Monthly Archives: October 2019

Pair Of Virginia-Bred Horses Score Nice Wins At The Great Meadow Fall Gold Cup Card

Virginia-Breds Dapper Dan and Accountable each scored nice wins October 26th during the International Gold Cup’s annual fall program at Great Meadow.

Dapper Dan navigates the water portion of the $40,000 Steeplethon at Great Meadow Oct. 26. Photo by Richard Clay.

Donna Rogers’ Dapper Dan, a 7-year-old Pleasantly Perfect gelding, won by 5 1/2 lengths in the $40,000 Steeplethon. The victor was bred by Mr. & Mrs. Bertram Firestone.

The Steeplethon field tightened up a bit but Dapper Dan (#8)… Continue reading

A Fourth Rosie’s Historical Horse Racing Facility Opens In Hampton

At a ceremonial ribbon cutting October 29th, the Colonial Downs Group announced that Rosie’s Gaming Emporium is now open in Hampton. Rosie’s, located in the Power Plant shopping center just off Interstate 64, features 700 historical horse racing (HHR) machines, simulcast horse racing, a restaurant and bar, and a gift shop. 

Dignitaries prepare to cut a ribbon to open the fourth Rosie’s Gaming Emporium in Virginia.

Aaron Gomes, chief operating officer of Colonial Downs Group, stated, “It is very exciting… Continue reading

Schoodic Captures International Gold Cup Saturday At Great Meadow

The following was written by Don Clippinger and appeared at www.nationalsteeplechaseassociation.com. The annual International Gold Cup card took place October 26 at Great Meadow. Congratulations to Virginia-Breds Dapper Dan and Accountable, who each reached the winners circle that day.

Donna Rogers’ Dapper Dan, a 7-year-old Pleasantly Perfect gelding, won by 5 1/2 lengths in the $40,000 Steeplethon while Lady Olivia at Northcliff’s Accountable, a 5-year-old Cosa Vera gelding, won an allowance flat for the fourth time at Great Meadow. The… Continue reading

Additions, Innovations For 85th Montpelier Hunt Races on November 2

The following was written by Jeff Poole and appeared in the Orange County Review. The 85th running of the Montpelier Hunt Races is this Saturday November 2nd at the home of former President, James Madison. The advance weather forecast looks very promising with sunny skies and a high of 60.

ORANGE — The Montpelier Hunt Races will celebrate their 85th anniversary Saturday with the fall tradition that draws horse racing and tailgating enthusiasts to the home of James Madison.

And… Continue reading

Virginia Sired, Mr. Buff Gets Fifth Stakes Victory

From the Thoroughbred Daily News, October 20, 2019

EMPIRE CLASSIC H., $306,450, Belmont, 10-19, (S), 3 yo/up, 1 1/8m, 1:48.65, ft.

Third to Pat On the Back in this race last year, Mr. Buff got his revenge on the GII Kelso H. victor and race favorite Saturday. Mr. Buff broke so sharply that he stumbled a step leaving the gate, but quickly recovered and moved up to challenge Not That Brady (Big Brown). Seizing control as the half went in… Continue reading

Zonda, Tass Show Early Dividends For Schera’s Pilot Project

by Chelsea Hackbarth | 09.16.2019 | 1:26pm Previously printed by the Paulick Report.

Matt Schera learned about the Virginia Thoroughbred Association’s Virginia-certified program two years ago, and that season he sent his first several yearlings to be started at the Braeburn Training Center located in the foothills of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains.

In order to qualify for the Certified program, horses must spend a six-month residency at a Virginia farm or training center prior to Dec. 31st of their… Continue reading

Braxton Spearheads Godsey’s Eagle Point Farm Program

The following appeared in The Paulick Report September 14th.

Virginia-bred Braxton is the flag-bearer for Karen Godsey’s Eagle Point Farm in Ashland, Va., with more than $125,000 in earnings and a special personality. The 5-year-old son of Peak Dancer has also earned an extra $22,000 in the last several seasons courtesy of the Virginia Thoroughbred Association.

Karen Godsey and Braxton

“He’s doing great,” said Godsey. “We just love him. He looks really sweet and innocent, but he’s not, but he… Continue reading