The grand opening/ribbon cutting of The Rose is today, November 7, 2024! This is another big and important step forward for Virginia’s horse racing and breeding industry.

Made the top two choices in the morning line, Deterministic and Grand Mo the First headline a competitive field of 12 entered in the Grade 3 $500,000 New Kent County Virginia Derby, one of six turf stakes on Saturday, Sept. 7 at Colonial Downs. Both qualified for Kentucky Derby 150, and both have transitioned to grass for the second half of their 3-year-old campaigns.

The local derby, at 1-1/8 miles over the Secretariat Turf Course, is scheduled as race 10 of the 12-race New Kent County Virginia Derby Day program, which is seeded with $1.3 million in stakes purses. Next year, as a 50-point race on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, the Virginia Derby will transition to the dirt track and be held on March 15, 2025, anchoring a new spring meet at Colonial Downs. 

After running fifth in the Peter Pan (G3), St. Elias Stable, Ken Langone, Steven Duncker, and Vicarage Stable’s Deterministic has run twice on the lawn. The Gotham (G3) winner trained by Christophe Clement rallied to finish ¾ lengths shy of Neat for a second-place finish in the Manila (G3). One of three Virginia Derby entrants who exit the Saratoga Derby Invitational (G1), including Fulmineo and Izzy d’Oro, Deterministic again demonstrated his ability to produce a late bid on the grass to finish third. Tabbed as the 3-1 morning line favorite, the Liam’s Map colt will receive the services of Manny Franco.

When the connections of Deterministic decided not to run in Kentucky Derby 150, it opened a spot in the starting gates for Granpollo Stable’s Grand Mo the First, who had earned his qualifying points running third in both the Florida Derby (G1) and Tampa Bay Derby (G3). After his Run for the Roses, trainer Victor Barbosa Jr. returned the Uncle Mo colt to the turf for his next start, and Grand Mo the First triumphed in the Bear’s Den at Gulfstream Park in August. Paco Lopez gets the call aboard the 4-1 second choice in the morning line. 

Two up-and-comers who add to the intrigue in the Virginia Derby include Belladonna Racing, Peachtree Stable, Twin Brook Stables and West Point Thoroughbreds’ Zverev, who finished three lengths back last out in the Hall of Fame (G2) at Saratoga for Cherie DeVaux and 100% Racing Stable’s Herchee, who is a perfect two-for-two for trainer Helen Pitts.

Here is the complete field for the $500,000 Virginia Derby (G3) from the rail out with jockey, trainer and morning line: Herchee (Edgar Morales, Pitts, 5-1); Grand Mo the First (Lopez, Barbosa Jr., 4-1); Deterministic (Franco, Clement, 3-1); Izzy d’Oro (David Cohen, Blake Kelly, 30-1); Frontline Warrior (Vincent Cheminaud, Shug McGaughey, 30-1); In a Jam (Mychel Sanchez, Mark Casse, 6-1); Desvio (Ben Curtis, Madison Meyers, 8-1); Massif (Sheldon Russell, Brittany Russell, 30-1); Echo Lane (Antonio Gallardo, Rohan Crichton, 15-1); Oscar’s World (Martin Garcia, Brian Lynch, 12-1); Fulmineo (Victor Carrasco, Arnaud Delacour, 15-1); Zverev (Jorge Ruiz, DeVaux, 10-1).

Trainer Mike Trombetta and owner Larry Johnson scored the natural double on Commonwealth Champions Day at Colonial Downs, as Hollywood Walk grabbed her first stakes score in the $150,000 Camptown and Sky’s Not Falling took the $150,000 Bert Allen Handicap.

The connections were a nose away from a third score, as the filly Sail Theseven Seas finished second to War Humor in the $125,000 Jamestown, the opening handicap of five for Virginia-bred, -sired and -certified horses. The Camptown, Bert Allen, $150,000 Meadow Stable and $150,000 Nellie Mae Cox brought together Thoroughbreds from all three categories; the Jamestown, Virginia-bred and -sired 2-year-olds.

“You hope to have a day like this,” Johnson said. “You look at the form and you think ‘we could win a few races.’ It doesn’t always turn out that way. The 2-year-old (Sail Theseven Seas), it was her first time on the grass. She was a little green into the stretch and it cost her. The other two (Hollywood Walk and Sky’s Not Falling) ran terrific. They’re all doing really well. I’ve had 10 or 11 seconds this meet, so it’s nice to get a couple firsts.”

Rallying up the rail down the stretch, Hollywood Walk seized the lead with a furlong to go and had just enough left in the tanks to win the 5½-furlong Camptown Handicap by a neck over Mystic Seaport. The 5 year-old Animal Kingdom mare was piloted by Horacio Karamanos.

“I was stuck for a moment in the middle of the turn waiting for someone to move,” Karamanos said. “I saw a hole split to get out, then dropped back inside. It was a perfect trip. I got lucky but it turned out to be a good decision to wait.”

“Karamanos, he likes to win,” Johnson said. “He made a difference in that race. I thought she was going to get stuck, but he dives down to the rail and wins the race. We’ve been trying to get a stake win for her. She’s a half to Mindframe. She’s a really nice filly and just tries every time.”

Larry Johnson and R.D.M. Racing Stable’s Sky’s Not Falling seized command early and ran away from the field late to take the 1 1/16 miles Bert Allen Handicap by three lengths in gate-to-wire fashion. Piloted by Antonio Gallardo, the 6-year-old gelded son of Seville (Ger) was sent off as the 8-5 favorite.

“I saw today there was no speed in the race,” Gallardo said. “Whatever is for free is for free. I didn’t want to rush him but he broke sharp, felt comfortable on the lead, nice and relaxed, and I think that’s why he finished strong.”

In the 5 ½ – furlong Jamestown Stakes, Eric Rizer’s maiden War Humor ran down Virginia Fitz and survived a photo finish over the lone filly Sail Theseven Seas to win by a nose.
Trained by Ollie Figgins and piloted by Forest Boyce, the son of Mosler was sent off at 13-1.

“He’s just improved every race, just figuring out how to run, to be honest,” Figgins said. “Honestly I think the horses he ran against are pretty legit horses. Most likely the Maryland Million (will be next for him), he’s Maryland sired.”

“I thought he ran great,” Boyce said. “Ollie does an incredible job. I thought we were sitting a great trip. He finished strong. Luckily we held on. I realized after the wire (Sail Theseven Seas was coming late). I didn’t think they were getting there. She must have been closing pretty strong.”

WInning her second stake of the 2024 meet, Susan Moulton’s Tufani sat a perfect pocket trip and tipped out in the stretch to score in the Nellie Mae Cox Handicap by two lengths. Earlier in the meet, Tufani took the Brookmeade in a similar dominant fashion.
In the familiar hands of Ben Curtis, the Mike Stidham trainee was sent off as the 3-5 favorite.

“She’s really matured and blossomed since her winter at Fair Grounds,” Curtis said. “She’s very professional and easy to ride. Before we wouldn’t dream to put her up behind the speed. On paper there wasn’t any speed. The way it transpired, they walked the dog on the lead there. It just shows how good she is that she was able to overcome it. Another step forward, another nice prize for the owner, so a good day all around.”

Repeating in the 5½-furlong Meadow Stable Handicap, Determined Stables and Kingdom Bloodstock’s Determined Kingdom fought off Whenigettoheaven to win by ¾-lengths. Along with the Punch Line, the Phil Schoenthal trainee racked up two local stakes, both for the second time.

Determined Kingdom also finished an impressive third against open company in the Van Clief with Victor Carrasco in the irons for all three local stakes.

“He’s a great horse and he has proven that he can run against anybody,” Carrasco said. “I want to thank Phil (Schoenthal) for trusting me and giving very clear instructions. He said ‘whatever you do, just make sure you don’t get boxed in.’ Determined Kingdom came out of there running. I tried my best to stay outside to make sure (Whenigettoheaven) either had to use too much trying to get in front of me or he
had to drop in behind me. It worked out.”

New Kent County Virginia Derby Day is Saturday, September 7, which will be the closing day of the 2024 Colonial Downs meet. Six stakes will be on the program led by the Grade 3 $500,000 New Kent County Virginia Derby. First post on Saturday is 1:00 p.m. ET.

Colonial Downs has added an extra day of live racing on Wednesday, Sept. 4, serving as a make-up day for the card lost on Friday, July 12. First post is scheduled for 1:25 p.m. ET. Wednesday will kick-off a four-day race week to close the 2024 meet. Post time for Friday’s card has been moved up to 3:00 p.m. ET.

Lewis S. Wiley, a widely-respected horseman and cattle farmer and long-time Fauquier County resident, passed away peacefully at his family’s home, Gordonsdale Farm in The Plains, Virginia, on Sunday, August 11, 2024. He was 86.

Born in Salem, Virginia, on June 30,1938 to James Langhorne Wiley and Camille Dawson Wiley Sullivan, Lewis attended North Cross School with the very first class of students. He briefly attended Andrew Lewis High School prior to his four years at The Hill School in Pottstown, PA where he thrived — playing football, wrestling and running track. He graduated Hill in 1957.

He attributed his years at Hill as instrumental in shaping him into the man he would become. He went on to graduate from The University of Virginia in 1962 where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Fraternity and a member of the Ribbon Society— Eli Banana.

Gordonsdale, a Thoroughbred horse farm where his father and stepmother, Molly, settled in 1965, became Lewis’s home for more than 50 years. In 1966, he and his first wife, Helen Calvert Wiley, married and raised their two daughters at the farm. A second marriage to Carol Pierson followed.

Lewis spent many mornings at the Middleburg Training Center watching and training horses and the facility provided some of his favorite memories. He also was a fixture at the local steeplechase races — as an owner, trainer, steward, and a spectator — one of the few events that could get him to leave his beloved leather chair.

He was on the board of Marshall National Bank and was Vice Chairman of Oak View Bank. Lewis was heavily involved with the Middleburg Spring Race Association since the early 1970s.

His love of bird hunting with friends was one of his favorite pastimes. Whether it was shooting skeet, dove in a corn field, ducks at the marsh, pheasant in South Dakota or quail in Georgia — next to horses, that’s where he was happiest. Lewis also loved watching a good John Wayne western as well as a musical, particularly his favorite, “Guys & Dolls.” Monday nights were reserved for watching his much loved train program on TV with friends.

Lewis knew how to have fun and was known for his sense of humor, kindness, quiet generosity and support of local organizations. He also was a loyal friend. One of his closest friends was the late Sandy Young; they traveled to the yearling horse sales at Saratoga Springs, NY, to the Potomac River at Coles Point, VA and to the marshes of Port Micou near Loretto, VA. They were known to “work hard, and play harder” and coined the phrase “Come on Weekend!” Lewis took care of his friends and the people closest to him he saw every day at the farm. He was grateful to them and did not take their loyalty for granted.

His family offers many thanks to his nurses, caregivers and to Jean Rofe for their help, support and love.

He is survived by his daughters Elizabeth Wiley of The Plains, VA and Sheila Wiley Harrell (Martin) of The Plains, VA, grandchildren Molly Clayton Harrell and William Buchanan Harrell of The Plains, VA and stepbrother Lewis B. Pollard of Warrenton, VA.

He was predeceased by his parents, his stepmother Mary LF Wiley, his brother James L. Wiley, stepsister Karen Dudley Vaughn, half-sister Langhorne Wiley Canning and stepbrother Nelson Pollard.

The family will have a private burial with a celebration of life at a date to be determined. Memorial donations can be made to The Fauquier SPCA (www.fauquierspca.com), your local hospice, or The Salem Museum (www.salemmuseum.org).

Arrangements by Royston Funeral Home, Middleburg, VA. Please visit www.roystonfh.com to express online condolences to the family.

Virginia-bred filly Paynted By Nancy scored Grand Champion honors at the Virginia Breeder’s Fund’s 23^rd annual Yearling Futurity held August 26^th at the Warrenton Horse Show Grounds. Owned by Daniel Wukich and bred by Quest Realty, the daughter of Paynter won the divisional title for Virginia-bred/sired fillies earlier in the day and advanced to the final round along with the top two finishers from three other classes. The champ is out of the Jump Start mare, Jumpin’ Nancy.  

Second place in the final round went to an Un-named Independence Hall dark bay colt owned and bred by Larry Johnson. Named Reserve Champion, the Virginia-bred is out of Everything Magic by Street Sense. 

The competition was judged by thoroughbred trainer Ferris Allen, a Varina, Virginia native who is the leading all time trainer at Colonial Downs. A total of 33 yearlings participated in the competition which offered a total of $40,000-plus in prize money — 75% divided among the four division participants at the venue and 25% to Futurity graduates who are eligible for a bonus after their three-year-old racing season is complete. 

Following Paynted by Nancy in the Virginia-bred/sired fillies category were a pair of 2023 Un-named fillies both owned and bred by Morgan’s Ford Farm. The runner-up is by Midnite Lute out of Skipstone by Montrock while the third-place finisher is by Maxfield out of Love and Marriage by Arch. Toot was next, owned and bred by Eagle Point Farm, followed by an Un-named chestnut by Promises Fulfilled owned/bred by Joni Fontana Sugarland LLC, an Un-Named by Great Notion owned/bred by Sugarland LLC Equine Etiquette, an Un-named bay by Divining Rod owned/bred by Darlene Bowlin and an Un-named bay by Rock Your World owned/bred by Daybreak Stables.

In the Virginia-bred/sired colt & gelding category, Johnson took second place in addition to his Reserve Champion score — an Un-named dark bay by Global Campaign out of Classy Coco by Not For Love. Next was a pair owned and bred by DMC Racing Stable — Me Naughty Juba and Between the Lines — followed by Irish Nunsense (Wukich/Quest Realty), Broadside Salvo (Helen Masek), Sound of Freedom (Tim Hulings & Analia Larrosa) and Elmington (Kathleen Hamlin).

Of six that competed in the Virginia-certified colt & gelding division, Rebel Prince was awarded a ribbon and first place prize money. Ron Sapp is owner and breeder of the winning gray who is by Cairo Prince out of the Yankee Gentleman mare, Rebel Lady. Runner-up went to an Un-named chestnut by Improbable owned by Sugarland LLC and bred by Country Life Farm & Indexation LLC.. I Am Pepe, by Always Dreaming, took third for Sugarland LLC and breeder The Stables at Mezza Lunam LLC. Rounding out the field was Billy Boy (Michael Horning, Debbie Horning), an Un-named bay by Divining Rod (Sugarland LLC/Super C Racing Inc.) and an Un-Named bay by Paynter (Sugarland LLC/Hickory Ridge Farm).

The Virginia-certified fillies category was won by an Un-named bay by Lexitonian owned by Timbercreek Farm and bred by Javie Woodstock, LLC and Javier Hernandez. The winner is out of the Stormin Fever mare, Rachae Leigh. Timbercreek took runner-up in this class as well, scoring with an Un-named chestnut by Tacitus out of Honeymoon Cruise by Archarcharch. She was bred by Springland Farm and Stuart Angus. Third and fourth went to Un-named fillies — a chestnut by Blofeld (Sugarland LLC) and a chestnut by Hoppertunity (Jim & Suanne Hallman). The final trio included Menet (Daybreak Stables), an Un-named chestnut by Irish War Cry (Sugarland LLC) and an Un-named by Spun to Run (Brandon Mackey/Westbrook Stables LLC).            

Five turf stakes showcasing Virginia-bred, -sired and -certified horses attracted large fields for Virginia Champions Day at Colonial Downs on Saturday, Aug. 31. Offering $725,000 in total, the four stakes open to horses in all three categories – the Camptown, Bert Allen, Meadow Stable and Nellie Mae Cox – average 10.5 runners. The Jamestown is solely for Virginia-bred and -sired 2-year-olds. First post on Saturday is 1:30 p.m. ET and the added money events will go as races 5 – 9 on the 10-race program.

Larry Johnson and R. D. M. Racing Stable’s Sail Theseven Seas is the lone filly facing six freshman boys in the $125,000 Jamestown Stakes, a 5½-furlong sprint which kicks off the stakes action.

Sporting two seconds in two starts over dirt, Sail Theseven Seas will make her grass debut in the Jamestown. Trained by Mike Trombetta, the Street Sense filly led late but was run down by Winfinity last out in the Keswick.

Chief among her competition will be Andrew Lavin’s Virginia Fitz. The impressive debut winner led throughout over a yielding turf course beating eight rivals by 2¼ lengths for trainer Susan Cooney.

Looking to defend his crown, Reiley McDonald’s Passion Play leads a field of 11 older males entered in the 1-1/16 miles $150,000 Bert Allen Handicap, carded as race 6.

Not having raced since winning last year’s Bert Allen, Passion Play scored in July’s Edward P. Evans to tally his fifth local win in nine runs. The 8-year-old trained by Mary Eppler has surpassed the half-million earnings mark.

The Edward Evans second- and third-place finishers, Port Lairge Stables and Louisa Stevenson’s Gettin’downonit and Mi Patria Racing and J R Sanchez Racing Stable’s Hay Chief, will both look to turn the tables on Passion Play.

Sean Feld’s Kentucky-bred Evan Harlan poses a threat as the 5-year-old who won at Keeneland in April has shown top form since joining Brendan Walsh’s barn ahead of his 5-year-old campaign.

Madison Avenue Racing and Jagger’s Mystic Seaport will face nine older fillies and mares in the $150,000 Camptown Handicap as she tries to win back-to-back stakes at Colonial Downs. Going 5½ furlongs, the Camptown is slated as race 7.

Having won nine of her last 11 starts, Mystic Seaport’s most recent triumph was in July’s Tyson Gilpin/Glenn Petty Stakes, which she won by three lengths.

Logical rivals to Mystic Seaport include Mens Grille Racing’s Roanan Goddess, a 3-year-old trained by Hamilton Smith who exits an impressive win in the Searching at Laurel Park; second against open company last out in the Andy Guest, Larry Johnson’s Hollywood Walk; and Joel Politi’s homebred Bosserrati, who finished fourth in the Andy Guest for trainer Brittany Russell.

Susan Moulton’s multiple stakes winner Tufani headlines a field of 11 older fillies and mares entered in the 1- 1/16 miles $150,000 Nellie Mae Cox Handicap.

The Distorted Humor filly trained by Mike Stidham won the Brookmeade last out as the 2-5 favorite. Over the winter at Fair Grounds, she took the Pago Hop, beating open company by two lengths.

Chief among her competition are Morgan’s Ford Farm Surya and Country Life Farm’s Galilei, who finished second and third to Tufani, respectively, in the Brookmeade. A fresh face that poses a threat is Brittnee Caballero’s Regalled, who is graded stakes-placed and trained by Sam Davis.

The 2023 winner of the $150,000 Meadow Stable Handicap, Determined Stables and Kingdom Bloodstock’s Determined Kingdom, will face nine rivals as he tries to win back-to-back editions.

With his third-place finish against open company last out in the Van Clief, Determined Kingdom proved again that his 5-year-old form is the best of his career. The Phil Schoenthal trainee won the previous two starts of his campaign, including a repeat victory in the Punch Line.

Ken Ramsey’s last-out winner of the Ben’s Cat Whenigettoheaven looms a logical threat to Determined Kingdom’s second Meadow Stable title.

Virginia Derby Day is Saturday, September 7, which will be the closing day of the 2024 Colonial Downs meet. Six stakes will be on the program led by the Grade 3 $500,000 New Kent County Virginia Derby. Fields will be drawn on Saturday, Aug. 31.

Albemarle County, Virginia – Cassiopeia Foundation 501c(3) is proud to announce the purchase of the Foxfield property in Albemarle County, ensuring the preservation of the historic site, fulfilling the dreams of founder Mariann de Tejeda, and providing a stable platform for the continued operations of the independent Foxfield Racing LLC 501c(3).

The Foxfield property, with its rich history and picturesque setting, has long been a cherished destination for equestrian enthusiasts and spectators.  With this acquisition, the Cassiopeia Foundation 501c(3) is committed to honoring the vision of founder Mariann de Tejeda and safeguarding the property for future generations to enjoy.

“We are thrilled to announce the purchase of the Foxfield property and our commitment to preserving this iconic site forever,” said Zach Miller, Trustee of the Cassiopeia Foundation. “It is our honor to play this role in the fulfillment of the dreams of Mariann de Tejeda and create a lasting legacy that celebrates the heritage and tradition of Foxfield.”

The Cassiopeia Foundation, 501c(3) was established in 1944 by W. Alton Jones, an American industrialist and philanthropist. Over its 80-year history, the foundation has relentlessly pursued its mission – the betterment of mankind – through its support of initiatives related to environmental conservation, land preservation, and social justice. Jones, known for his commitment to environmental causes and social responsibility, sought to use the foundation as a vehicle for creating positive change in the world.

W. Alton Jones was a prominent figure in the Thoroughbred racing world, known for owning several significant racehorses that left a lasting impact on the sport. Jones’s passion for horses and dedication to the equestrian world led him to acquire and breed some of the most talented and successful horses of his time.  Zach Miller, his great-grandson, has continued the family tradition into its fifth generation.  Miller is an amateur steeplechase jockey and a professional trainer. He and his wife Sara operate a thoroughbred development business at Timbercreek Farm in Charlottesville.

Foxfield Racing LLC, the independent 501c(3) organization that has revitalized the racecourse and created a new model for the steeplechase industry, will continue to operate the steeplechase races at the Foxfield property. Foxfield Racing LLC aims to continue the legacy of excellence in equestrian sports and promote the growth of the steeplechase industry.

“We applaud the immense work that Foxfield Racing LLC has undertaken to date and are excited to secure the platform on which it will create a vibrant and sustainable future for the Foxfield Races,” added Miller. “Together, we will work to preserve the heritage of this historic site, support the innovation of the steeplechase industry, and foster a sense of community among equestrian enthusiasts and regional residents.”

Nominations closed on Wednesday for the six pack of turf stakes scheduled for Virginia Derby Day on Saturday, Sept. 7, which is closing day at Colonial Downs. With $1.3
million in combined purses, the Grade 3 $500,000 New Kent County Virginia Derby leads the charge along with the $250,000 Woodford Reserve Virginia Oaks (Listed), $150,000 VisitRVA.com Colonial Cup, $150,000 Korbel Da Hoss, $125,000 Richmond Times-Dispatch Rosie’s Stakes, and $125,000 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Kitten’s Joy.

A 1-1/8 miles race over the Secretariat Turf Course, the Virginia Derby had 35 3-year-olds nominated, headlined by West Point Thoroughbreds and Steven Bouchey’s multiple Grade 1 winner Carson’s Run. Trained by Christophe Clement, Carson’s Run most recently took the Saratoga Derby Invitational, bringing his career bankroll to $719,529. Also nominated is his stablemate, St. Elias Stable, Ken Langone, C. Steven
Duncker and Vicarage Stable’s Deterministic, a Grade 3 winner who finished third in the Saratoga Derby.

Stabled at Colonial Downs for the first time, trainer Cherie DeVaux leads all trainers with four Virginia Derby nominees, including Klein Racing’s Brilliant Berti, runner-up in the Grade 2 Secretariat, along with up-and-comers Zverev, The Process and Depiction.
Brad Cox’s trio of derby nominees includes two owned by Qatar Racing in Army Officer and West Hollywood, both upstart allowance winners, as well as Flurry Racing Stables’ Irish-bred Take Me to Church, who sports three wins overseas but has yet to race in the United States.

Forty-two 3-year-old fillies were nominated to the 1-1/8 miles Virginia Oaks, including the top five finishers in July’s Pucker Up (G3) at Ellis Park. The winner of that contest, Qatar Racing’s Waves of Mischief, is one of three nominated to the Virginia Oaks trained by Brendan Walsh. Three Diamonds Farm’s Regret (G3) winner Pin Up Betty was nominated. Trained by Mike Maker, she finished second last out to Waves of Mischief in the Pucker Up and tallies $427,365 in lifetime earnings.

Mark Casse also has three nominees, led by Gary Barber, Rocky Top Stable and LEMB Stables’ multiple stakes winner Dancing N Dixie, who touts a triumph in the Tepin, and Gary Barber’s Mo Fox Given, who exits a fourth-place finish in the Pucker Up. Also nominated was Frederick Hertrich III and John D. Fielding’s Whiskey Decision. the Arnaud Delacour-trained sophomore won the Christina Stakes and then was sent
off as the favorite last out in the Del Mar Oaks.

Exiting a second-place finish in the Grade 1 Arlington Million, Integration leads the 43 older Thoroughbreds nominated to the 1½-miles Colonial Cup. Owned by Woodford Racing, West Point Thoroughbreds, Pine Racing Stables, William Freeman, Michael Valdes and John Ballantyne, the Shug McGaughey trainee has two graded stakes victories on his resume, including last year’s Virginia Derby.

Stuart S. Janney, III’s homebred Limited Liability joins the list of nominees for McGaughey. Other notable Colonial Cup nominees include LFG Racing’s Grade 3 winner Anglophile, who finished third last out in the Kentucky Downs Preview Turf Cup, and fellow Brian Lynch trainee Highway Robber who with the score in July’s Turf Cup over his stablemate brought his career earnings to $441,013.

Last year’s winner Nobals tops the 32 nominated to the Da Hoss Stakes, a 5½-furlong dash. Trained by Larry Rivelli, Patricia’s Hope’s Nobals followed up his Da Hoss score with a victory in the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1). His stablemate One Timer, owned by Richard Ravin and Patricia’s Hope, boasts five stakes victories, including the Franklin-Simpson (G2), and exits a second-place finish in the Robert S. Molaro to fellow Da Hoss nominee Southern Comfort Stable’s Mischievous Rogue.

Forty-four 2-year-olds were nominated to the 5½-furlong Rosie’s Stakes. including Case Chambers, Paradise Farms Corp. and David Staudacher’s Skidmore Stakes (G3) champion Out On Bail. The Tiz the Law colt trained by Mike Maker beat fellow nominee Jet Sweep Joe by a head in the Skidmore, which was the Paul McEntee trainee’s second stakes placed-finish, along with the Tyro.

Going 1 1/16 miles on the grass, the Kitten’s Joy Stakes attracted 39 freshman nominees, topped by three stakes winners in Swinbank Stables’ Kentucky Juvenile winner West Memorial, Lynn Ashby and William Gotwals’ Re Markably, who exits a score in the Dover. With a maiden breaking debut score in the Keswick, Dream Big Racing’s Winfinity was nominated to both the Kitten’s Joy and the Rosie’s Stakes for trainer
John Ortiz.

The Virginia Derby Day program will have 11 races. First post is set for 1:30 p.m. ET

Winning Horse will Compete in the Iconic Run for the Roses

Colonial Downs Racetrack (“Colonial Downs”) announced during the annual Festival of Racing that the 2025 Virginia Derby has earned the distinction as a “win and you’re in” qualifying race on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the landmark event for Virginia horse racing from the winner’s circle at Colonial Downs alongside First Lady Suzanne Youngkin, Secretary of Agriculture Matthew Lohr, Delegate Amanda Batten, Churchill Downs Incorporated (“Churchill Downs”) CEO Bill Carstanjen and Churchill Downs Board Chairman Alex Rankin.

“Churchill Downs has worked with partners throughout the Commonwealth to reinvigorate Virginia’s proud legacy of thoroughbred racing and secure our place as a worldclass destination for racing fans and equine talent from around the world,” said Governor Youngkin. “The future for thoroughbred racing in Virginia has never been brighter and this opportunity will allow us to shine on horseracing’s biggest stage.”

The Virginia Derby has traditionally been a turf race that signified the culmination of the summer racing season. This year’s Virginia Derby turf race, along with live entertainment and family friendly activities, will be held as scheduled on September 7, 2024. Next year, as part of a 50-point race on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, the Virginia Derby will transition to the dirt track and be held on March 15, 2025,
anchoring a new four-day spring meet at Colonial Downs. The winning horse will be guaranteed a post position in the starting gate for the 151st Kentucky Derby on May 3, 2025, at legendary Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky.

Speaker of the House Don Scott shared his enthusiasm for the announcement, saying, “It is exciting that the Road to the Kentucky Derby will now run through Virginia. Churchill Downs has elevated the stature and economic impact of thoroughbred racing in the Commonwealth while creating jobs, generating significant tax revenue in communities around the state, and offering race fans a memorable experience at
the track.”

“We are thankful for the investment of Churchill Downs in the Virginia horseracing industry. In 2025, Colonial Downs will race 47 days which is up from 27 days in 2022, the last race meet before Churchill Downs acquired Colonial Downs,” said Secretary Lohr. “Besides adding prestigious and lucrative races for horsemen, more race days drives significant economic impact throughout Virginia’s entire agricultural sector leading to a healthy breeding industry, stronger equine infrastructure, and more employment
opportunities across the Commonwealth.”

“Today’s announcement is not only exciting for tourism in our district,” said Delegate Batten, “but also demonstrates a commitment to horseracing that will ensure Colonial Downs is a premier destination for generations to come.”

Dates for the Colonial Downs spring meet are contingent on approval of the Virginia Racing Commission.

In keeping with Penny Chenery’s long career of celebrating Secretariat’s legacy, promoting the best in racing, and honoring excellence in Thoroughbred athletes, the inaugural Penny Chenery award was presented to author/historian Leeanne Meadows Ladin of Montpelier, VA. The presentation was made on August 11 at Colonial Downs Racetrack in New Kent, VA after the running of the first-ever Penny Chenery race. Stephanie Nixon, chair of the Virginia Racing Commission, did the honors in the winner’s circle.

The new annual award, established by Penny’s children, recognizes a woman who has demonstrated outstanding sustained commitment to celebrating the achievements and legacies of Thoroughbred champions, for the benefit of the horse industry and the education of the public.

The family noted that Leeanne has been a tireless promoter of Secretariat’s story in person and in print and online for nearly two decades. As the co-author of the award-winning book, Secretariat’s Meadow, she toured the nation presenting Secretariat’s story to fans nationwide with eloquence and passion. She created and ran the original tourism program at the Meadow Event Park, formerly known as Meadow Stable, the birthplace of Secretariat. There she narrated tours for visitors from all over the world. Additionally, she took care of the star of the tours, Groundshaker, a great-great granddaughter of Secretariat and the last racehorse bred by Penny Chenery.

Leeanne led the successful effort to place the original barns and foaling shed at the Meadow on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register. She inaugurated and organized the annual Secretariat Birthday Party which has been held in Ashland or at the Meadow ever since 2007. She was a key member of the team that brought the Secretariat Racing Into History monument to Ashland, VA. As a well-known media contact, she has helped to generate extensive coverage of Secretariat’s story locally and nationally. As a sought-after speaker, Leeanne traces not only Secretariat’s history but the formative role of Virginia in American horse racing.

Through her passion and knowledge, she has brought joy to fans nationwide and inspired new generations of fans to love Secretariat. Leeanne’s tireless efforts have burnished the Secretariat story and allowed it to shine in the hearts of fans everywhere. Media contact: Kate Chenery Tweedy kctweedy22@gmail.com