Monthly Archives: August 2021

Colonial Track Records Fall In MATCH Series Stakes

The following appeared in The Racing Biz on August 23 and was written by Frank Vespe.

How fast was the dirt track at Colonial Downs Monday afternoon?

The track played host to five dirt races and all five – a first-level allowance and four $100,000 stakes that are part of the MATCH Series – produced track records. One of those track records – Cordmaker’s 1:40.45 for 1 1/16 miles – lasted all of about 49 minutes, as two races later,… Continue reading

First Lady of Virginia Praises ‘Vision’ of Horse Therapy Center

Blue Mountain Therapy co-founder Clint Waddell introduces members of his staff to Virginia first lady Pamela Northam before touring the new location. Northam was visiting students and child care providers in Southwest Virginia.
  • David Crigger | Bristol Herald Courier
Blue Mountain Therapy co-founder Clint Waddell gives Virginia first lady Pamela Northam a tour of their new location in the former Dixie Pottery retail location. Pictured, Northam looks over a fly fishing boat used by the therapy group. Northam was visiting… Continue reading

MATCH Series Retuns to Colonial Downs With Four $100,000 Stakes On Monday, Aug. 23

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AUGUST 18, 2021 – Strong fields have been assembled for the four Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred Championships Series (MATCH) Monday, Aug. 23, at Colonial Downs, which returns to the series for the first time since 2001.The Virginia track will host four $100,000 stakes in each MATCH Series division for 2021: the Chesapeake (3-Year-Olds and Up Sprint—Dirt), Seeking the Pearl (Filly and Mare Sprint—Dirt), Victory Gallop (3-Year-Olds and Up Long—Dirt) and Love Sign (Filly and Mare Long—Dirt). First post time for the pari-mutuel… Continue reading

Colonial Downs, Home of the Secretariat Turf Course, Finds More Takers Of Late For Its 1 1/4 Miles Dirt Oval 

When Colonial Downs ushered in thoroughbred racing in 1997, every race during that first meet was held on dirt since the track’s signature Secretariat Turf Course was not yet ready for use.

A year later, Penny Chenery cut a ceremonial ribbon to inaugurate the 180-foot wide grass surface and since then, Colonial Downs has been synonymous with turf racing. The track generally hosts 80% of its races over the massive oval which is 1 1/8 miles around at its outermost… Continue reading

2022 Virginia Stallion Season Auction – Open Bidding, February 9 – TO BID CALL (434) 977-3716

Participate in the 2022 Virginia Stallion Season Auction – Open Bidding, February 9, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

TO BID CALL (434) 977-3716

Secretariat Colonial Downs Day At The Races Scheduled for Monday August 30

Ticketing is now open for the upcoming Secretariat Day at the Races , Monday August 30 at Colonial Downs racetrack!

Join Kate Tweedy, Leeanne Ladin, Jocelyn Russell and the Secretariat.com team on for all the action taking place at the track in New Kent, Virginia. Big Red fans near and far are invited to join this festive gathering for an exploratory conversation to commemorate Secretariat with his own bronze statue in Virginia, his birth state.

Secretariat’s first statue… Continue reading

Cavalier Cupid Captures the $100,000 Keswick Stakes; Wins Second Time at Colonial Summer Meet

The race was one of three turf sprint stakes on the card that included the Hickory Tree for 2-year-olds — also Virginia restricted — and the Da Hoss, which was postponed from last Monday due to a thunderstorm.

Cavalier Cupid won a maiden special weight opening… Continue reading