‘Folks Think We Are Crazy’: Colonial Downs to Switch to Weekend Dates in an Attempt to Draw Better Crowds
The following appeared on richmond.com December 27, 2022 and was written by Jerry Lindquist.
Virginia has never been considered a major player in the world of Thoroughbred horse racing, but recent developments have thrust it into the national spotlight.
Famed operator Churchill Downs finalized its purchase of Colonial Downs earlier this year, and did not waste any time making good on its promise to deliver high-stakes racing to the commonwealth.
The company is moving two of its Grade 1 stakes… Continue reading
Colonial Downs Receives 2023 Race Date Approval That Features a Thursday, Friday & Saturday Schedule
Colonial Downs race dates for 2023 were approved at the Virginia Racing Commission’s December 14 meeting, and the 27-day, 9-week meet features a move to partial weekend racing after several years of operating on a Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday afternoon schedule.
The summer campaign will run from July 13 – September 9 with racing every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 1:30 PM. The 20th running of the $300,000 Grade 3 Virginia Derby is scheduled for closing day, Saturday September 9. A request has… Continue reading
Jill Byrne Leaving Colonial Downs After “Exhausting, Rewarding’ Tenure
The following appeared at “theracingbiz.com” December 12 and was written by Nick Hahn.
With the November closing of a multistate sale of assets from Peninsula Pacific Entertainment to Churchill Downs, the upcoming Virginia Racing Commission meeting on December 14 will provide new insight into a new era of racing at Colonial Downs.
One thing will certainly be different. The new track owners will move forward without Jill Byrne, who served as Colonial’s Vice-President of Racing Operations from its 2019 reincarnation… Continue reading
2023 Stallion Auction
The 2023 Stallion Auction will be held on February 14, 2023. Check back for more information.
2023 Rappahannock Point-to-Point
Rappahannock Point-to-Point at the Hill in Boston, VA will be held on March 4, 2023.
2023 Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point
Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point at Airlie Racecourse will be held on March 18, 2023.
2023 Piedmont Fox Hounds Point-to-Point
Piedmont Fox Hounds Point-to-Point at Salem Course in Upperville will be held on March 25, 2023.
Opening Day of Shenandoah Downs 7-week spring harness racing season
Opening day of Shenandoah Downs 7-week spring harness racing season in Woodstock starts April 1, 2023.
VTA Welcomes Patricia Ramey As Its Newest Board Member
The Virginia Thoroughbred Association is pleased to welcome long-time thoroughbred breeder Patricia Ramey to its Board of Directors. She will be replacing Jim Fitzgerald, who had to resign his seat due to out-of-state work obligations.
Patricia has been involved in Virginia horse racing since 1991. Her Hunt Ridge Stables are based at the Blue Ridge Farm in Upperville — a venue that has served as a horse breeding farm since 1903. The property includes three broodmare stables, two stallion stables, training stables… Continue reading
Virginia Certified Filly Crowned Grand Champion in 2022 Virginia Breeders Fund Yearling Futurity
The 21st annual Virginia Breeders Fund Yearling Futurity was held September 13 at the Warrenton Horse Show Grounds which again saw solid participation from twenty different breeders who were competing for $40,000 in awards.
Prize money of $7,500 was distributed that day in each of four classes — VA-Bred/Sired yearling colts/geldings, VA-Bred/Sired yearling fillies, VA-Certified colts/geldings and VA-Certified fillies. Grooms were recognized as well with awards in each division and in the championship class.
A total of $5,000 in bonus… Continue reading
