At its December monthly meeting, the Virginia Racing Commission approved a lower licensing rate structure for horsemen, employees and vendors across the board beginning in 2019! More details are available at www.vrc.virginia.gov. Here are the new rates:

Thoroughbred

•Owner $25

•Trainer $25

•Assistant Trainer $25

•Authorized Agent $25

•Jockey $25

•Jockey Agent $25

•Blacksmith $25

•Veterinarian $25

•Groom $10

•Pony Rider $25

•Exercise Rider $25

•Stables/LLC $25

•All others $25

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Fingerprint Processing Fee

$25 Fingerprints are required for new… Continue reading →

With thoroughbred racing returning to Colonial Downs in 2019, here are scenes from in-progress construction goings on at the New Kent track. Here are some shots from December 13th.

The entrance area leading up to the Colonial Downs front pillars will look quite different when it reopens in 2019. A circular road will allow vehicles close access to the doors.

Here’s a shot looking out over what used to be the main walkway leading to the front entrance.

Looking out… Continue reading →

The following appeared in The Paulick Report and is a press release from Colonial Downs 

Colonial Downs Group is pleased to announce licensing today by the Virginia Racing Commission to return live racing to the Commonwealth along with approval to open a 600-unit historic horse racing (HHR) operation in New Kent County. “Rosie’s” at Colonial Downs anticipates opening in mid-April, while Colonial Downs in conjunction with the Virginia Equine Alliance (VEA) plans to operate 15 thoroughbred racing dates in… Continue reading →

With one month to go in calendar year 2019, all source wagering handle from pari-mutuel activity in Virginia continues to trend ahead of last year. Through November, a total of $108,878,114 has been bet on horse racing on track, at the four in-state Off Track Betting (OTB) Centers and via four partner on line betting companies that operate in the Commonwealth. The eleven month handle figure in 2017 was $93,980,969.

2018 handle at the Breakers Sports Grille OTB in Henrico… Continue reading →

The following appeared in Thoroughbred Daily News December 7th.

Grade I-winning millionaire Long On Value (Value Plus–Long Message, by Orientate) will stand in Florida at Pleasant Acres Stallions for $2,500 for the 2019 breeding season.

Long On Value won the Jamestown Stakes at Colonial Downs in 2013. Courtesy of Coady Photography.

“Helen and I are excited to have the millionaire, Long On Value, join our roster here at Pleasant Acres Stallions, said Pleasant Acres’ owner Joe Barbazon. “He brings stamina… Continue reading →

Racing fans are invited to celebrate the first anniversary of the Virginia Bets Off Track Betting Center at Buckets Bar & Grill on Friday December 7th and Saturday December 8th. The event will feature $500 in prize drawings, free programs, a free buffet and a free handicapping contest with $1,000 in cash prizes up for grabs.

On Friday, enjoy a free appetizer buffet from 4-7 PM as a thank you to both racing fans and restaurant/bar patrons for making Buckets… Continue reading →

The following appeared in The Daily Racing Form and wax written by Matt Hegarty.

In 2013, Colonial Downs, Virginia’s only Thoroughbred track, went out with a whimper.

In 2019, the track plans to come back with a bang.

Buoyed by new ownership and the prospect of tens of millions of dollars of annual revenue from an exclusive license to operate devices similar to slot machines in the state, the track is planning to hold 15 days of live racing next… Continue reading →