2025 Virginia Derby Recap

Even though the day started misty and chilly, it turned out to be a beautiful, partly sunny day with temperatures in the upper 60s. Fans and patrons from throughout the Commonwealth and beyond came out to experience this historic event.

The second race was named in honor of  R. Larry Johnson, who passed away in February. Mr Johnson had a significant impact in breeding and racing in the Mid-Atlantic for decades. His family were present for this emotional tribute. Divine Works (by Divining Rod, out of Saltworks) crossed the wire first for owner Country Life Farm and trainer Michael Trombetta, a longtime friend and trainer to Larry Johnson, in the Virginia Restricted race. The Johnson family was cheering on their homebred,  Ann’s Girl – also trained by Mike Trombetta – and were thrilled with the filly’s third-place effort in her debut run.

There was one more Virginia Restricted race on this day. Champion jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr crossed the wire first aboard Virginia-certified Eastbostonbenny owned by Lillian Klesaris (certified at CRE-Run Enterprise, LLC in Doswell, VA). Medagooch took second place for owner WWCD, LLC (certified at Legacy Farm in Bluemont, VA), and Ben’s Hero was 3^rd for owner Lillian Klesaris (certified at Eagle Point Farm in Ashland, VA).

Between races the Virginia Thoroughbred Association held their annual Champions Awards presenting the award recipients for 2024. It was the perfect day to thank and honor our Virginia horses, breeders, and trainers in front of a record crowd. On March 15^th we congratulated the following winners:

• 2024 Virginia-Bred Two-Year-Old Champion – Saxton; bred by Lazy Lane Farms, LLC
• 2024 Virginia-Bred Two-Year-Old Filly Champion – Sail Theseven Seas; bred by R. Larry Johnson
• 2024 Virginia-Bred Older Mare Champion – Tufani; bred by Chance Farm & Distorted Humor Syndicate
• 2024 Virginia-Bred Turf Horse Champion – Gigante; bred by Ann Mudge Backer & Smitten Farm
• 2024 Virginia-Bred Horse of the Year & Turf Sprinter Champion – Determined Kingdom; bred by Audley Farm Equine, LLC
• 2024 Virginia-Certified Filly Champion – Future Is Now; certified by R. Larry Johnson
• 2024 Virginia-Certified Colt Champion – Book’em Danno; certified by Greg Kilka & Bright View Farm
• 2024 Virginia Based Co-Trainers of the Year – Madison Meyers and Susan Cooney
• 2024 Virginia Breeder of the Year – Audley Farm Equine

The day was a memorable one for our guests. We had great support from members of the legislature and other dignitaries. Governor Youngkin and the First Lady, who are wonderful advocates for the horse industry, were in attendance as well and presented the trophies for the Virginia Oaks and Virginia Derby. Turner Kobayashi, President of the Virginia Thoroughbred Association, put it best, saying, “It was a great day and showcase for Virginia racing and breeding. We received a lot of airtime, press and social media coverage that always helps expand our mission. Great crowd and fun. The hospitality was second to none and made our guests feel special and welcomed.”

Alan Hutchison, VTA Board Member, added, “It started with the greeting in the parking lot, cordials at the hospitality entrance, pleasant elevator attendants, capable wagering staff and continued throughout the friendly confines.” He also noted, “the weather was perfect.”

Other compliments came from Hunter Marek, representing Smitten Farm and Mrs. Anne Backer for Gigante’s 2024 achievements, stating, “It was absolutely perfect…the food was delicious, the company was great, and the racing couldn’t have been better! It feels good being a VTA member and seeing how far racing in Virginia has come in the last few years.”

Janis Paiva, President of the James River Horse Foundation, thanked Colonial Downs, Churchill Downs Inc., and the Virginia Equine Alliance “for making our experience at The Virginia Derby Day completely wonderful. The expanded opportunity to let the public know more about our program – benefiting both the horses and the inmates – is really priceless.”

Virginia horse racing couldn’t have asked for a better day, and all guests and fans enjoyed watching the races in the much-welcomed warm sunshine. It was the first time the Virginia Derby had been run on the dirt course and served as a Road to the Kentucky Derby qualifier. Every Virginian in the facility were likely rooting  for the  Virginia-bred Omaha Omaha, and we are all very proud of his third-place performance.

We saw high profile horsemen participate in this historic day, including Kenny McPeek, champion jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr., and six-time Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Bob Baffert.

But it would be the Hall of Fame trainer, 89-year-old D. Wayne Lukas, who captured the Virginia Derby with American Promise in a record-setting performance, earning a coveted spot in the gate for the 151^st Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs. Trainer Graham Motion, a perennial leading trainer at Colonial Downs, sent out Eclipse Partners’ Fondly to win the Virginia Oaks and secure a position in the Kentucky Oaks .

Congratulations to all the connections from Virginia’s very first spring meet. Congratulations as well to our Champions Awards recipients, and a heartfelt thank you to our VTA members, guests, and everyone who made March 15, 2025, a day to remember.