Michael G. Motion was a renowned international bloodstock agent and a pioneering figure in the thoroughbred horse racing industry. The father of top U.S. trainer Graham Motion, he passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025, at the age of 95.
A British native, Motion and his wife Josephine (Jo), who herself was a trailblazer in the sport, were well-known on both sides of the Atlantic. In the 1960s, they established their own operation, Herringswell Manor Stud, near Newmarket, England, a name which their son, Graham, later adopted for his successful American stable.
Throughout his career, Michael G. Motion served as a farm manager, bloodstock agent, and the North American representative for Tattersalls, one of the world’s leading bloodstock auctioneers. He was widely respected for his eye for a horse and his influential role in bridging the American and European racing markets, representing some of the biggest names in racing. His legacy continues through his children, including trainer Graham Motion and bloodstock agent Andrew Motion.
Keeneland’s yearlings sale kicks off in the sale’s ring on Monday, September 8th. With 6 books and 12 sessions this sale offers 4,690 of the country’s most diverse yearlings. Please refer to the schedule below when horses go to the ring.
Book 1, session 1, September 8, 1:00pm, Hips 1-180
Book 1, session 2, September 9, 1:00pm, Hips 191-371
Book 2, session 3, September 10, 11:00am, Hips 381-772
Book 2, session 4, September 11, 11:00am, Hips 773-1154
Friday, September 12 – Dark Day
Book 3, session 5, September 13, 10:00am, Hips 1155-1578
Book 3, session 6, September 14, 10:00am, Hips 1579-2001
Book 4, session 7, September 15, 10:00am, Hips 2002-2421
Book 4, session 8, September 16, 10:00am, Hips 2422-2840
Book 5A, session 9, September 17, 10:00am, Hips 2841-3265
Book 5A, session 10, September 18, 10:00am, Hips 3266-3691
Book 5B, session 11, September 19, 10:00am, Hips 3692-4198
Book 5B, session 12, September 20, 10:00am, Hips 4199-4705
See the file below for all Virginia-bred and Virginia-certified horses listed in the sale.
Written by Nick Hahn, originally posted on theracingbiz.com on 8/4/2025
Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin handed out a Spirit of Virginia Award to the James River Horse Foundation on July 31.
The awards recognize Virginians’ uncommon contributions to their fields. Only six are given out each year.
In the spirit of the morning ceremony held outside Barn 4 of the State Farm Work Center in Goochland County, it may have the First Couple feeling as if they were receiving a gift.
“It was my job here at the barn to provide the daily care for the horses, but at the end of the day it was the exact opposite,” explained Becky Owens, an alumna of the James River Horse Foundation program. “They were taking care of me.”
The crowd assembled for the presentation included wardens, inmates, horsemen, elected officials and media listening intently as Owens described how the program impacted her life. The horses “played a huge role in my rediscovery of self and time for healing at the horse farm,” according to Owens.
The James River Horse Foundation keeps 26 off-track thoroughbreds at the State Farm Work Center, rehabilitating former racehorses in many cases to a level where they become adoptable. Up to eight inmates of the State Farm Correctional Facility next door can participate in the program. Owens recognized some of the memorable thoroughbreds that were present during her rehabilitation.
“There was a sly gelding here on the farm by the name of Tuck,” Owens began, igniting an inside chuckle from the program’s current participants. “This fellow tested my patience almost daily, and working with him consistently taught me perseverance, a skill that has proved invaluable in my recovery.”
Owens then introduced Doc, an older gelding that had “any and all illnesses that any old horse can handle.”
Doc is one of the “lifers” of the program, who as current President Janis Paiva later explained is too embedded with the surroundings and other horses at Barn 4 to become adoptable outside the grounds.
“Nurturing him back to health was to be reconnected with the mothering inside of me that I so greatly needed to exercise and to fill that sense of purpose,” said Owens.
Owens moved on to describe Happy, “a chestnut mare who was the embodiment of a teenage girl,” that broadened her relationships with trust and boundaries.
“Building trust in a relationship with her taught me valuable lessons that I now apply to my own teenage daughter,” offered Owens.
Owens now works at Radford University as a recovery support specialist. She remains involved at the James River Horse Foundation “to coach my peers, sharing the knowledge and skills I gained.”
The James River Horse Foundation has had 80 horses — teachers as the Governor referred to them — cycle through the program. Dozens of inmates have participated over the years.
The equine curriculum developed by former program director C.J. Weldon has three primary stages, ranging from beginner to teaching assistant, the highest level that Owens completed. Owens was one of the original eight participants of the program when it was redefined in 2019.
“We were not just working on the farm, we were working on ourselves,” voiced Owens. “We took as much care of each other as we did the horses.”
The Governor was duly impressed.
“Becky, I have to tell you, you could have just handled the whole program today,” he said.
Suzanne Youngkin, herself an avid horsewoman, spoke enthusiastically about the blessings of the program.
“We just could not be prouder of the bonds that are being built here between human beings, the bonds between women and equines, and the bonds of the equine and their own renewal, and the greener pastures that are available to them,” she said.
The First Lady visited the facility in 2023 on a much colder day and became enamored with the facility and its mission.
“She came in 2023 and stayed two to three hours and visited every horse and spoke to every woman,” recalled Paiva. “When they called to tell us about the award, we thought she was just coming to revisit the facility.”
“There is something very, very, special, very spiritual and it exists between women and the equines here and that’s what we are here to celebrate,” the First Lady told the gathering.
That something, she added, connects directly with the goals of the Spirit of Virginia program.
“The Spirit of Virginia is a recognition of life-changing organizations, life-changing individuals, and a commitment to deliver more than you ever thought you could,” the Governor explained about the award.
“This organization serves two incredible missions. A mission that saves horses from potential abuse from potential slaughter or neglect and recognizes that they too were created by an almighty God.” Youngkin continued. “It brings those horses into this second incredible mission which is to transform lives and to show a way and offer a tremendous moment of self-recognition and training to step into life.”
Paiva notes that the program helps participants develop life skills other than those used in the equine world, something that the Governor also emphasized.
“The program is not just a pathway, but a skill set to take full advantage of that opportunity,” added Youngkin.
The Spirit of Virginia is in ample supply at Barn 4, whether it is given or received.
We already know Paynted by Nancy as the 2024 Virginia Breeder’s Fund Yearling Futurity Grand Champion. Joined by her owner/breeder Quest Realty, trainer Susan Cooney, and the whole crew from the farm, it was a special day ending with the Grand Champion ribbon, a trophy, and a check for placing first in the Virginia-Bred/Sired Fillies Class.
2024 Virginia Breeder’s Fund Yearling Futurity Grand Champion, Virginia-Bred Filly Paynted by Nancy, joined by her owner & breeder Dan Wukich and Quest Realty, trainer Susan cooney (center), 2024 judge Ferris Allen (second from right), and VTA Executive Director Jill Byrne (far right). Hannah Jones Photography.
“She sure is pretty to look at,” said Cooney while watching Quest Realty’s 2-year-old maiden enter the Colonial Downs paddock for her first race, a maiden special weight, on July 31st in New Kent.
“Mainly with the 2-year-olds, the first time out you really just want a good experience and the best chance possible because they remember the bad ones. The goal is always for them to go over to the gate nicely, break well, and come back safely.”
Cooney and Cooney Racing Stables Groom, Esteban Yanez, are all smiles for the filly’s first race.
Paynted by Nancy finished 6th in a field of 11 horses. Based on Cooney’s goals, she checked all her boxes—she was good in the paddock, good in the post parade, and walked right in the gate, and came back well.
“She made a good move around the turn there in the stretch and maybe got a little tired.” Said Cooney. “Sometimes it’s not as much physically tired, but mentally tired.”
Virginia-Bred Paynted by Nancy heading to the post parade with rider Xavier Perez aboard
By Paynter out of Jumpin’ Nancy, the 2023 Virginia-Bred, never sees turf at home except for her paddock. Running in a 5 ½ furlongs race on the turf for Virginia-restricted maidens, fillies 2-years-old, she ran a good race for her first time out, and we look forward to following her career.
Fasig-Tipton’s yearlings continues at Saratoga Springs, New York in the sales paddocks the second week of August. Hips 301-400 will go to the ring on August 10th starting at 7:00pm. The sale will continue on August 12th at Noon until its completion with hips 401-604.
See the file below for all Virginia Certified horses listed in the sale. There are not any Virginia Bred horses entered in this sale.
Welcome back! Colonial Downs’ 41-day summer meet will run July 9-September 13. Race Days are as follows: · Wednesdays-Saturdays · Saturday, August 9th Festival of Racing · Monday, September 1st (Labor Day) · Saturday, September 6th GIII Old Dominion Derby / Old Dominion Oaks
2025 VIRGINIA YEARLING FUTURITY Sunday, August 24, 2025 · Warrenton Horse Show Grounds
Join us at the Warrenton Horse Show Grounds at 9:00am on August 24th. Show off your, registered, Virginia-Bred, Virginia-Sired, or Virginia-Certified thoroughbred yearlings. $40,000 in cash prizes will be divided up between each class.
“Please join us as we open the summer meet at Colonial Downs on July 9th. We’re so excited to put on a meet that consists of 41 race days through September 13th. Bring the family and friends for fun at the track. Thoroughbred racing in the Commonwealth is back and better than ever! Hope to see you there.” –Turner Kobayashi, President of the VTA Board
Virginia Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association
Things are ramping up quickly at Colonial Downs as the backstretch officially opened on June 23, welcoming horses and horsemen in preparation for Opening Day on July 9.
The VHBPA is pleased to announce that its General Membership Meeting will be held at noon on Friday, July 11, at the VHBPA Office. This is a great opportunity for horsemen to connect with their VHBPA representatives, discuss the upcoming meet, and share any thoughts or concerns. BBQ lunch will be provided by Richmond’s own ZZQ Barbeque.
Mark your calendars for the VHBPA’s annual Shannon Campbell and Permanently Disabled Jockey Fund (PDJF) Golf Tournament, taking place on Sunday, August 10 at Brookwood Golf Club in Quinton, VA. To register a team or become a sponsor, please email aidanturnagebarney@virginiaequinealliance.com.
For any questions regarding the VHBPA or the 2025 Colonial Downs meet, contact:
We are looking forward to upcoming Steeplchase racing at Colonial Donws and our Virginia fall meets
July 9-September 13 Thursdays @ Colonial Downs. First post is 10:45am. October 5 – Foxfield Fall Races October 11 – Virginia Fall Races October 25 – International Gold cup November 1 – Montpelier Hunt Races
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
MARES IN-FOAL · SEPTEMBER 1 DEADLINE
Breeders of Virginia-breds earn bonuses for finishing 1st, 2nd, 3rd ANYWHERE in North America.
To qualify—your mare must be in Virginia by September 1st and reside there until she foals next spring. Mare reports are due by October 1st
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
Can my 2-year-old reside at Colonial Downs during their 6-month VA residency to be VA-Certified?
YES, Colonial Downs is an approved VA participating facility. Keep in mind, the horse must arrive by June 30th. *Applications and fees are due by July 31st.
Please note the following: 1. The horse will not be eligible for Virginia Restricted races until they have completed all requirements of the program. 2. The developer will not be eligible for any Virginia-certified awards until the horse is fully registered Virginia-certified. 3. When filling out the application, please put “Colonial Downs” as the facility & notify the VTA via email the name of the Trainer the horse is stabled with. 4. The horse may not leave the state of Virginia during the 6-month residency period. 5. At the end of the summer meet, the horse will need to move to a Virginia participating facility registered with the VTA if they have not completed their 180-day residency.
The 100th running of the Virginia Gold Cup at Great Meadow Race Course saw strong fan attendance despite threatening weather. Highlights included Cool Jet’s first ever Grade 1 victory in the Commonwealth Cup and Keys Discount securing his second consecutive stakes win with the Virginia Gold Cup timber stakes. Mission North dominated the Speedy Smithwick, while Fashion Line reaffirmed his prowess in the steeplethon. Additionally, The Wizards Well achieved his first career win, and Active Duty claimed victory in an allowance race.
Virginia Represented at the Belmont Racing Festival
Virginia had a strong presence at the Belmont Racing Festival through successful Virginia-certified horses. Bernietakescharge and Book’em Danno achieved wins in various stakes races, while Future Is Now placed second in a Grade 2 race. The Virginia Thoroughbred Association is excited for these horses and their connections, underscoring the growing success of Virginia-certified talent in major racing events.
The spring season was highlighted by a slate of Virginia Breeder’s Fund 3-year-old divisional championships for pacers and trotters of both sexes who competed for a combined $354,500 on closing weekend. Breeder’s races for 2-year-olds, along with an inaugural slate of Sire Stakes races for freshmen, will be sprinkled in throughout the fall calendar.
There were many spring meet highlights authored by participating Virginians. Jane Dunavant’s (Kenbridge, VA) Kat’s Fancy set a new track record in the $89,600 Virginia Breeder’s 3-Year-Old Filly Trot Championship (1:56 1/5). Tracy Bradshaw’s (Bland, VA) Joan Deer earned “Horse of the Meet” honors by collecting three wins, three seconds and a third in seven starts. Chuck Perry’s (Suffolk, VA) consistent 12-year-old pacer John’s Dream continued to thrive, collecting his 29th win at Shenandoah Downs making him the winningest horse ever at the Woodstock oval.
Shenandoah Downs will usher in a new era of racing this fall when a massive new $1.8 million barn will make its debut and accommodate all the horses that stable on the grounds throughout the meet. The major portion of the stabling area — which has been under tent canopies with temporary stalls for the last 10 years — was taken down for the final time June 11.
Industry Related News
More Opportunities for VA-Bred/Sired & VA-Certified
April 9th the Maryland Commission approved a proposal to combine VA & MD bred stakes through March 2026.
In addition to the added stakes program, Virginia-Restricted purses at Colonial Downs are 25% higher than open races.
Six VA-bred/sired and MD-bred/sired stakes. Eligibility: VA-bred/sired and MD-bred/sired.
Four VA-bred/sired stakes. Eligibility: VA-bred/sired. VA-Restricted races including overnight handicaps & stakes.Eligibility: VA-bred/sired, & VA-certified
Click on the buttons below to read more on what the meet has to offer.
We are saddened by the news of Trainer D. Wayne Lukas’ passing, announced only one week after the press release that he would be taking a step back from training. Tributes from all over the country flood the internet calling him, “The greatest of all time.”
Joe Nevills—Paulick Report bloodstock editor—shares his insights on the racing industry in North America and the upward trend racing in Virginia is making.
Join us at the Warrenton Horse Show Grounds at 9:00am on August 24th. Show off your, registered, Virginia-Bred, Virginia-Sired, or Virginia-Certified yearlings.
Virginia-Certified Applicants
Horses in the Virginia-certified program must have completed their 6-month residency prior to August 24, have completed the VTA registration, and be registered with the Jockey Club.
The Belmont Racing Festival was nothing short of impressive during the five-day meet at Saratoga. The Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty (Into Mischief) versus Preakness winner Journalism (Curlin) face off was the talk of the week. These two colts would give the large crowd a thrill as they battled down the Saratoga stretch with Sovereignty once again getting the better of his rival, and Baeza coming on late for the show spot. History was made with the same 1, 2, 3 order of finish as the Kentucky Derby. What a race to remember!
Throughout the week at Saratoga, Virginia had its own Stakes presence represented by a few Virginia-certified horses. Starting the week on June 4th was Bernietakescharge (Take Charge Indy) in the Critical Eye Stakes (Black Type) race. The four-year-old mare, certified at Rofe Racing in Middleburg, Virginia, “took charge” of the race straight from the gate. Bred and owned by Robert Rosenthal and Bradford Bernstein, they found themselves in the winner’s circle celebrating another success from their multiple stakes winning mare.
On Thursday’s card you could catch Future Is Now (Great Notion) in the Intercontinental Stakes Gr. 2. The 2024 Virginia-Certified Filly Champion, certified at Legacy Farm in Bluemont, Virginia, won the 2024 edition of the Intercontinental as part of her remarkable season. She was the favorite at post time this year, and though being unsettled in the gate, she broke well. Jockey Paco Lopez guided Future Is Now to the inside of Pipsy (Kodiac (GB)) for a head-to-head stretch battle and despite a gallant run by the five-year-old mare, she came up just short of winning, settling for second to Pipsy and jockey Jose Ortiz. Bred by R. Larry Johnson and owned by The Estate of R. Larry Johnson, her 2025 debut came at Keeneland winning the Giant’s Causeway Stakes Gr. 3. The Virginia Thoroughbred Association looks forward to seeing what this Trombetta trainee has in store this summer.
Future Is Now and jockey Paco Lopez in the paddock
2024 Virginia-Certified champion, Book’em Danno got his chance to shine as one of the favorites in the G-3 True North on the Belmont Stakes day undercard. The four-year-old Bucchero gelding was in a perfect position under jockey Paco Lopez and made his move on the turn, challenging the favorite Mullikin (Violence) down the stretch. It was incredible to watch Book’em Danno from the stands pulling ahead of his competition. There was no doubt he had the win in the bag. Bred by Gregory Kilka & Bright View Farm, owned by Atlantic Six Racing and trained throughout his career by Derek Ryan, Book’em Danno was Virginia Certified by Gracie Bloodstock in Middleburg. The Virginia Thoroughbred Association looks forward to cheering on these connections.
Book’em Danno and jockey Paco Lopez are led out of the paddock by co-owner Mark Rubenstein
The July Sale will take place in Lexington, Kentucky on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Starting at 10:00am, 261 horses will make their way to the sales ring by the end of the day.
See the file below for all Virginia-bred and Virginia-certified horses listed in the sale.
