Virginia Breeders’ Day will feature a four pack of $75,000 Virginia-bred turf stakes — the second editions of the Edward Evans, Nellie Mae Cox and White Oak Farm Stakes, and the inaugural Tyson Gilpin Stakes. A pair of 5 1/2 furlong maiden turf sprints for Virginia-breds will also be carded — one for colts and another for fillies/mares.
Early nominations to all four turf stakes are strong. 28 horses nominated to the Edward Evans Stakes including ’16 winner Rose Brier. The Nellie Mae Cox Stakes attracted 21 nominations including ’16 winner Queen Caroline while the White Oak Farm Stakes attracted 19 nominations including ’16 victor Two Notch Road. A total of 24 horses nominated to the Tyson Gilpin Stakes (5 1/2 furlongs, 3&up F/M).
Jockey Alex Cintron was atop Queen Caroline in the June 25th Nellie Mae Cox Stakes. Photo by Jim McCue.
To make dining reservations, call Laurel Park at (301) 725-0770. For those with horses entered, contact Phoebe Hayes at Horsemen’s Relations (301) 674-5609.
A pair of $75,000 Maryland-bred stakes will complement the card. Both carry purses of $75,000 and will be contested at six furlongs on turf. The Jameela is for 3&up F/M while the Mister Diz is for 3&up.
Mark your calendars for the next two VTA events. Virginia Day at Laurel follows on August 5th with a four-pack of new offerings — the $75,000 Hansel, William Backer, Meadow Stable and Camptown Stakes. The campaign concludes with Commonwealth Day at Laurel on September 30th with five long running staples — the $60,000 Bert Allen, Brookmeade, Punch Line, Oakley and Jamestown Stakes. A pair of Virginia-bred one mile maiden races will join the August 5th program. Details are at www.vabred.org and www.virginiahorseracing.com.