Virginia Business
In Virginia, “gray games” need more clarity
In Virginia legislation that would permit “gray games” slot machines to proliferate needs much more thought, argues Nick Hahn.
Colonial Downs releases promotional schedule
Colonial Downs has announced a robust promotional schedule to support the 2024 live racing season in New Kent, VA.
VTA stallion season auction set for Feb. 14-15
The Virginia Thoroughbred Association’s (VTA) annual stallion season auction will take place Feb. 14 and 15 and features dozens of exciting stallions.
After long career, Frank Petramalo steps away
Longtime Virginia HBPA chief Frank Petramalo is retiring after a career that’s seen the racing rollercoaster and says it’s the people that have driven him.
For Colonial Downs, more of the same sounds good
The Virginia Racing Commission this week approved a 2024 Colonial Downs schedule that looks like 2023 – but it’s what may come next that’s most interesting.
Colonial Downs will race 27 days in ’24
Colonial Downs will race 27 days from July 11 through September 7 in 2024, with daily average purses expected to approach $700,000.
Mares bred figs continue steady decline
The Jockey Club’s report of mares bred indicates that for the eighth straight year, fewer mares were bred than in the previous year.
Colonial Downs-Arlington Park connection lives on
The Grand Slam of Grass once connected Colonial Downs and Arlington Park. With the Secretariat Stakes now moved to Colonial, the connection lives on.
First horses arrive at Colonial Downs
The first horses arrived at Colonial Downs June 19 as the track begins in earnest go gear up for its 27-day 2023 meet.
Virginia-Certified program to undergo changes
The Virginia-certified residency program, which encourages people to send young horses to Virginia, will operate with new limitations this year.
Colonial Downs: Shift in days could bring challenges
Its new owners are bullish about moving Colonial Downs to a Thursday-Saturday schedule, but they acknowledge the challenges ahead.
Colonial Downs announces modified ’23 sked
Colonial Downs will maintain a 27-day, nine-week schedule in 2023, but those live days will be Thursday through Saturday, the track announced.
Jill Byrne leaving Colonial after “exhausting, rewarding” tenure
Jill Byrne, who oversaw the rebirth of racing at Colonial Downs and led it to unprecedented success, has stepped down from the track.
Peter Howe, trainer of two champions, passes
Peter Howe, father of Colonial Downs exec Jill Byrne and one of just four people to train champions over jumps and on the flat, has passed away.
Koko Star, HISA, and the claim that wasn’t
When Scott Haney and Dorothy Worton claimed Koko Star August 1, they were excited. Then it all went sideways, leaving them frustrated, and horseless.
Colonial Downs celebrates “fantastic” meet
Colonial Downs concluded its 2022 meet with record handle, track records set, and a trifecta payout that has to be close to a record (if not one).
Colonial Downs, Monmouth to debut combined wager
Colonial Downs and Monmouth Park on Monday will unveil their new Mid-Atlantic Pick 4, which combines two races at each in a weekly sequence.
Colonial Downs cancels Monday card
With excessive temperatures and heat indexes predicted, Colonial Downs has canceled its live racing card for Monday, July 25.
Colonial Downs kicks off meet with a bang
Colonial Downs recorded its largest-ever opening day handle Monday, topping $3 million on a day that featured four Virginia-bred stakes.
For Arlington horsemen, Colonial Downs a welcoming spot
Colonial Downs always attracts an eclectic group of horsemen from around the country, this year including several previously stabled at Arlington Park.