Virginia
First graded win for Repo Rocks, jockey Wolfsont
Va-bred Repo Rocks dominated the field in Saturday’s Grade 3 Toboggan at Aqueduct, earning his and rider Andrew Wolfsont’s first graded win.
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.
BackTracks: Fort Marcy’s trip from reject to record-setter
Fort Marcy went on to become the first turfer to win Horse of the Year – after owner-breeder Paul Mellon tried to sell him.
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).
Nick’s Picks: Colonial Downs picks September 7
The original and best Colonial Downs tip sheet returns: Nick’s Picks is back and hoping to build on a 2021 season where his top-pick horses showed a profit.
Five is enough for Irad Ortiz on Virginia Derby day
Jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. won five races and swept the Virginia Derby and Virginia Oaks – the former aboard $2 million yearling Capensis – Tuesday at Colonial Downs.
Graham Motion aims to continue Virginia Derby streak
Trainer Graham Motion has mounted an unusual streak — three consecutive Virginia Derby wins in two states over five seasons — he hopes to continue today.
Nick’s Picks: Colonial Downs picks September 6
The original and best Colonial Downs tip sheet returns: Nick’s Picks is back and hoping to build on a 2021 season where his top-pick horses showed a profit.
For track announcer Jason Beem, butterflies, then confidence
Colonial Downs track announcer Jason Beem will call his third Virginia Derby Tuesday and says of big race nerves, “The waiting is the hardest part.”
Nick’s Picks: Colonial Downs picks September 5
The original and best Colonial Downs tip sheet returns: Nick’s Picks is back and hoping to build on a 2021 season where his top-pick horses showed a profit.
Unanimous Consent tabbed as Virginia Derby fave
The Chad Brown-trained Unanimous Consent has been installed as the 3-1 morning line favorite in an 11-horse field for Colonial’s big event.
Nick’s Picks: Colonial Downs picks August 31
The original and best Colonial Downs tip sheet returns: Nick’s Picks is back and hoping to build on a 2021 season where his top-pick horses showed a profit.
Nick’s Picks: Colonial Downs picks August 30
The original and best Colonial Downs tip sheet returns: Nick’s Picks is back and hoping to build on a 2021 season where his top-pick horses showed a profit.
Nick’s Picks: Colonial Downs picks August 29
The original and best Colonial Downs tip sheet returns: Nick’s Picks is back and hoping to build on a 2021 season where his top-pick horses showed a profit.
Nick’s Picks: Colonial Downs picks August 24
The original and best Colonial Downs tip sheet returns: Nick’s Picks is back and hoping to build on a 2021 season where his top-pick horses showed a profit.
