Stall applications for the Colonial Downs summer season are available now at colonialdowns.com — and virginiahorseracing.com — and must be turned in on or before May 3. The first of two Condition Books is also available online at the same sites. The New Kent barn area will open June 19 and the track will be available for training beginning June 22. Purses, which averaged $622,000 per day last year, will safely be over $650,000 this year said Frank Petramalo, VAHBPA Executive Director. “With the addition of the Arlington Million Day stakes, total purse money for the meet will be in the $19 million range,” he said.
The Secretariat Turf Course was set ablaze March 28 in an annual controlled burn that helps prepare and nurture the country’s widest grass racing surface for the upcoming meet. The burn takes dead cover off the turf in a rapid manner and allows it to grow back more plush, green and safe within weeks. The controlled burn method is preferred to cutting the grass since the process is quicker and more efficient.
Colonial’s turf irrigation system also underwent a complete renovation and material has been added to the 1 ¼ miles dirt oval.
“We look forward to working with a new partner (Churchill Downs Incorporated) in the race meet that brings a wealth of experience of putting on great racing events,” added Petramalo.