When retired Virginia small animal veterinarian Adam Ainspan purchased his first racehorse 22 years ago, he most likely had a dream — as any new owner would — to someday win a stakes race say, with a $500,000 purse. That dream turned into reality for Ainspan on August 31, 2023 when his thoroughbred horse Harlan Estate captured the $500,000 Tapit Stakes at Kentucky Downs after being sent off at odds of 37-1. 

Fast forward fourteen months to October 26, 2024 when Ainspan again found himself in the winner’s circle of a race that carried a near $500,000 purse, this time at the Meadowlands. His horse Call Me Goo, a Virginia-Certified standardbred, won the $496,000 Breeder’s Crown Open Mare Trot Championship on harness racing’s grandest stage. 

Two wins, each with a half million purse, within nearly a year of each other and most interestingly, with different breeds. Not an everyday occurrence but to Ainspan, who races under the Graham Grace Stable moniker — named after his children’s middle names — it wasn’t a complete surprise.  

“I was shocked a bit, but I wasn’t totally surprised,” he said. “A friend called me up recently and asked for advice about his daughter who was going into the entomology field. I said you can be successful based on whatever you are passionate about. My passion early on in life was horses and always thought if I owned a horse someday I would do well no matter what the breed was. I conduct interviews with many trainers before buying a horse to find one who best matches my personality. You’ve got to build the right team.”

Ainspan grew up in Albany, just south of Saratoga where he said everybody was into horses. “I had friends who owned standardbreds and always knew it was something I wanted to do.”

After grade school, he went to veterinary school in Tennessee and graduated in 1990. After completing an internship in Rochester, New York, he relocated to Washington DC where his wife worked at the International Monetary Fund and as he noted, “A vet can get a job anywhere.” In 1992, Ainspan bought his first vet practice in Centreville, VA and since then, he and his business partner have purchased other practices in the area and even recently sold a batch to a private equity company. 

After setting up a business and setting in, the time came to finally acquire a horse. “Being in DC, I would go to Rosecroft Raceway sometimes and finally saved up some money, bought my first horse, and it happened to go well”.

Ainspan had immediate success with that 2002 standardbred purchase. No Wishes was a foal out of the great foundation mare Classic Wish. No Wishes continued racing until 2010 and when his career was over, the 11-year-old No Nukes gelding had amassed $373,000 in earnings. His life mark of 1:51 4/5 came at Virginia’s Colonial Downs in 2004.   

“I bought him at the Harrisburg sale for $26,000 and even though he didn’t turn out to be a Hall of Fame-type horse like some of his offspring, he was a nice horse that competed in winners over company for $10,000 purses. He was a smart horse and I had him for six or seven years. His success allowed us to buy a similar horse, which was followed by our third, Great George Two.   

Great George Two competed four years, from 2004 – 2007, and among his 12 wins was a victory in the Virginia Breeder’s 2-Year-Old Colt/Gelding Trot Championship at Colonial in 2004. He was a $25,000 purchase and went on to win $436,864. 

“He is the background for what we have going today,” said Ainspan. “Great George Two is the father to Call Me Goo’s mom and he has had some good ones in between which has kept the cash flowing well. If the first horse wasn’t so successful, I’m not sure we’d be where we are today. With George, I thought his bloodline would eventually click because he had come close before. Some of his horses have had the talent but not the mindset and others have had the right mindset but not the talent. Call Me Goo has put it all together.”

Call Me Goo gave Ainspan an especially big thrill this year, with more to come he believes. That’s saying something. The 4-year-old Googoo Gaagaa mare has won 23 of 37 races with earnings of $945,898 so far. Trainer/driver Ake Svanstedt joined Ainspan’s team in September — as a co-owner as well — and was in the sulky for Call Me Goo’s Breeder’s Crown win. 

“I don’t think she has reached her peak yet,” Ainspan added. “Give Ake a full year to train her and we might see her endurance improve even more toward the end of next year. I have a lot of confidence in the people around me, their character, ability and passion. ”   

Ainspan speaks volumes about the care and training Call Me Goo got early in her career courtesy of Jason and Sharon Skinner. Trainer Bib Roberts, who Ainspan has used almost exclusively — especially early on with No Wishes and Great George Two — recommended that Skinner train Goo initially. From 32 starts under Skinner’s watch, the mare won 21 times and bankrolled $583,768.  “The Skinner team deserves a ton of credit for her development,” said Ainspan. “Jason, Susan and their kids are incredibly talented people with impeccable character.”  

Prior to Skinner’s involvement, Call Me Goo spent six months at the Powhatan Plantation in King George, VA where she participated in the Virginia Harness Horse Association’s (VHHA) lucrative residency program prior to her racing career. The stay paid off. Her combined certified bonus — determined by a points system based on race earnings as a 2 and 3-year-old — was over $50,000. 

Ainspan’s interest in the thoroughbred horse world began fifteen years ago when he owned a minor percentage in a broodmare partnership at the invitation of a friend. That eventually led to the purchase of his Tapit Stakes winner, Harlan Estate, a $150,000 buy at the 2022 Keeneland Horses of Racing Age sale. The now 6-year-old Kantharos gelding took fourth in a Colonial Downs allowance just before his Tapit Stakes win in 2023.

“I was semi-retired at that point and sold a good part of my veterinary practice,” said Ainspan, “So had funding available for the purchase. After interviewing people and finding the right trainer in Whit Beckman, we went forward and bought two racehorses, including Harlan Estate, and have since added a number of yearlings which have been pretty successful.”

“That Kentucky Downs win was a great experience,” he added. “The uniqueness of its all-grass, rolling, European style track made it a fun day, and Harlan’s Estate was a horse that didn’t get much respect from the betting public. He is a smart horse and a great athlete. If he thinks he can win, he’ll really try, but if he doesn’t think he can win, he won’t try. It was also my trainer’s first stakes win ever. It was nice to see things come together for a trainer who was just starting his career and with people that you actually like from a team you built.” 

The 64-year-old vet has enjoyed recent thoroughbred wins with some other stablemates like C’Est Cheese, who captured a maiden special weight October 4 at Keeneland and Agoo, who crossed first in a $80,000 claimer September 14 at Churchill Downs.  

As for some of his horse’s names — like Call Me Goo, Googoo Gaagaa and Agoo — it is not by coincidence. And Ainspan does not have a fascination with the band Goo Goo Dolls. “My older sister tells the story that if I got in trouble as a child, I would blame everything on my imaginary friend Agoo. I’ve had some fun with the name since.” 

After achieving success with both breeds, Ainspan was asked which he prefers at this point. “I can’t say I like one over the other but I’ve had more success with standardbreds. The breeds are very, very similar but different at the same time. I can’t say that the Kentucky Downs win was any less thrilling than the Breeder’s Crown win. And I get the same feeling from the wins I’ve had in Canada with Call Me Goo.”

“You put a team together for each breed and with standardbreds, it’s been for over 20 years now. With thoroughbreds, a small bloodstock agent helped me out initially and he still is a big part of the team. Sometimes having that crossover experience can help. I had a thoroughbred that dealt with a knee issue and treated it similarly to how we would treat a standardbred. It doesn’t happen that often but at times it is helpful. My experience with small animals also comes into play. I’ll try things based on my experience. Having a broader knowledge is helpful.” 

“Standardbreds are more blue collar, but in a very positive way,” he added. “Everybody helps out if you have a question or issue. In thoroughbreds, the people are just as great but everyone stays much closer to the vest. Another difference is that trainers on the thoroughbred side are never actually on the horse and rely on others to tell them how the horse is doing. On the harness side, the trainer is sitting behind the horse. I think that aspect leads to a different level of understanding and they are more intimately involved in training of the horse. When it comes to purchasing a horse though, I’m a little better at judging a thoroughbred horse’s conformation myself where in harness, I need to rely on other people’s judgment.” 

Heading into 2025, Ainspan has a combined stable of 30 horses from both breeds. His home base is Clifton, Virginia though his horses reside elsewhere based on whether or not they are racing. His competing thoroughbreds are at Fair Grounds and the rest are in Kentucky. His standardbreds are in both New Jersey and Maryland. Ainspan is sole owner of his thoroughbred horses but he has partners in some of his standardbreds. “In partnerships, I ultimately decide issues that arise but everybody has input and an equal say if not more. It’s a very positive experience that way.”

In addition to managing his dual-breed stable, Ainspan has plans to debut a new company in January that will seek investors to raise funds for a thoroughbred yearling portfolio called Visionary Thoroughbred Investors. He plans to acquire thirty yearlings — ten fillies and twenty colts — for the project. “I’ll rely on Allegiant Bloodstock — which has been very helpful to me — and my own business acumen.” And of course he hopes to find success in that next $500,000 stakes.     

Posted on December 16, 2024 by Darrell Wood

Based on the recent success of running several National Steeplechase Association (NSA) sanctioned races at Virginia’s spring Point-to-Point meets the past couple years, that strategy will continue and even expand in 2025 according to NSA Director of Racing Bill Gallo. 

“We’ve had a good experience at the Old Dominion and Blue Ridge meets and will be adding the Loudoun Hunt Meet at Morven Park in Leesburg to the mix next year,” said Gallo. “We thought it would be good to reach out to Point-to-Point meets that were well established and had good racecourses that were safe to race over and give them a chance to expand their racing opportunities. We refer to them as hybrid meets now since they include regulated NSA sanctioned races and other races they traditionally have run that are not regulated. These mixed meets give Point-to-Points a bit more validity and substance,” added Gallo. “It clearly gets the top riders and trainers to participate in these meets. It’s a win-win situation. It’s a small step but a very positive one. It’s good for the Point-to-Points and good for the NSA as well.”

The new Loudoun Hunt PTP is scheduled for Sunday April 20 and will feature a minimum of two sanctioned races though the final program is still being created. The Old Dominion PTP, slated for Saturday April 5 at the Ben Venue Farm in Washington, Virginia, hosted two sanctioned races last year — one hurdle and one timber — and will get an additional sanctioned hurdle race this spring to bring its total number up to three. The Blue Ridge, which has a new date of Saturday April 12 at the Woodley Farm in Berryville, will host a four-pack of sanctioned races, up from two last year. They will have three hurdle events and a timber race.     

Overall, the NSA is coming off a strong 2024 which saw purses rise one million dollars — from just under $6 million, to just under $7 million. Gallo referred to the gain as “unheard of”. 

“The fall meets in Virginia were great and a big reason why we had a successful year,” he said. “We did have a course problem at Great Meadow but the transition to running it at Glenwood Park in Middleburg worked out nicely. Thank God we had that option for the International Gold Cup card as opposed to cancellation of a major meet. Horsemen liked running at Glenwood Park.”

“Montpelier had their strongest race card ever and had the biggest crowd that I’ve ever seen there,” continued Gallo. “And Foxfield put a tremendous amount of effort into their course thanks to Jack Sanford and Reynolds Cowles. They are presenting themselves beautifully with major renovations and increased purses.  As a result, they have two premier meets now. Horsemen really appreciate those efforts.”

Two new additions to the Virginia stakes schedule also played a major factor in 2024’s growth. The Grade 1 Colonial Cup was run during the spring Gold Cup card and the Grade 1 Will Allison Stakes was contested during the fall International Gold Cup card. The pair represented the first Grade 1 steeplechase stakes to ever appear on the Commonwealth’s calendar.     

The jump race program at Colonial Downs also was key. “We love going to Colonial,” added Gallo. “It is such a great opportunity. It’s not just the volume of races, but the purses are very good too. It’s pivotal for us. The meet there offers $50,000 purses for maiden special weights — which is substantial for us — along with several ratings races for claiming type horses which are in the mid to lower end — like they are in any kind of racing. The meet was complemented by two $100,000 filly stakes which were held a month apart which fit perfectly with the program.” Discussions are currently taking place about what the 2025 summer season in New Kent will look like. 

Gallo reminisced about the NSA’s path forward after the pandemic. “Covid was crippling to us. We salvaged some meets that year to keep our horsemen going but didn’t have fans at any of the races — which is a big source of revenue. It was very difficult financially. We’ve rebounded and rallied to the point that race meets are much better and NSA is doing much better. We are very excited about the future.” 

*Originally posted on covilar.com on 12/9/2024*

• Josep Bassaganya-Riera of Covilar LLC Acquires 50% Ownership of Five Star General in Partnership with Kenny Alhadeff of Elttaes Stables
• Stallion to Stand at Covilar’s Owl Hollow Farm in Floyd, Virginia for 2025 Breeding Season

Floyd, Virginia — December 9, 2024 — Covilar LLC (“Covilar”) is pleased to announce acquisition of 50% ownership in Five Star General through a strategic partnership with existing owner Kenny Alhadeff. Five Star General, whose nickname is “Ike,” after U.S. President and five-star general Dwight D. Eisenhower, will stand at Covilar’s Owl Hollow Farm in 2025, offering breeders in Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic region unique access to Kentucky-quality, high-profile genetics at a competitive price. This partnership marks a significant milestone in Covilar’s mission to establish itself as the premier breeding and racing facility in Virginia.

Since acquiring Owl Hollow Farm in 2021, Covilar has worked to transform the sprawling property into a modern, world-class breeding facility. With facility upgrades complete, Covilar’s founder Dr. Josep Bassaganya-Riera sought a stallion of exceptional caliber to launch Owl Hollow Farm as a top-tier Thoroughbred breeding and racing destination. Five Star General’s pedigree, performance and versatility aligns with Dr. Bassaganya-Riera’s long-term vision for Owl Hollow Farm.

“Five Star General is the ideal stallion to begin expanding Covilar and Owl Hollow Farm,” said Dr. Bassaganya-Riera. “Thanks to our partnership with Kenny Alhadeff, we’re thrilled to offer breeders a top-class stallion right here in Virginia. Our unique breeding program has already produced two crops of foals from Snapy Halo (ARG), sired by top southern hemisphere producer Southern Halo. Our breeding programs are designed to maximize performance, speed and stamina of the offspring. We believe that the addition of ‘Ike’ as our leading stallion is a natural choice and excellent complement to our emerging Thoroughbred breeding program.”

“We’ve been thrilled with the success of Five Star General, one of the most special horses our family has had the privilege of owning. We’re looking forward to partnering with Covilar to launch ‘Ike’ as a sire and to bring this accomplished stallion prospect to breeders in the Mid-Atlantic region,” said Alhadeff. “The partnership is exceptionally beneficial to our family, to Covilar and Owl Hollow Farm’s plans, and to breeders in the Virginia and mid-Atlantic region. I am elated to be partnering with Dr. Josep Bassaganya-Riera, and his determination to improve the breed is thrilling. What better place than Virginia?”

“Five Star General is what all breeders should be looking for: speed, soundness, exceptional looks and a stallions’ pedigree.  We have great confidence in his ability to pass on those sought-after traits,” said international bloodstock agent Chad Schumer.

Alhadeff said, “I’ve been in Thoroughbred horse racing my entire life.  My grandfather, Joe Gottstein, founded Longacres Racetrack in the Seattle area in 1933. In 1935, he created the Longacres mile with a purse of $10,000, the richest race at the distance at the time. Winning back-to-back Longacres miles with Five Star General is a highlight of my entire career as an owner. I’ve had the privilege of racing over 100 Thoroughbreds, and Five Star General’s continued display of endurance, desire and courage has been breathtaking. His improbable stretch run in the last race before retirement is best described by legendary jockey, Joe Bravo, who said ‘The horse willed it. He’s a warrior.’ When a Thoroughbred runs from ages 2 through 8—winning every year— it tells you something very important about their durability and desire.”

Five Star General ran five years in a row in the historic Longacres Mile, placing all five years and winning the last two years to finish out his racing campaign.

2025 Breeding Season Details and Incentives
Craig Whitlow announced that Five Star General will stand for an introductory fee of $6,000 for the 2025 breeding season. He added, “In the very near future, we will release a very lucrative incentive program specifically designed to benefit breeders in Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic region.” Covilar’s planned incentives will support broodmare owners with proven racing or stakes potential, ensuring access to Five Star General’s exceptional racing bloodlines.

About Five Star General and His Exceptional Bloodlines
Five Star General (Distorted Humor x Party of Interest) is the product of a superior lineage. His sire, Distorted Humor, has produced numerous champions known for their versatility and racing prowess. His dam, Party of Interest, hails from the prestigious Bernardini, a Champion 3-year-old colt and classic winner whose influence extends deeply into the Thoroughbred racing world.

Party of Interest’s strong pedigree includes a lineage tied to notable names like Seeking the Gold and Deputy Minister, known for producing durable and competitive racehorses. Five Star General’s siblings have also showcased talent, further supporting the genetic strength he brings to the breeding program. Party of Interest’s most recent foals have been sired by multiple G1 winning stallions including Charlaton, Gunite and Jack Christopher.

Five Star General has amassed career earnings of $902,202, highlighted by victories in the Grade 3 British Columbia Derby at Hastings and back-to-back wins in the Longacres Mile, demonstrating his resilience and competitive spirit. In 2024 alone, he earned $224,773 and secured a 33%-win rate, with an impressive 72% top-three finish rate across all races. His career-best equibase speed figure of 114, competitive spirit and adaptability underscore his quality as both a racehorse and a top-quality stallion prospect.

Key Details:
Sire: Distorted Humor
Dam: Party of Interest
Career Earnings: $902,202
2024 Earnings: $224,773
Wins: 39 starts with 13 wins, 6 second-place finishes and 9 third-place finishes, including wins at the Central Park Stakes at Aqueduct and Grade 3 British Columbia Derby at Hastings, and two Longacres Mile wins.
Top-3 finish rate across all races: 72%
Win Rate: 33%
Equibase Speed Figure: 114
2025 Stud Fee: $6,000

Booking Information
Breeders interested in booking with Five Star General or learning more about Covilar’s’ 2025 incentives are encouraged to contact Covilar LLC at craig@covilar.com or visit www.covilar.com.

—

About Covilar LLC

Located in Floyd, Virginia, Covilar was founded by Dr. Josep Bassaganya-Riera with the goal of creating a premier Thoroughbred breeding and racing program in the Mid-Atlantic region. Recently renovated and meticulously designed, Covilar’s Owl Hollow Farm provides a world-class environment for top breeding quality Thoroughbreds. Five Star General is a Kentucky-bred Thoroughbred stallion that exemplifies the vision of Covilar, demonstrating our commitment to offering elite genetics to establish a progeny of race winners and outstanding service to Thoroughbred breeders.

Boston, a Hall of Fame Virginia-bred thoroughbred horse, was feted December 1 at Historic Tuckahoe in Henrico County with a historical highway marker dedication that recognizes his prominence in the racing world.

The marker was recently installed near his foaling location in the county along the westbound lanes of Route 6, at 10400-10402 Patterson Avenue. The dedication ceremony took place inside the original horse stable at Historic Tuckahoe — situated just outside of Richmond about 35 miles from Colonial Downs — which is the boyhood home of Thomas Jefferson.  

Boston, a regal chestnut colored horse with a white blaze on his nose, was a grandson of Sir Archy and lived from 1833-1850. He was the most accomplished racehorse in an era when thoroughbred racing was the nation’s most popular sport. 

Bred by Richmond attorney John Wickham and foaled near Historic Tuckahoe, Boston was known for his vicious temperament as well as his speed and endurance. He was trained in the stable of William R. Johnson, known as the “Napoleon of the Turf.” Boston won about 40 of 45 known races between 1836 and 1843 on tracks from Georgia to New York, once in front of a crowd of 70,000. He was an inaugural inductee into the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame in 1955.

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 Boston’s 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.

Moderators at the dedication ceremony were Sarah Pace, President of the Henrico County Historical Society, and Josh Pons, equine author and co-owner of Country Life Farm in Hartford County, Maryland. Pons bred Fulmineo, winner of the inaugural $125,000 Boston Stakes held July 13 at Colonial Downs. The 3-year-old Bolt d’Oro colt also competed in the September 7 Virginia Derby.  

Special appreciation for Boston’s renewed attention this year — which led to the historical highway marker and inaugural stakes race in his honor — was extended to Becky Francois, sponsor of the highway marker, along with Jennifer Loux of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, the Virginia Equine Alliance, Colonial Downs, Virginia Racing Commission, Virginia HBPA and Historic Tuckahoe.    

Danny Finke Named Interim Track Superintendent

In addition to working at the Maryland Jockey Club, Ken Brown played a big role in Virginia horse racing as well. Most recently, he was a dirt track consultant at the New Kent track from 2019-2023 and back in the late ’90’s, worked on construction of the 1 1/4-miles oval for the track’s September 1, 1997 opening.

The Maryland Jockey Club (MJC) proudly announces the retirement of Ken Brown, whose tenure as Track Superintendent has been marked by extraordinary contributions to Maryland racing. Brown joined MJC during a period of significant challenges and played a pivotal role in stabilizing operations, ensuring the safety and integrity of the racing surfaces at Laurel Park and Pimlico Racecourse.

Ken Brown officially retired on Dec. 1, 2024. To ensure a smooth transition and continuity of excellence, Danny Finke has been appointed Interim Track Superintendent. With 40 years of experience on the MJC track crew, Finke is a highly respected figure in the racing community. His deep knowledge of track maintenance and commitment to the sport make him an ideal choice to step into this interim role.

“Ken Brown’s leadership has been instrumental in navigating MJC through a challenging period and raising the standard of our racing surfaces,” said Mike Rogers, Acting President MJC. “As we prepare for his well-earned retirement, we are confident in Danny Finke’s ability to lead during this transitional period. Danny’s experience and dedication ensure that Maryland’s racing operations remain strong and seamless.”

The Maryland Jockey Club extends its heartfelt gratitude to Ken Brown for his decades of service and unwavering dedication to the sport of horse racing. As Finke assumes the interim role, MJC remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality in horse racing.

Schedule includes three-day Virginia Derby meet in March

Racing dates for an expanded 2025 season at Colonial Downs were approved today by the Virginia Racing Commission.  The 44-day schedule starts with a special three-day Virginia Derby meet from March 13 through March 15 followed by the traditional summer meet from July 9 through September 13.

The $500,000 Virginia Derby, a points race on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, will transition to the dirt and be held on March 15, anchoring a new three-day spring meet which will also include the $250,000 Virginia Oaks, a Kentucky Oaks points race. The winning horse in each race will receive 50 points to the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve or the Grade 1 Longines Kentucky Oaks, respectively. The second- through fifth-place finishers will earn 25-15-10-5 points on a sliding scale.

Post times for racing during the three-day March meet will be at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 13 and Friday, March 14. The Virginia Derby day card on Saturday, March 15 will kick off at Noon.

Additional reserved indoor and outdoor seating will be available for Virginia Derby Day on March 15. Ticket options for the Virginia Derby will be announced and go on sale to the public in the coming weeks, including a limited number of general admission tickets.

The summer schedule expands to 41 days for 2025 with racing four days per week, Wednesday through Saturday. Post time will be 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday with twilight racing offered every Friday with a 4 p.m. post time. Racing also will be offered on Labor Day, Monday, September 1.

The Colonial Downs Festival of Racing and its three graded stakes races is slated for Saturday, August 9 and will have a special Noon post time. Racing also will start at Noon on Saturday, September 6 for a stakes-laden card.

“We’re excited to bring Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks qualifying races to Virginia for the first time in 2025,” Senior Director of Operations Frank Hopf said. “We look forward to an outstanding 2025 season with participation from horsemen not only from Virginia but also from throughout the Mid-Atlantic as we expand our summer dates.”

The entire stakes schedule for the 2025 season will be made available in the coming weeks. The 2024 season offered approximately $650,000 in purses per day and are expected to be similar in 2025.

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.