It’s fast approaching that time of year again – foaling season. Please send us pictures of your Virginia-bred newborns.  Just take a shot and email it along with the pedigree, birth date and breeders’ name to VTA@Vabred.orgor mail some to us at 38 Garrett St, Warrenton, VA 20186. (We’ll send them back.)

(Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

In a meeting today, we were asked why we had pictures of English steeplechasers on this blog. The answer was simply because those photos are available to us and we think they are kind of cool.

The important part of the answer was the “available to” as we can only publish what we can find.

On occasion, we will “feature” a prominent Mid-Atlantic stallion that stands at a stud farm that has supported Virginia’s racing and breeding industry.

CODE WEST ON THE RAIL (Hodges Photography, Lou Hodges Jr.)

Virginia-bred Code West , making his sixth career start, was second beaten a nose by Ive Struck A Nerve in the $400,000 Risen Star Stakes Gr.2 Saturday at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans.

Fumo Caliente (f, 3yo), Smoke Glacken – Nora Charles by Awesome Again. B – James A. Bradshaw & Norine A Bradsha. Tampa Bay Downs, 2/21/2013, mdn clmg, $5,310, 5.5 f, 1:05.76. ($13,000, yrlg, 2011, ftmoct; $15,000, 2yo, 2012, obsjun)

Here is an opportunity to purchase a life size statue of a Thoroughbred filly for a garden setting.

“Darn That Itch” is being produced in an edition of 5 castings, with two already sold.  Price is $12,000 with a 50% deposit down and balance due upon completion.

Noel Fehily rides Shoegazer to the win in The totepool.com Josh Gifford memorial novices steeple chase at Fontwell Park racecourse on February 24, 2013 in Fontwell, England. (Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

Lauren Stojakovic riding Miracles of Life is moved to tears after winning the Patinack Farm Blue Diamond Stakes during Melbourne racing at Caulfield Racecourse on February 23, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Dwayne Dunn riding Grand Emperor defeats Dale Smith Riding Snip The Dancer in the… Continue reading →

Gadget Girl (f, 3yo), More Than Ready – Rough Water by Stormin Fever. B – Edward P. Evans.Gulfstream Park, 2/14/2013, mdn sp wgt, $25,200, 5 f, 0:57.08. ($55,000, yrlg, 2011, keesep; $300,000, 2yo, 2012, ftffeb)

Funnys Approval ridden by Juan Vargas winning the $250,000 Barbara Fritchie Handicap Gr.2 February 16, 2013 at Laurel Park.  (Jim McCue/MJC) 

Jockey Luke Nolen riding Black Caviar wins race 7 the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes during Lightning Stakes Day at Flemington Racecourse on February 16, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images for the… Continue reading →

Autumn Affair (f, 6yo), Black Tie Affair (IRE) – Gold Leaf by Slew O’ Gold. B – Holly Ridge Farm, LLC. Hollywood Casino At Charles Town Races, 2/8/2013, alwc, $16,200, 6.5 f, 1:21.07.