Virginia Business
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.
First horses arrive for Colonial Downs meet
The first horses arrived on the grounds Monday for the Colonial Downs meet, where live racing kicks off July 11.
VRC gives thumbs up to acquisition of Colonial Downs
The Virginia Racing Commission signed off on Churchill Downs’s proposed acquisition of Colonial Downs June 8.
Colonial Downs lowers Pick-5 takeout
Colonial Downs will lower the takeout on its traditional Pick 5 wager to 12% and will alter the rules so that carryovers are possible.
Churchill Downs sees “great opportunity” at Colonial
In their first public interview on the topic, Churchill Downs see “great opportunity” at Colonial Downs because of Virginia’s gaming-and-racing model.
