The 2022 Virginia Thoroughbred Association Championship Awards Ceremony kicked off Virginia Gold Cup weekend at Great Meadow in The Plains on May 6th, first time the awards have been held at the trackside Turf Club chalet since 2019. A rainy and cool evening could not damper the celebration which was welcomed by all. The 2020 edition was cancelled due to Covid and 2021’s was held at Colonial Downs, with award winners being recognized between races.
The weather turned colder and the rain intensified even more on Gold Cup Saturday, but thousands came out anyways to tailgate in the adverse cold weather and create new memories.
David & Dana Ross (middle), whose Extravagant Kid was named 2021 Virginia-Owned Champion, display the Grade 1 Al Quoz Sprint Stakes trophy from their big win in Dubai last year.VTA Executive Director Debbie Easter is flanked by VTA Past President Jill Gordon-Moore (left) and current VTA President Susan Cooney (right).Wayne & Susie Chatfield-Taylor of Morgan’s Ford Farm accept awards for 2021 Horse of the Year (Chess Chief) and 2021 Breeder of the Year.Street Lute’s connections, including trainer John Robb, accept an award for 2021 Virginia-Certified Filly Champion.Members of Audley Farm Equine accept honors for Urban Fairytale who was named 2021 Virginia-Bred Champion Mare. 2021 Virginia-Bred Over Fences Champion honors went to Vincent Van Gogo. Pictured is owner Adam Newman, breeder Katie Fitzgerald and trainer Neil Morris. Phyllis Jones, owner of Smallwood Farm in Crozet, accepts an award for 2021 Virginia-Sired Champion Mr. Buff, who was bred to her stallion Friend or Foe. John Robb, Nancy Rizer and Eric Rizer receive an award from Debbie Easter for Sparkle Sprinkle, 2021 Virginia-Bred 2-Year-Old Filly Champion. Betsy Cromwell & Amy Sales of Easter Associates greeted award recipients and guests.The drizzly Gold Cup setting Friday, and the weather turned colder with more rain on race day.Morgan’s Ford Farm (Wayne & Susie Chatfield Taylor and family members) accepts hardware for winning the 2021 Virginia-Bred 2-Year-Old Colt Champion with Oviatt Class, and others.On Gold Cup Day, over 300 guests attended the trackside chalet for food, beverages, wagering and great horse tracing action.
