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The following appeared at TheRacingBiz.com and was written by Nick Hahn.

Churchill Downs, Inc., the host of the first leg of the Triple Crown, collected their first jewel of the approvals it needs to take ownership of Colonial Downs at the June 8 Virginia Racing Commission meeting.

The Commission voted unanimously to approve the proposed Acquisition of Ownership Interest in Colonial, along with other associated properties, from Colonial parent Peninsula Pacific Entertainment to Churchill. The deal remains on schedule to close by the end of the year. Approvals in New York and Iowa are pending.

“This will significantly expand the Churchill’s geographic diversity providing historical racing and entertainment,” Lou Frascogna, Churchill Downs Senior Counsel announced. 

Churchill Downs, which operates 3,000 historical horse racing (HHR) terminals in Kentucky, will add 2687 terminals in Virginia under the sale. Under Virginia law, the total number of terminals can rise to 5200 proportionate to potentially 52 days of live racing.

The agreement, announced in February and first discussed publicly at a commission meeting in April, came together quickly. CDI also operates Twin Spires ADW and 10 casinos that include 11,000 slots machines.

“A whole lot of very promising information comes forth, which we’re encouraged by,” said Stuart Siegel, the VRC vice-chair who led the meeting. “The idea of bringing prep races here and getting more horses from Kentucky, elsewhere, Maryland, Pennsylvania, wherever they may come from, that’s exciting for us.”

Siegel also praised the feature that increases races days along with HHR machines.

“Rather than seeing expense cuts here at the racetrack, we’re looking forward to additional investment in this facility and race days so we can attract the larger crowds and a growing handle,” he said, while also hinting at his preference of shifting race days and post times in future years to enhance live attendance.

Mike Zeigler, Churchill’s Senior Vice-President and General Manager, sought to ease earlier concerns of some Commissioners. Churchill owned and just last year closed Arlington Park near Chicago. It also owned the now-shuttered Calder Race Course in Florida.

“Churchill’s properties are active stewards in their community, not just focused to Louisville,” said Zeigler. “If you look to each one of these properties, they are important parts of their community, [and] their team members are actively engaged.”

Jill Byrne, Vice-President of Racing Operations at Colonial Downs, worked for Churchill Downs earlier her career and with the completion of the sale would work for them once again. Charged with managing the upcoming meet, Byrne updated commissioners on the preparations. The backstretch opens June 27, with the first day of live racing set for July July 11.

Being one of the first meets to start after new Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) regulations go into effect, Byrne described the registration process as easy and said that outreach to arriving horsemen has been well underway.

Byrne added that the Colonial will be compliant with its “Project 21,” which raised the age of access to HHR machines from 18 to 21. The new state law that goes into effect July 1, only applies to portions of the facilities where HHR machines are offered.

Byrne reported on additional improvements to the racing surfaces, including the replacement outdated irrigation and expenditures of more than $250,000 since December for the turf course alone.

“All of these are important in how we maintain our track surfaces from the turf course to our mile-and-a-quarter dirt track,” said Byrne who also added a new water truck and tractor to the Colonial fleet.

One challenge to the upcoming meet – one common to businesses everywhere – is staffing, particularly for starters and outriders. The 27-day meet that historically draws large fields offers a minimum of $625,000 a day in purses and spans nine weeks, two weeks longer than in 2021.

“Don’t be surprised if you see me on a tractor out there,” joked Byrne.

Former chairman J. Sargeant Reynolds, on the commission during the closure and reopening of Colonial Downs during his 12-year service, was recognized with a special presentation nearing the conclusion of the meeting. A new chairman was not selected.

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The highly anticipated summer thoroughbred racing season at Colonial Downs presented by Woodford Reserve kicks off July 11 and continues through September 7 with racing scheduled every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 1:45 PM. This season has expanded to 9 weeks, from 7 last year, and daily purse monies being offered will help ensure a full barn area, deep fields and great races for fans to enjoy and wager. An impressive slate of stakes races populates the calendar throughout, topped by high profile events like Virginia-Bred/Sired Stakes Day, MATCH Series Day, Virginia-Restricted Stakes Day and of course, New Kent County Virginia Derby Day.

Since 2022 marks the 19th running of the Virginia Derby, here is a list of 19 reasons— in no particular order — of why the 2022 Colonial Downs meet is a must-do event for horsemen and fans alike:

*More Days: 27 race days over 9 big weeks, every Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday at 1:45 PM.

*More Money: Purses of over $600,000 per day; $60,000 Maiden races!

*More Races for Virginia Bred, Sired and Certified horses

                -VA Certified horses earn 25% more for wins in open races

                -VA Bred horses earn 50% more for 1^st – 4^th place in open races

*$1,000 Owner Award Bonus -all owners receive the greater of $1,000 or their share of purse money from the race

*$300 Trainer Award Bonus – All trainers receive $300 per horse started

*Horsemen’s 4th floor Suite at Colonial Downs – open every day (except Virginia Derby Day 9/6)

*Opening Day (July 11^th) – free “We’re happy to be back at Colonial Downs Lunch” for all Horsemen and VTA members Noon – 3:00 PM in the General Admission tent

*New Kent County Virginia Derby Day Lunch (Sept. 6) with Legislators on the Colonial Downs 4^th floor- $50 for all VTA members and horsemen

*Closing Day (Sept. 7) – Horsemen Appreciation Day – Free Lunch for VTA members and Horsemen (site TBD)

*Return of the $600,000 Mid Atlantic Thoroughbred Championship (MATCH) Series on August 16

*Debut of a new 1 ½ miles turf stakes – the $150,000 Colonial Cup on July 25

*Colonial Downs Online Handicapping Challenge – August 16 with 2 seats to the National Handicapping Championship (NHC) AND Breeders Cup Betting Challenge (BCBC) up for grabs  

*Ever want to be a hot walker? Free 3-day “Intro to Horse Grooming” class July 6-8 from 9 AM – 12 Noon.

*Daily Pick-5 wager with a low 12% takeout and a carryover!

*New Monday Mid-Atlantic Pick-4 wager featuring two races from Colonial Downs & two from Monmouth

*Colonial Downs presents Labor Day racing for the first time in 21 years — a great family outing opportunity!

*Free Parking & Free General admission EVERY race day!

*19th running of the $300,000 New Kent County Virginia Derby on September 6 with four stakes on the undercard including the Woodford Reserve Virginia Oaks.

*Secretariat T-Shirt Giveaway on opening day!

The highly anticipated “More Racing, More Money” thoroughbred racing season at Colonial Downs is right around the corner! The 9-week meet will run from July 11 thru September 7, with racing every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 1:45 PM. 

General admission and parking are free, but Virginia Thoroughbred Association (VTA) members can enjoy the action in the fourth floor VTA Sky Suite every racing day except Virginia Derby Day (September 6). On race days, VTA members can simply take an elevator to the 4^th floor level and present your VTA card/credential at the podium to receive access to the suite. Light appetizers and beverages will be served, along with the best view in the house!

Three special event days will be held as well during the meet, two of which bookend the season — Virginia-Bred/Sired Stakes Day on July 11 (opening day) and Virginia-Restricted Stakes Day on September 7 (closing day). A special Legislators Day event on New Kent County Virginia Derby Day (September 6) will be held as well. Mark your calendar for these big three and keep checking vabred.org for more details        

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When horses line up Saturday for the 154^th running of the Belmont Stakes, Virginia Thoroughbred owner, breeders and trainer Jill Gordon-Moore will not be in attendance. On 17 occasions in the past 50 years though when a horse was vying for a Triple Crown championship, Moore was at Belmont Park cheering for the contenders and was fortunate enough to witness the last five Triple Crown winners cross the wire in New York.

Moore’s amazing run started with her first in-person Belmont in 1973 when Secretariat broke a 25-year Triple Crown drought and she hasn’t looked back since. She was there to see Seattle Slew in 1977 and Affirmed a year later, then had to wait 37 years to see the next one. American Pharoah scored in 2015 and Justify most recently in 2018. In between, she saw a dozen contenders come up short — California Chrome, Big Brown, Smarty Jones, Funny Cide, War Emblem, Charismatic, Real Quiet, Silver Charm, Sunday Silence, Alysheba, Pleasant Colony and Spectacular Bid. 

Moore, a Past President of the Virginia Thoroughbred Association and former Board member of the Virginia Equine Alliance, grew up in Pennsylvania with five brothers and was always around ponies and horses. She tried a traditional education path but changed gears after just one year of college. “I found out from a friend of mine that you get paid money to ride horses fast at the racetrack,” she joked. “It was no contest from that point.”

Moore left school and relocated to Delaware Park in 1969. “From there on, I worked for some incredible people and learned so much. There weren’t many girls around then so that closed a lot opportunities but opened up a lot of other ones.” 

After leaving Delaware, she spent 10 years in New York where she got to work for her mentor, Mack Miller. Moore galloped horses in the morning then performed duties on the front side in operations and marketing and was even hired to produce television pieces on trainers and jockeys for legendary on-air racing personality Harvey Pack. She traveled all over the country with horses during that time too. “I always consider that I went to the University of Belmont Park. That was my higher education after one year in college.”  

After galloping horses for 12 years, she switched gears again. “I decided to hang up my tack before it got hung up for me,” she said. “I saw too many of my friends get hurt. I decided I wanted to work on a farm instead.”

Spending time with Miller got her interested in pedigree and the breeding aspect of the business. “Horses that came through his barn were exceptional and he used to quiz me on their breeding.”

Through a friend of a friend, Moore landed a job in Maryland at Sunset Hill Farm, opened a farm in Pennsylvania after, then was hired by Audley Farm in Berryville, Virginia where she spent seven years.  

“The land was so good in that area that Ned (her husband) and I bought a small farm on the back side of Audley and have been there for 21 years since.”

At times, they have had as many as 20 horses on site but currently are down to 10. “Being so small, we have to do all the work ourselves,” said Moore. “We put in all the sweat equity and that’s how we made the equation work. Ideally, we’d like to phase out even a little more but nothing happens in a hurry.”         

The racing fan in Moore though has led to wonderful Belmont Day memories. Of the five Triple Crown winners she has seen, Moore did not hesitate when asked if one stands out from the others. 

“Secretariat’s,” she quickly replied. “The whole building vibrated that day. It was the weirdest sensation. After he crossed the finish line, all hell broke loose. It was an atmospheric afternoon. It was a race that just knocked your socks off. It gave you goosebumps and you still feel them years after. I watched that horse gallop a lot and knew he was something special. He was an awesome creature to look at and just had an aura about him.”

Moore was based at Belmont Park until 1982 so her commute to see Seattle Slew’s and Affirmed’s Triple Crown triumphs was non-existent. 

“I worked as an occasional freelancer exercise rider for Billy Turner (Seatle Slew’s trainer) and was good friends with his wife Paula. I sat with her during the race and just remember the smiles on everyone’s faces afterwards. Smiles, smiles and more smiles. I went back to the barn after the race,” she added. “There was just a sense of excitement being around that horse. The next morning, Billy pulled his shoes off and turned him out in the round pen. I have pictures of him with his back feet up above the six-foot pen. He was an intense horse though. You just got that vibe around him.

“Affirmed was intense in a different way,” Moore said, referencing the ’78 champ. “You knew he was going to get it done but he was generally laid back. I remember seeing him stand at the gap one morning while he was waiting for the harrows to pass by. His head was down, his lip was drooping and his eyes were closed. It almost looked like he was asleep.”

Once Moore left New York, she had to plan out road trips to Belmont every time a Triple Crown hopeful was slated for the June renewal. “I figured I better keep my record intact as an excuse to keep going back to New York and visit friends. It was one of those things that became a thing.”

American Pharoah’s Belmont win came after a 37-year gap in Crown champions. “There was such a buildup to that race as everybody knows. I got lucky — I knew a friend who had a box in the front row so I was able to join her. The noise from that race was just amazing. The minute the horses broke from the gate, which was right in front of our seats, people started screaming. And the screaming only got louder and louder for the entire 1-½ miles. That was really exciting. That win took the pressure off. Some people thought there might not be another Triple Crown winner.” 

Three years later, lightning struck again with Justify. “That was just a very, very good horse race,” shared Moore. “A lot of people were happy to see a really good horse run and win, but it didn’t have the intensity of American Pharoah’s race. It was nice though to see what a good horse can do. And I got my lucky seat out front again!”

After 80-1 upset winner Rich Strike won the 2022 Kentucky Derby May 7, Moore called Robin Richards — her traveling companion who also is a past VTA President — and told her to mark down the June 11 Belmont date for a potential road trip to New York. That trip has been rescheduled for 2023.   

We are very saddened to report that former VTA Executive Director, Glenn Petty, passed away on May 11. Mr. Petty served three separate terms as Executive Director of the VTA. He was instrumental in getting pari-mutuel legislation passed in the 1990’s and was involved in promoting many other racing & breeding initiatives. His obituary that appeared fauguiernow.com follows.

Glenn Douglas Petty, 65, of Warrenton, passed away May 11, 2022, at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, after complications of the treatment of lymphoma.

A service and celebration of his life will be held at Saint James’ Episcopal Church, where he was a member, at 73 Culpeper Street, Warrenton, on Friday, May 20, at 2 p.m., with The Rev. Benjamin Maas officiating.

Glenn was born in Patagonia, Arizona, to Col. Floyd Ernest Petty and Mary Ann Petty. His father’s career in the U.S. Army had Glenn’s early years spent in Arizona, Germany, New Jersey and Fairfax, Virginia. The family settled in Markham, in 1966, on Gibraltar Farm. Glenn joined his older sister Gail in horseback riding and show jumping, guided by his mother’s involvement in the sport. For Glenn, it led to a lifelong love of the horse industry.

He graduated from Fauquier High School in 1975 and from James Madison University in 1980 with a degree in journalism. After serving as horse sports editor of the Fauquier Times Democrat, Glenn continued to follow his passion serving many impactful roles in the Virginia thoroughbred industry. In his decades long career, he spearheaded the Virginia Thoroughbred Association with three separate terms as Executive Director, playing an integral role in the industry’s efforts to bring parimutuel wagering to the Commonwealth and the formation of the Virginia Breeders Fund.

He also served as a senior advisor to the Maryland Jockey Club during the development and opening years of Colonial Downs Racetrack in New Kent, Virginia. Prior to his work at the VTA, Glenn played a key role at EMO Insurance with Ernie Oare, serving as Operations Director where he was instrumental in the formation of racing, breeding and pinhooking partnerships and the formation and operation of EMO horse and farm insurance. He also worked in partnership with Tyson Gilpin for many years at the Stallion Service Bureau as a bloodstock advisor. In addition to these roles, Glenn served as Interim Executive Director of the Virginia Horse Center, a job he dearly loved, and served as a member, and later chair, of the Virginia Horse Industry Board, appointed by former Governor Mark Warner. Though a 2014 diagnosis of CNS lymphoma impacted his work in the equine industry, he was a horseracing fan throughout his life. Along with his wife and children, Glenn watched Rich Strike win the Kentucky Derby in his hospital room, where his enthusiasm showed despite how poorly he felt.

Glenn’s biggest love was his family, and fatherhood was his greatest joy. He delighted in all the love his children brought into his life, and they will greatly miss him. Glenn cheered them on through youth football, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, and riding lessons, and later in high school games, plays, art shows and more. He made great salsa and homemade pizza, planned fun family vacations, and was a wonderful example of a caring and encouraging father.

Glenn’s life was rich with friendships, which he valued tremendously. He loved to fish, golf and ski – especially with friends on golf trips to Pinehurst, ski trips to Park City and Seven Springs, and fishing on the Shenandoah River or any convenient river or ocean. After playing basketball and football in high school, he continued with rec volleyball and basketball for several years. Glenn was a huge supporter of the Washington Commanders, the Washington Nationals, the JMU Dukes, and the UNC Tarheels (he liked to say he married into a nest of Tarheels). Glenn also loved to listen to Tony Kornheiser’s podcast, and he would fully endorse Dan Snyder selling the team. A writer at heart, he entertained friends and family for years with his Today’s ACC Headlines blog, which specialized in misspelling the name of a coach whose name begins with the letter “K” (and shall not be written here). He saw lots of live music over the years and loved Jimmy Buffett, Bruce Springsteen, the Rolling Stones, and Jerry Jeff Walker, to name a few. Glenn found his time on a mission trip to Haiti very meaningful, and he was an active member of the Warrenton Rotary Club for several years, along with other local charitable efforts.

Survivors include his wife, Amy Thomas Petty; his daughter, Anna Galina Petty; his son, William “Toly” Petty; his brother, Joel Petty and his wife Yana, nephews David and Pasha, and niece Donna. Glenn is also survived by Amy’s parents, Dr. and Mrs. Robert Thomas, of Ramseur, North Carolina, who loved him like a son. He was predeceased by his parents and much-loved sister Gail Petty Williams.

Glenn’s family thanks staff at UVA Medical Center for care over the past eight years, especially Dr. David Schiff, Dr. Guillermo Solorzano and Amanda Lane. They also thank the many family, friends and neighbors who have shown love through countless visits and acts of kindness.

In lieu of flowers, those choosing to donate in his memory can do so to Saint James’ Episcopal Church, Fauquier County SPCA, or a therapeutic riding or thoroughbred retirement nonprofit in your area.

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The 2022 Virginia Thoroughbred Association Championship Awards Ceremony kicked off Virginia Gold Cup weekend at Great Meadow in The Plains on May 6th, first time the awards have been held at the trackside Turf Club chalet since 2019. A rainy and cool evening could not damper the celebration which was welcomed by all. The 2020 edition was cancelled due to Covid and 2021’s was held at Colonial Downs, with award winners being recognized between races.

The weather turned colder and the rain intensified even more on Gold Cup Saturday, but thousands came out anyways to tailgate in the adverse cold weather and create new memories.
     

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Condition Books Now Available with Major Horsemen Incentives and Bonus Money Offered over Expanded 9-Week Meeting 

NEW KENT, Va. (May 12, 2022) — With its much-anticipated return just under eight weeks away, the Colonial Downs Racing presented by Woodford Reserve ─ “More Racing, More Money and More Fun” ─ 2022 season promises to be the biggest horsemen-incentive meeting in the New Kent, Va. track’s history.

Now in its fourth year under the management of the Colonial Downs Group and ownership of Peninsula Pacific Entertainment ─ and as further proof of Colonial’s progress in the Middle Atlantic region ─ Colonial Downs will offer a record of more than $600,000 in daily average purses, punctuated by an expanded stakes schedule and increased purse monies in open races, and for Virginia-bred, sired, and certified horses.

As an additional benefit to horsemen, maiden special weight (MSW) races during the meeting will carry a $60,000 purse.

The $300,000 Virginia Derby (G3) for 3-year-olds and the $200,000 Virginia Oaks for 3-yearfillies, both on Sept. 6, once again highlight the stakes calendar. 

This year’s meeting has been expanded by six racing days beginning July 11 and continuing through Sept. 7 with racing every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Daily first post time is 1:45 p.m. ET. 

All Colonial Downs races will be televised on TVG. 

The Colonial Downs barn area opens on Monday, June 27 and condition and stakes book, stall applications and all horsemen information are available at colonialdowns.com/horsemen. Stall applications have been received thus far from more than 60 trainers for the 2022 meeting.

Colonial continues to be one of the nation’s most horsemen-friendly racetracks, proven by its innovative meet-long horsemen incentives branded as “Every Race, Every Day.” As a bonus, once again, all owners will be guaranteed $1,000 per start or their share of the purse money, and all trainers will receive $300 per start as recognition for loyal participation every race, every day. 

“In an ultra-competitive racing environment, we look forward to another season with bigger purses and greater incentives for our horsemen and industry stakeholders towards increased participation in the 2022 season,” said Jill Byrne, Colonial Downs Vice President of Racing Operations. “Our team is excited to present a wide-ranging program of racing opportunities on our outstanding racing surfaces.”

The formidable purse and bonus incentives contributed to a total of 725 horses stabled at Colonial last year. In all, total handle for the 21-days was $46,867,078, which generated a record average daily handle over $2.2M. 

Owing further to the popularity of Colonial Downs and its racing surfaces, the 2021 meeting generated a total of 1,713 starters for the 205 races, for an average of 8.36 runners per race. A total of 148 races were contested over Colonial’s signature Secretariat Turf Course ─ the widest grass racing surface in the country. 

Both of Colonial’s racing surfaces are highly regarded as among the safest in all of horse racing as evidenced by public release of Equine Injury Database data from The Jockey Club. A total of 1,325 horses competed over turf, an average of 8.85 starters per race; and 388 horses participated in 57 dirt races for an average of 6.81 per race.

“We are extremely proud of our past performances and the opportunity to build upon our enormous success positioning Colonial Downs as one of the nation’s elite boutique race meetings for horsemen and fans alike,” said John Marshall, Colonial Downs Group Executive Vice President, Operations. “The Virginia Equine Alliance and the Virginia HPBA also have provided the commitment and support for our cause to revitalize racing in Virginia and continue its growth and prosperity.”

In addition to those based in Virginia, Colonial looks forward to new and returning horsemen participating in the 2022 meeting from Kentucky, New York, New Jersey, Florida, Maryland, Delaware, Illinois, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania, among other states. 

Trainers expected to return for the 2022 meet include Graham Motion, winner of both the 2019 and 2021 editions of the Virginia Derby (G3), leading money-earner Michael Trombetta, Dallas Stewart, John Ortiz, Mike Tomlinson, Mike Stidham, Hamilton Smith, and Michelle Lovell. Last year, Smith bested Lovell 10-9 for the overall meet trainer’s title. 

Colonial looks forward to welcoming several Chicago-based trainers including nine-time Arlington Park leading trainer Larry Rivelli, Chris Bock, Tony Mitchell, Joel Campbell, and Mike Campbell.

Leading the local contingent will be Sarah Nagle, whose Big Luck Farm won two Virginia-restricted stakes races last year as a part of the advantageous Virginia-restricted, Virginia-bred, and Virginia-certified program; Karen Godsey of Eagle Point Farm and Susan Cooney.

Highlighting regional competition, the Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred Championship (MATCH) Series is back, featuring four open stakes races with combined purses of $600,000 on Aug. 16.

The 2022 meeting will be conducted under the strictest safety and security protocols. These practices played a significant role resulting in zero racing-related fatalities in 2021, placing Colonial Downs among the country’s best on The Jockey Club’s Equine Industry Database (EID).
Colonial Downs and the Virginia Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (VHBPA) continue to support the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Since 2019, the two organizations have combined to contribute more than $100,000 for the care of retired racehorses.

“We couldn’t ask for a better partner than Colonial’s racing team and our horsemen can’t wait to break from the gate on July 11th,” said VHBPA Executive Director Frank Petramalo.

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Meet Jeff Sanders, a schoolteacher in Bristol, Virginia who bought his first thoroughbred race horse at the Keeneland Yearling Sale in 2019 for $2,000 after teaching himself about the racing business for several years.

He brought his newly purchased mare, Eowyn, to Bristol where he soon realized he needed an actual trainer to find success on the track. After looking through a list of conditioners via the Jockey Club website, he reached out to Eric Reed, who just happened to saddle 81-1 Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike on Saturday!

Jeff immediately liked Eric, who he said is very down to earth. In 10 starts over 1 1/2, years, Eowyn collected 3 wins and a pair or seconds and thirds. With hopes of becoming a trainer one day, Jeff has visited Reed several times and shadowed him to gain experience. His most recent visit came two months before Rich Strike competed in Turfway Park’s Derby prep —- the Jeff Ruby Steaks Stakes where he ended up taking third.

“Eric was talking about him then and thought he had a nice prospect. I’ve followed the horse since and was thrilled with the Derby win but think he may be even better suited for the Belmont with the extra distance.”

Jeff admitted he won several hundred dollars by betting Rich Strike to win, place and show Saturday but wish he would have included him in some exactas and trifectas. With a pair of 2020 Virginia-Certified fillies he owns based at his 12-acre farm, an obvious question arises —- will Jeff be reaching out to Reed to train the two beginning next year? “Hopefully, if I can still afford him!”

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The 97th running of the Virginia Gold Cup races took place May 7th at Great Meadow in The Plains with a card of six steeplechase races and one flat race. Featured event was the $100,000 Virginia Gold Cup, won by 2019 champion Andi’Amu — a 12-year-old gelding making his 41st career start. The finish, after four miles of competition, brought loud cheers from tailgating fans trackside.

Both spectators and wagering returned, though Mother Nature chose not to cooperate. Rain, unseasonably cool temperatures and a breeze made the afternoon feel more like a late fall football tailgating session instead of an expected pleasant May outing. Athletes — both human and equine — and thousands of fans made the best of it and had memorable an enjoyable day.

Here are some Gold Cup scenes to capture the spirit of the day: