Virginia’s Online Betting Handle Remains Robust Even As Pandemic Restrictions Loosen
Online betting handle on horse racing continues to be robust in Virginia even as pandemic-related restrictions continue to loosen. Simulcast centers inside Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums and at VA-Horseplay OTBs are back to full capacity. Colonial Downs will not encounter capacity limits either at its upcoming thoroughbred racing season in New Kent which begins July 19.
Through the first five months of 2021, total advance deposit wagering (ADW) handle is up almost 28% over the same period in 2020 — $59,050,412… Continue reading
Rick Williams Brings Diverse Racing Experiences To His New Role As Colonial Downs Safety Officer
When Colonial Downs opens its barn area July 5 and kicks off its summer race meet July 19, Rick Williams will begin his new role as Safety Officer and though there isn’t a formal job description that includes his every duty, decades of experience in track operations and regulatory work will certainly come into play.
The new Mid-Atlantic Strategic Plan to Reduce Equine Fatalities lists 23 items that a Safety Officer is responsible for overseeing. The job is to ensure… Continue reading
Virginia Racing Commission Chairman D.G. Van Clief To Step Away from His Current Role
Van Clief was invited to be one of nine directors on the new Authority and only one of four to… Continue reading
Colonial Downs’ 21-Day Thoroughbred Meet Begins July 19; Barn Area Opens July 5
A total of 25 stakes races worth more than $2.7 million will be offered at the upcoming seven-week Thoroughbred racing season at Colonial Downs — from July 19 through Sept. 1 — featuring a minimum $500,000 in average daily purses, the Grade 3 $250,000 New Kent County Virginia Derby on Aug. 31, enhanced horsemen incentives, and an expanded racing program for Virginia bred, sired, and certified horses. Racing will take place every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday with first post at… Continue reading
American Contingent Arrives For Royal Ascot; Virginia-Owned Extravagant Kid, Maven Eyeing King’s Stand
Virginia businessman David Ross’s Extravagant Kid, a $1.5 million earning horse, has landed overseas and is all set to compete in the prestigious Royal Ascot meet this month! Known as the highlight of the flat racing season in Britain, the 8-year-old Kiss The Kid gelding will compete in the June 15 King’s Stand Stakes (Gr. I) at the 5-furlong distance. He most recently captured the Al Quoz Sprint Stakes (Gr. I) in Dubai on the World Cup under card.
The… Continue reading
Horsemen To Have First Preference For Extra Tables, Boxes & Seats at Colonial Downs Based On Loosening Of Covid Restrictions
The Colonial Downs racing season kicks off in six weeks and there is good news to share based on the Governor’s most recent May 28 loosening of Covid-related restrictions at sporting events, attractions and restaurants.
Reserved box seats are now on sale at colonialdowns.com.
To date, Colonial has been selling seats and tables in the 3rd and 4th floor air-conditioned dining rooms at socially distanced spacing. Same with grandstand seats and box seats. But with the restrictions loosening, all… Continue reading
