Upcoming Events
2025 International Gold Cup
The 88th running of the International Gold Cup will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia. The event is a cornerstone of the fall steeplechase season in Virginia, drawing competitors and fans from across the region. VTA and VHBPA members are invited to join horsemen in the VTA/Owner’s tent on Member’s Hill
A Word from the Board
TOBA AWARDS—Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association
“Audley Farm is very honored to receive the TOBA Virginia Breeder of the Year for 2024. Accepting the award at the ceremony was Turner Kobayashi, General Manager of Audley Farm Equine (President of the Virginia Thoroughbred Association); Jamie McDiarmid , Equine Manager, and Mary Kay Kobayashi, Business Manager.”— Turner Kobayashi, Audley Farm General Manager
CLICK HERE to view 2024 State and Canadian Breeders of the Year
“I have just returned from the Keeneland September yearling sale, and the atmosphere there was electric. Everyone is excited about racing, and especially racing in Virginia. I sold two Virginia-bred yearlings to a Kentucky breeder who loves coming to Colonial Downs and has had great success racing Virginia-breds. Virginia breeding and racing are on the rise, and the country is taking note!.”— Amy Moore, Past-President of the VTA Board
Virginia Steeplechase Association
We are looking forward to upcoming Steeplchase racing at Colonial Donws and our Virginia fall meets.
October 5 – Foxfield Fall Races
October 11 – Virginia Fall Races
October 25 – International Gold cup
November 1 – Montpelier Hunt Races
Click here for more details
2025 Fall Harness Racing
Coming off the successful spring meet, everyone is excited for the fall meet. Conveniently located at the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds (I-81, Exit 283) there is racing every Saturday and Sunday with Pari-mutuel wagering on all races.
Race days are as follows:
· Saturday-Sunday Sept 13-Oct 26
· Click here to view post times
Reminders
Thoroughbred Owners, Breeders, and Participating Facilities
Membership Renewal for 2026
If you are looking to continue your VTA membership in 2026, whether you are an owner, breeder, or supporter, keep an eye out for our early bird renewal period November-December! By renewing during this period, your membership for 2026 will be effective January 1st, taking advantage of our benefits and staying updated on events.
Get your Thoroughbreds foaled in Virginia registered with the VTA
Virginia Thoroughbred owners, don’t forget to register your Virignia-foaled thoroughbreds! Prompt registration with the VTA is crucial for your horse to be recognized as a Virginia-bred, unlocking eligibility for lucrative restricted races and breeder incentives. Click below to complete the registrations process and ensure your Virginia-bred can reap all the benefits
Stallion registrations due December 31
Stallion owners are reminded to ensure your stallion is fully registered and eligible for the 2025 breeding season incentive programs. All completed forms and applicable fees must be received by December 31st.
If you have not already done so, please take immediate action to complete and submit your paperwork. Your timely submission is essential for the accurate administration of all future awards. Don’t know if you have registered your stallion? Click the button below to search registered stallions. Please note the registered year(s) listed under their name.
| VA-Bred Fee Schedule | VTA Member Fee | Non-Member Fee |
| Foals (by Dec. 31 of weanling year) | $25 | $125 |
| Yearling (by Dec. 31 of yearling year) | $50 | $150 |
| Horses (two years old & older) | $200 | $300 |
2025 Third Quarter Recap
Virginia Horses Shine at Keeneland Yearling Sale
The recent Keeneland Yearling Sale concluded with strong results for Virginia-connected horses, showcasing the quality of our regional breeding programs. A total of 33 Virginia-bred horses and 11 Virginia-certified horses found new homes during the sale. The market was particularly strong for our fillies, with a filly out of Shea D Summer, bred by Amy Moore, selling for an outstanding $600,000. Another top seller was a filly out of Past As Prelude, bred by R. Larry Johnson, which commanded $370,000. Rounding out the highlights, a Jack Christopher colt, also bred by R. Larry Johnson, brought $350,000. This successful sale demonstrates the continued growth and prestige of Virginia horses.
2025 Virginia Breeder’s Fund Yearling Futurity
Congratulations to Quest Realty’s Amrit for being named Grand Champion at the $40,000 Virginia Breeder’s Fund 2025 Yearling Futurity. The colt, by Oscar Performance out of Jumpin’ Nancy, won the Virginia-Bred/Sired class and then advanced to take the top prize at the show held on August 24. This was the second year in a row a horse out of Jumpin’ Nancy won the Grand Champion title. Reserve Champion honors went to Snapadoodle, a filly owned by Althea Richards, who had finished as the runner-up in her class.
Virginia Harness Horse Association
Shenandoah Downs recently celebrated a $2 million expansion, securing the future of harness racing at the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds. The core of the investment is a new 172-stall permanent barn, which replaces the costly and less secure temporary tents the track previously rented. Furthermore, the versatile new structure will also be used to house livestock during the annual county fair in August. The project marks another landmark step in strengthening Woodstock’s role on the national harness circuit and boosting the local economy.
The Virginia HBPA is pleased to share that the 2025 summer meet at Colonial Downs was a success. Over the course of 41 race days, the meet averaged $657,711 in daily purses and generated an impressive average daily handle of $2,257,639. The season delivered competitive racing and robust participation from horsemen across the Mid-Atlantic, further solidifying Virginia’s reputation as a premier destination for Thoroughbred racing. The VHBPA extends its sincere thanks to the trainers, owners, jockeys, and backstretch workers whose hard work and dedication made this season possible. We look forward to continuing this momentum — first with the Virginia Derby in March, and then with another exciting summer of racing in 2026.
Congratulations to the meet’s leaders
Leading Owner: DARRS, Inc. Leading Trainer: Michael Trombetta
Leading Jockey: Paco Lopez
The VTA would like to congratulate our most recent Virginia-Bred Millionaire, the multi-year VTA Older Horse Champion REPO ROCKS. Bred by the late Mrs. C. Oliver Iselin III, the 2018 gelding by TAPITURE joined this club of elites after his win at Colonial Downs on July 18th taking home the trophy for the Edward P. Evans Stakes.
He follows the 2023 Virginia-Bred Horse of the Year GIGANTE, who reached millionaire status in his 2024 campaign, bred by Ann Mudge Backer & Smitten Farm.
Congratulations to both horses and all their connections! Virginia-Bred Millionaires
Industry Related News
VTA Member Diana McClure on Panel at 51st Annual Global Symposium on Racing
Diana McClure, owner, trainer, and breeder, will represent Virginia on a panel discussing declining foal crops and State breeding programs. This year’s symposium, December 8-10 in Tucson, will focus on the industry’s evolving landscape, covering critical topics like the racing business model, the rise of prediction markets, and mental wellness support.