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

Colonial Downs Racetrack (“Colonial Downs”) announced today that the Festival of Racing, originally scheduled for Saturday, August 10 has been rescheduled for Sunday,
August 11.

The decision to reschedule the biggest day in Virginia’s horse racing history was carefully made after working closely with weather experts to predict the risk of heavy rain and potential impact caused by Tropical Storm Debby. While most of the extreme weather conditions are expected to clear the area by Saturday, the safety of team members, the community and horsemen traveling to compete was the highest
priority in the decision to delay the planned festivities. Additional recovery time for racetrack surfaces will make it possible to run the entire race card which includes seven stakes races highlighted by the Grade 1 Arlington Million, the Grade 2 Beverly D. and Grade 2 Secretariat Stakes.

Gates will open for the Festival of Racing on Sunday, August 11 at 11:30 a.m. with the first post at 1 p.m. Stakes start in Race 6 with the three graded stakes starting at Race 9. General admission and parking are free, and all previously purchased tickets will be honored. Reserved seating can be purchased at rosiesgaming.com/festival-of-racing/.

Thursday (8/8) Race Card Moved to Monday (8/12); Friday (8/9) Race Card Moved to Tuesday (8/13)

NEW KENT, VA., (August 6, 2024) – Colonial Downs Racetrack (“Colonial Downs”) announced today the decision to reschedule live racing on Thursday, August 8 and Friday, August 9 to Monday, August 12 and Tuesday August 13, respectively.

The decision to reschedule was made in consideration of the possible impact caused by Tropical Storm Debby leading to adverse racing conditions as well as safety concerns for those shipping in or traveling to participate.

The team at Colonial Downs is currently working closely with experts in the field to determine if the risk of heavy rain will impact the timing of the Colonial Downs Festival of Racing on Saturday, August 10. A decision on those scheduled races is expected by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, August 7, when more accurate data is available.

Dream Big Racing, LLC’s Winfinity and Mary Lightner’s Candycrumbs each captured a $150,000 Virginia-Restricted dirt stakes for 2-year-olds August 3 at Colonial Downs in a similar, dramatic come-from-behind running style. The former was 1-1/4 lengths the best in the Keswick for fillies while the latter crossed 1-1/4 lengths in front in the Hickory Tree for colts & geldings. The stakes, contested at 5-1/2 furlongs, were open to Virginia-Bred, Virginia-Sired and Virginia-Certified horses.  

Winfinity, making her first lifetime start, was last through much of her stakes as Diakonissa controlled the field early until Sail Theseven Seas gained the lead at the top of the stretch. Jockey Tyler Conner led Winfinity into fifth coming out of the turn and surged on the far outside late passing four frontrunners including Sail Theseven Seas in deep stretch. 

The winner, a Not This Time filly, is trained by John Alexnder Ortiz and was bred by Ann Mudge Backer/Smitten Farm. She paid $25.80 in her first career start. 

“She’s a big girl,” said jockey Tyler Conner. “I’d never been on her before. She was just green and didn’t know what she was doing up there. She was all over the place, running everywhere. She straightened up when she hit the top of the stretch though and just kept surging.”

Larry Johnson and RDM Racing Stable’s Sail Theseven Seas finished second and Barak Farm’s Safe Trust finished third.  

Candycrumbs, a Valiant Minister colt fresh off a runner-up at Gulfstream in his career bow June 8th, was last in tenth place through the 3/8^th mark, moved up to sixth at the top of the stretch and won by 1-1/2 lengths over Do It For Michael. The winner, who paid $14.00, was ridden by Trevor Mccarthy for Lightner, who is both trainer and owner. 

“When he got squeezed at the start, it was really a blessing,” said jockey Trevor McCarthy. “Everyone has the same mentality in these two-year-old races. When I saw the race before mine (Keswick Stakes), the winner came outside and was running late, and I said great. My horse took to the dirt really well. He switched leads and once we got into the turn, there were a lot of horses wide and I just sat at the rail for a while. He got into a really good rhythm and once we hit the stretch, I just said we’re going wheel it and fire. He’s got a lot of talent.” 

No Guts No Glory Farm’s Do It For Michael finished second while Lynn Ashby and William Gotwals’ Re Markably took third.  

Colonial Downs cancelled the final two races on its nine-race card due to storms in the area.  The summer racing season in New Kent resumes with a 12-race program Thursday August 8 at 11:45 AM. The “Festival of Racing” card, which features seven stakes including the G1 Arlington Million, is set for Saturday August 10 and will feature a rare appearance by the Budweiser Clydesdales.   

The Virginia Thoroughbred Association (VTA) unveiled a new “Nothing Like It” advertising campaign which emphasizes benefits to breeders of registered Virginia-bred horses — who earn bonuses for finishing first, second and third in any open race in North America. 

Up until last year, bonuses were only paid to horses who finished first in those races. Additionally, bonuses will be paid to the breeders of top three finishers at Colonial Downs and at National Steeplechase Association (NSA) sanctioned meets. In 2023, the first year this expanded program went into effect, payouts were 34% of purses earned. 

In order to qualify, a mare must be in Virginia by September 1 and reside there until she foals the following spring. The definition of a Virginia-bred thoroughbred horse is one that is foaled in the Commonwealth, whose dam resides at a Virginia participating facility from September 1st of the year of the foal’s conception through the foal’s date of birth, is registered by the Jockey Club, and is registered with the VTA.       

In addition to Breeder incentives, Owners and Developers of Virginia-bred horses also have opportunities to earn bonuses. Owners earn a 50% bonus when their Virginia-bred horse finishes first through fourth in an open race at Colonial Downs. 

Developers are eligible for a maximum 25% bonus for winning open races — including those at NSA meets — at tracks in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and Virginia. There is a $10,000 cap on each individual award. A developer is defined as the person or entity listed on the chart as owner when a Virginia-bred horse makes its first lifetime start.

“Virginia’s racing and breeding industry has a lot of momentum now,” said VTA Executive Director Debbie Easter. “From our horsemen incentive programs to expanded racing opportunities at Colonial Downs beginning next year, these positive developments make it a perfect time now for horsemen, both locally and out-of-state, to invest in Virginia and reap the benefits of our breeder incentive programs. The future here looks healthy and robust.”

More details on the VTA’s incentive programs can be found at vabred.org.   

Led by New York-bred Tojo’s Mojo, Hickory Tree Attracts Twelve;

West Virginia-bred Diakonissa Tabbed at the Top of Nine Fillies for the Keswick

The fields for Saturday’s pair of 2-year-old stakes at Colonial Downs are stamped with what makes Virginia’s racing program unique to other states. Attracting 21 entries in total, five are Virginia-bred; 16 are bred elsewhere but qualify as Virginia Certified, including the morning line favorites in the $150,000 Hickory Tree and sister counterpart the $150,000 Keswick.

Run at 5½ furlongs on the dirt, the Virginia Restricted stakes written for Virginia-bred, -sired, or -certified attracted runners bred in Kentucky, New York, Maryland, Florida, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

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

Having maintained residency in Virginia for at least a six-month consecutive period prior to December 31 of their 2-year-old year, New York-bred Tojo’s Mojo headlines the Hickory Tree and West Virginia-bred Diakonissa, the Keswick. The pair of stakes are slated to go as the fifth and sixth races on Saturday’s nine race program, beginning with the Keswick.

Set to face a field of 12 freshmen, Joanne Geruso’s Tojo’s Mojo was made the 3-1 morning line favorite in the Hickory Tree. Trained by John Salzman Jr., Tojo’s Mojo broke his maiden by open lengths in July at Laurel Park. The son of Name Changer is one of 11 Virginia-certified freshmen, including Ken Ramsey’s Happyflyer, who exits the Bashford Manor at Churchill Downs having previously broken his maiden there.

Purchased as a yearling for $155,000, Y Not Stables’ Tap that Magic rallied from the back of the back to win on debut at Presque Isle Downs. Trained by Michael LeCesse, the Good Magic colt was bred in Pennsylvania.

Set to face a field of nine Virginia-bred, -sired, or -certified fillies in the Keswick, Ultra Championship Racing’s Diakonissa was tabbed as the 5-2 morning line favorite after her impressive debut score. Trained by Anthony Farrior, the Preservationist filly won her debut by more than nine lengths facing fellow West Virginia-breds at Charles Town. Though she was in hand most of the homestretch, Diakonissa earned a 78 Brisnet Speed figure.

After finishing fifth in her debut on the dirt at Churchill Downs in June, Elements Racing’s Bonne Fille broke her maiden on the Secretariat at Colonial Downs against Virginia-restricted company, impressively running down the loose leader Beyond Question. Trained by Michelle Lovell, the Kentucky-bred by Cupid out of Run Like the Boss is a half-sibling to Andthewinneris, the 2022 Bourbon (G2) victor.

Here is the complete field for the $150,000 Hickory Tree from the rail out with jockey, trainer and morning line odds: Happyflyer (Ben Curtis, Nolan Ramsey, 6-1), Dadsnumbronehelpr (Gustavo Larrosa, Kristy Petty, 20-1), Candycrumbs (Trevor McCarthy, Mary Lightener, 12-1), Stormy Flight (Victor Carrasco, Hamilton Smith, 30-1), Re Markably (Joe Rocco, Lynn Ashby, 8-1), Summerinthecountry (no rider named, Hugh
McMahon, 15-1), Do It for Michael (Xavier Perez, John Robb, 12-1), Tap That Magic (Antonio Gallardo, LeCesse, 6-1), Brewmaster (no rider named, John Robb, 10-1), This Juice B Loose (Fredy Peltroche, Anthony Lucas, 30-1), Audible the Play (Arnaldo Bocachica, Anthony Farrior, 7-2), Tojo’s Mojo (Jorge Ruiz, Salzman, 3-1).

Here is the complete field for the $150,000 Keswick from the rail out with jockey, trainer and morning line odds: Shkhara Fire (Walter Rodrigues, Jose Corrales, 9-2), Safe Trust (Denis Araujo, Jose Corrales, 4-1), Bonne Fille (Gavin Ashton, Lovell, 5-1), Diakonissa (Bocachica, Farrior, 5-2), Sporting Lady (Jorge Ruiz, Cherie DeVaux, 6-1) , Rapido Rosa (Victor Carrasco, Jose Corrales, 8-1), Winfinity (Tyler Conner, John Ortiz, 15-1) , Sail Theseven Seas (Horacio Karamanos, Michael Trombetta, 20-1) , Let Thesunshine In (Mychel Sanchez, Michael Trombetta, 10-1).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                                                  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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