Old-timer Two Notch Road and newcomer Northern Eclipse took Virginia-bred sprint stakes at Laurel Park this afternoon.
A series of 50-50 calls that worked out led Sweet Sandy to the winner’s circle — and trainer Danielle Hodsdon to her first stakes win — Saturday.
Virginia’s new certified program will reward horsemen who board horses at Virginia farms or training centers for six consecutive months before they turn three.
Defending champs returned in several Virginia-bred stakes this afternoon at Laurel Park but only one could defend the crown.
Aptly named for more than one reason, Long On Value will look to be a bargain yet again Saturday at Royal Ascot.
Graded stakes winners Ben’s Cat and Rose Brier top a day of six stakes races at Laurel Park.
At its June 6 meeting, the Virginia Racing Commission learned of a potential new racing venue in the state and formed two new committees to take a hard look at the industry’s future.
Renown may be the only horse in training — ever — to own wins at Laurel, Delaware, Keeneland — and Great Meadow (to say nothing of Wexford, in Ireland).
Quality Road and Bodemeister sired the Oaks-Derby double last weekend — quite a feat for a pair of Virginia-breds whose own Derby dreams were dashed.
Saturday’s Virginia Gold Cup races, including three on the flat and five over jumps, brings plenty of old familiar faces back together on the race track.