The Virginia Racing Commission heard Thursday that Colonial Downs purses would be lower than in 2019 but that the horse population will be up.
With the racing world in flux, Colonial Downs and Virginia horsemen are considering a schedule shift to grab the evening market.
Fresh off its first season in six years, Colonial Downs will race 18 days – up from 15 – in 2020 and include MATCH Series races for the first time.
Colonial Downs on Saturday concluded an upbeat return to the racing landscape with, ending a meet with huge purses, good field size, and no fatalities.
The minimum fee earned by a jockey at Colonial Downs will be the highest in the Mid-Atlantic at $125.
Colonial Downs and the Virginia HBPA horsemen’s group have agreed to contribute $15 per start to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.
Colonial Downs has not hosted Thoroughbred racing since 2013, but sources say a deal being discussed could lead to its sale and revitalization.
Saturday’s edition of “Off to the Races on The Racing Biz Radio Network” will feature radio personality Steve Byk and lots more.
The Maryland Racing Commission Thursday upheld the disqualification of Early Grey last June – the state’s fourth claimed environmental contamination case in less than 18 months.
Virginia’s horsemen and breeders will offer a 25 percent bonus to owners of Virginia-breds who win anywhere in the mid-Atlantic through December 31.