Virginia Business
VEA: More discretion need in proposed Va. historical racing regs
Regulations governing historic racing machines in Virginia must have greater flexibility and discretion if this industry is to thrive, the Virginia Equine Alliance (VEA) argued in a letter to the Commission.
Virginia: 3000 historical racing terminals, 30 days live racing under proposed regs
Regulations proposed by the Virginia Racing Commission would allow 3000 historical racing terminals statewide while calling for one day of live racing per 100 terminals – at least 30 for max buildout.
Northam: New Colonial Downs to “put a lot of people to work”
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam on Friday held a ceremonial signing of legislation that will help reopen Colonial Downs for live racing in 2019.
Colonial Downs: Packed town hall welcomes rebirth of track
An overflow crowd at a New Kent County town hall meeting largely welcomed the return of Colonial Downs, while casting a wary eye at a proposed Indian casino.
At Colonial Downs, the future is in flames
Colonial Downs set its turf course aflame Tuesday, another step towards the return of live racing to New Kent County.
Virginia Equine Alliance hails “brighter prospects” for horse industry
The Virginia Equine Alliance, the umbrella group representing the state’s horse industry, is applauding a new state law and the sale of Colonial Downs.
Colonial Downs: Back to the future as sale is completed
The sale of Virginia’s Colonial Downs was completed Wednesday, moving Virginia racing one step closer to a rebirth — live racing perhaps returning in 2019.
Commonwealth Derby, Oaks will not be run in 2018
The Grade 3 Commonwealth Derby and Oaks – will be mothballed this year, possibly to return in ’19 at a reopened Colonial.
Virginia residency program providing full barns, and a future
The passage of historical racing, coupled with Virginia’s new residency program, is helping farms and training centers fill their barns — and envision a future.
VA Gov. Northam signs historical racing law to “reinvigorate” racing industry
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam on Tuesday signed a law that will allow “historical racing” machines in Virginia and is expected to allow Colonial Downs to reopen for live racing.
Va. Gov. Northam: No major issues with “historical racing” bill
Va. Governor Ralph Northam has signaled no major problems with a bill that would allow “historical racing” machines – and could reopen Colonial Downs.
Historical racing machines approved by Virginia legislature
The Virginia Senate Wednesday approved historical racing machines, sending the bill – which could reopen Colonial Downs – to the governor for his signature.
Colonial Downs: Virginia House approves historical racing
The possibility of racing returning to Colonial Downs moved forward today, when the Va. House approved a critical “historical racing” bill.
In Virginia, 2017 brought progress, but still no racetrack
Virginia Thoroughbred interests grew their OTB network and launched a Va-certified program in a busy 2017 that left one major wish unfulfilled.
Sources: Deal could bring Colonial Downs back to life
Colonial Downs has not hosted Thoroughbred racing since 2013, but sources say a deal being discussed could lead to its sale and revitalization.
Virginia to launch new “certified” program
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.
Va. Racing Commission talks new committees, racing venue
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.
Stellar Wind repeats as Va-bred champion
Stellar Wind will be honored as Virginia-bred horse of the year Friday evening in a ceremony at Great Meadow, as will the divisional champions.
Virginia wagering rises in first quarter
Virginia wagering rose in the first quarter, with ADW providers showing solid growth and the two new off-track betting ramping up.
George Rowand, owner, breeder, writer, dreamer passes
George Rowand, the Virginia native who on a shoestring bred several top horses and wrote about the experience, has died at age 69.
