Virginia
Colonial Downs unveils 2024 stakes schedule
Colonial Downs on May 7 unveiled a stakes schedule worth $5.7 million topped by the Grade 1 Arlington Milloin.
Study: Virginia certified program has major impact
Every dollar invested in the Virginia-Certified Residency Program generates nearly six dollars in economic impact, a new study says.
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.
Stallion True Valour moves to Virginia
True Valour, entering his second year at stud, will move from Maryland and stand in 2024 at Virginia’s Legacy Farm, which has an open house scheduled.
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.
BackTracks: Key to the Mint unlocks a title
In a new BackTracks, the story of the largely forgotten Key to the Mint, who was champion three-year-old despite going 0-for-2 in Triple Crown races.
BackTracks: Mandy’s Gold “showed up”
Versatile and talented, the Virginia-bred Mandy’s Gold tangled with the best en route to becoming the best horse Michael Gorham has trained.
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.
Colonial Downs runners headed to Breeders’ Cup
Grade 1 Beverly D winner Fev Rover heads a group of 11 horses who raced at Colonial Downs this year running in Breeders’ Cup races.
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.
For McCarthy, Carmouche, big Colonial wins feel like home
For veteran, New York-based riders Trevor McCarthy and Kendrick Carmouche, Saturday’s stakes-laden card at Colonial Downs felt like coming home.
Integration puts it all together in Virginia Derby win
On a day when storms caused a mid-card delay, a pair of super-promising colts posted impressive wins, including Integration in the G3 Virginia Derby.
Nick’s Picks: Colonial Downs picks September 9, 2023
Nick’s Picks returns for the 2023 season with full-card Colonial Downs picks and analysis every day of live racing in New Kent, VA!
Rugged Virginia Derby field shows game plan paying off
Previewing the Virginia Derby, a Grade 3 race that’s attracted Grade 1 and Grade 2 winners and demonstrates a plan coming to fruition.
Virginia Derby undercard stakes offer intrigue
Saturday’s card at Colonial Downs features the Grade 3 Virginia Derby along with five supporting stakes, several of which offer intrigue.
Mission of Joy tops Virginia Oaks
Mission of Joy headlines Saturday’s Virginia Oaks at Colonial Downs and will face a field including last out stakes winnter Thirty Thou Kelvin.
Nick’s Picks: Colonial Downs picks September 8, 2023
Nick’s Picks returns for the 2023 season with full-card Colonial Downs picks and analysis every day of live racing in New Kent, VA!