180 days or longer.

Jockey: Horacio Karamanos; Trainer: Mary Eppler

7. Kendama (8-1): Finished third last year in this race and ran third in another turf stakes later in the 2022 Colonial meet at 1 1/16 miles. Took a nice step forward in his second start of 2023 when winning a 1 1/8-mile turf race June 11 at Laurel Park. Should be a nice price and could outrun his odds.

Jockey: Jeiron Barbosa; Trainer: Madison Meyers

8. Buddy Buddy (15-1): His stock is on the rise after back-to-back wins at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. In fact, he’s finished in the top three in all four starts in 2023, but all of those starts came in dirt sprints and he’s unplaced in three tries on grass. He is another who could benefit greatly if rain washed this stakes off the turf onto the main track.

Jockey: Fredy Peltroche; Trainer: Tim Collins

9. Gigante (9-5): The probable favorite. He’s a winner on turf and dirt for a Hall of Fame trainer and scored two starts back in May in the Caesars Handicap at this one-mile distance on the turf at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Gigante also has a victory on this turf course last year as a 2-year-old when he romped by 6 ¾ lengths in the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Kitten’s Joy Stakes.

Jockey: Adam Beschizza; Trainer: Steve Asmussen

10. Alex Joon (3-2): Enters off a third-place finish in an allowance race going 1 1/8 miles at Keeneland on turf rated as good, so the 6-year-old Flatter gelding might appreciate if rain softens the ground a bit. Finished second in this race last year and has a chance to improve upon that in this edition. A win candidate.

Jockey: Forest Boyce; Trainer: Lindsay Schultz

THE PICK: Gigante

LIVE LONGSHOTS: E. P. Milton/Reconvene

SUPERFECTA: 9-6-10-1

Colonial Downs® 2023 Racing Season Starts Thursday, July 13

NEW KENT, Va. (July 10, 2023) – The iconic Churchill Downs is bringing live racing back to Colonial Downs Racetrack in New Kent County. Weekend racing returns with top Thoroughbred horses from around the country every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with post time at 1:30 p.m. Also new this year are three high level stakes races at Colonial Downs showcased as part of the new Colonial Downs Festival of Racing card on Saturday August 12 featuring the prestigious Arlington Million, Beverly D. and Secretariat Stakes. It is expected to be the biggest day in Virginia horse racing history. Premium tickets, full racing schedule and information are available at www.colonialdowns.com

Family activities and entertainment will be offered trackside every Saturday with a new family friendly zone. Each Saturday will feature a rotation of activities including a petting zoo, face painters, a bounce house and more. Additionally, there will be five premium giveaway days. Baseball Caps will be distributed Opening Day, Thursday, July 13 followed by Plush Horses Friday, July 28, T-Shirts on Friday, August 11, Clear Stadium Bags on Friday, August 28 and Water Bottles on Friday, September 1.

Additionally, Colonial Downs is partnering with a new food and experience provider, Oak View Group (OVG), this season. Highlights include an outdoor Grab & Go marketplace concept with vendors including: The Sausage Guy (sausage, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders and fries), CM Concessions (freshly squeezed lemonade, cotton candy, fresh popcorn), Shake It Up (Milkshakes, etc.) and Bavarian Pretzels. The Jockey Club restaurant has a new Chef’s Table buffet menu and the 1609 Club will feature a bistro-style menu.

“It’s an exciting time for Colonial Downs and New Kent County in 2023,” said Frank Hopf, Senior Director of Racing Operations. “The goal is to provide our guests a terrific experience and with the return of weekend racing, world class stakes races and new amenities, we are on the right path this season.”

Ken Gaber, President, OVG Hospitality commented, “We are thrilled to join forces with Churchill Downs Inc. to increase our presence in horse racing and take the fan experience at Colonial Downs to new heights. We believe fans deserve the very best, from food service offerings to efficient and quality service, and are pleased to welcome Colonial Downs into the OVG Hospitality family. We can’t wait to get started.”

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.

About OVG360 

OVG360, a division of Oak View Group, is a full-service venue management and hospitality company that helps client-partners reimagine the sports, live entertainment, and convention industries for the betterment of the venue, employees, artists, athletes, and surrounding communities. With a portfolio of more than 240 client-partners spanning arenas, stadiums, convention centers, performing arts centers, cultural institutions, and state fairs around the globe, OVG360 provides a set of services, resources and expertise designed to elevate every aspect of business that matters to venue operators. Service-oriented and driven by social responsibility, OVG360 helps facilities drive value through excellence and innovation in food services, booking and content development, sustainable operations, public health, public safety and more.

Nominations for Virginia-Bred Stakes Day at Colonial Downs, which headlines opening week festivities on Saturday July 15 with a four-pack of $125,000 turf stakes for Virginia-bred and Virgnia-sired horses, closed on July 1. 

The top three finishers in the 2022 Edward P. Evans Stakes were among 20 who nominated for the one-mile turf test open to three-year-olds and up. Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Twin Creeks Racing Stables’ Largent, Ten Strike Racing’s Alex Joon and Ballyerin Racing’s Kendama may be poised for a rematch.

In addition to last year’s Evans victory, Largent captured the 2020 edition along with the Bert Allen Stakes the same year. The 7-year-old Into Mischief gelding, bred by Lazy Lane Farms, has bankrolled $609,320 from seven wins and five seconds. Alex Joon, who finished one-half length behind Largent, has earned $232,399 from 25 starts. In addition to his second, the 6-year-old Flatter gelding won a turf allowance at Colonial one month after the Evans. Kendama took third in both the Evans and Bert Allen Stakes and sandwiched a second between the pair in a New Kent turf allowance. The 6-year-old Uncle Mo gelding was bred by Audley Farm Equine. 

The top three Punch Line Stakes finishers from last year also nominated including D Hatman Thoroughbreds and Kingdom Bloodstock’s Determined Kingdom, who prevailed by a convincing 5 ½ lengths. The 4-year-old Animal Kingdom gelding was also best in the ’21 Jamestown Stakes. The Phil Schoenthal trainee, also bred by Audley Farm Equine, has earned $250,189 from 15 outings. Larry Johnson’s Embolden, the Punch Line runner-up, also took second in the ’20 Evans and reached the winners circle in the ’19 Jamestown. The Michael Trombetta trainee has a robust $342,641 bankroll. Ed & Susie Orr’s Boldor finished third in the ’22 Punch Line and won the Meadow Stable Stakes last summer. The Steve Asmussen trainee captured the 2021 Punch Line and boasts a bankroll of $562,183. 

Reiley McDonald’s 7-year-old Hold Me Back gelding Passion Play nominated as well. In 2021, he won both the Evans and Bert Allen Stakes. The Mary Eppler trainee has a career bankroll of $311,497 from 26 starts. In all, 23 horses, age three and up, nominated for the 18^th running of the Punch Line to be contested at 5 ½ furlongs.

2022 M. Tyson Gilpin Stakes winner Chambeau heads a list of 17 nominees to the 2023 edition, slated for fillies and mares three and up at 5 ½ furlongs. Owned and bred by Sam English II, the lightly raced 6-year-old Karakontie mare has made just five life starts — all last year.  Robert D. Bone and Edward J. Brown Jr.’s Carolina Sun, second in last year’s Gilpin, also nominated. The 4-year-old Summer Front filly, bred by Susan Cooney, had a trio of top three finishes at Colonial last summer. Stonestreet Stables’ Aisha R N, an Asmussen trainee, nominated as well and is fresh off a turf allowance triumph at Lone Star May 11. This year’s stakes has been renamed to also include former VTA Executive Director Glenn Petty in its title, along with Gilpin. 

The Brookmeade Stakes, for fillies and mares three and up at 1 1/16^th miles, attracted 15 nominations including Chambeau — also nominated for the Gilpin/Petty — and ’22 Jamestown runner-up Bee Mountain. The latter is trained by Ferris Allen and was bred by Audley Farm Equine. Another nominee — Morgan’s Ford Farm’s Surya — had a maiden special weight and an allowance turf win at Colonial last summer. The 4-year-old daughter of Street Sense is trained by Brittany Russell. 

Entries close for the Commonwealth four-pack on Wednesday July 12. Colonial Downs ushers in its annual summer racing season Thursday September 13 at 1:30 PM. The 9-week campaign continues through September 9 with cards every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 1:30 PM. 

Just a reminder to owners/trainers of Virginia-Bred and Virginia-Sired horses — the Saturday July 15 card at Colonial Downs will feature a 4-pack of $125,000 turf stakes exclusively for those Commonwealth Bred/Sired horses ages three and up. 

Nominations to the four — including the Edward P. Evans, Punch Line, M. Tyson Gilpin/Glen Petty and Brookmeade Stakes — are due by Saturday July 1.  

The Evans and Punch Line, carded at one mile and 5 ½ furlong distances respectively, are for males while the Gilpin/Petty and Brookmeade, programmed at 5 ½ furlongs and 1-1/16^th miles each, are for filles and mares.

Colonial Downs kicks off its annual summer race season Thursday July 13 and the Virginia Stakes card on the 15^th highlights open week festivities. The season continues through September 9 with another round of five Virginia stakes slated for Saturday September 2. The $125,000 Jamestown is for Virginia-Bred/Sired 2-year-olds while the other four — the Meadow Stable, Camptown, Bert Allen and Nellie Mae Cox — feature $150,000 purses and are Virgnia-restricted (open to Virginia-Bred, Virginia-Sired and Virginia-Certified horses).         

Colonial Downs is set to begin its first season of thoroughbred racing under the ownership of Churchill Downs on Thursday July 13! The 9-week season in New Kent will continue through September 9 with racing every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 1:30 PM. In preparation for the meet, the stable area opened June 20 and training began June 23. Come opening day, some 850 horses are expected to fill the barn area.

The following pictures are from the week the stable area opened and training began.

9-Week Racing Season Begins Thursday, July 13

NEW KENT, Va. (June 23, 2023) – Horse vans began arriving in earnest as the stable area at Colonial Downs opened June 19 in advance of the New Kent, Va., racetrack’s 2023 season which spans 27 days from Thursday, July 13 through Saturday, September 9.

A record $5.25 million in stakes purses and an average daily purse distribution of $700,000 (includes stakes) ensures the 2023 meet will offer some of the best Thoroughbred racing ever seen in the Commonwealth, topped by the G1 Arlington Million, G1 $500,000 Beverly D., and G2 $500,000 Secretariat Stakes on Saturday, August 12, plus the G3 $500,000 Virginia Derby and $250,000 Virginia Oaks which will highlight the Saturday, September 9 card.

Weekend racing returns for the first time since 2019 with live racing scheduled every Thursday, Friday and Saturday with a first post time of 1:30 p.m.

Colonial Downs again will have a full complement of 850 horses on its backstretch. Among the first horses to arrive were those from the barn of Kelsey Danner, shipping in from Kentucky; Virginia mainstays Karen Godsey, Woodbery Payne and David Bourke; and Angel Rodriguez, arriving from his Florida home base.

“People remember when I was 16 and hotwalking, learning the ropes around here. The quality from what used to be here compared to what is here now is unreal. It is so nice to see bigger outfits, nice quality horses and big stakes race days in New Kent,” said Godsey.

She moved 18 horses in last Wednesday during a rainstorm and has six more to bring, for a total of 24.

“I’m pretty excited about this year. For some reason, I just feel my string has really come around — a lot further along than I thought they’d be at this point. My older horses are pretty talented and the young Virginia-Certified and Virginia-Bred babies have some pretty nice pedigrees to them and think they’re going to do pretty well. I don’t think I have one in the barn that I don’t want to have right now.”

“I have a lot of turf horses and the purses there are great,” added Mark Casse, a member of both the Canadian and American Halls of Fame, who will have a full contingent here for the first time. “Seeing the opportunities there, it just made sense.”

Casse mentioned that he is considering the G1 Arlington Million for Strong Quality who was fifth in the G1 Manhattan at Belmont on June 10.

The first horse on the track June 23 when training began was Payne’s young filly, Wine and Roses. “This is a Vino Rosso who is a first-year stallion and is very popular,” he said. “She is typical of a bigger, rangier type. She is very promising and is owned by the Pewter Stable out of Pennsylvania. They sent her down to Colonial and get her ready. Everybody appreciates how good this facility is for training and prepping horses.”

“Colonial has established its niche in the market and people are following the money,” he added. “You can tell by the stall list on the backside — there’s going to be formidable competition here this year. I think Virginia is on the upswing. I’ve got some solid 2-year-olds in the stable and the Virginia-Certified program is ultimately why I have them based here instead of at other tracks. People want to take advantage of the Certified races.”

Other trainers expected for the 2023 meet include Hall of Fame conditioner Steve Asmussen; Graham Motion, winner of both the 2019 and 2021 editions of the G3 Virginia Derby; last year’s leading trainer Mike Stidham; Jonathan Thomas; Mike Trombetta; and Michelle Lovell.

Colonial has added an Early 50-cent Pick 5 with a fan-friendly 12% takeout to the wagering menu covering the first five flat races daily and a $1 Pick 6 with a 15% takeout which covers the final six races each day.

All races from Colonial Downs can be seen daily on either FanDuel TV or FanDuel Racing. In house, Jason Beem returns for his fifth season at the mic while Kaitlin Free joins the broadcast team as racing analyst and paddock host.

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.