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.
Though Mother Nature’s relentless storms caused an adjusted schedule of the under tack shows and the sale days, the Midtlantic 2-Year-Olds in training sale still set record highs for gross, average and median sales.
After 326 horses sold in the ring during a marathon session on Tuesday, May 20th, the record setting gross came to $44,192,500. The sale was seen as “a sale to remember,” for many reasons. Four horses sold for $1+ million; the first time this sale has ever seen more than one horse sell for a million dollars.
Among the 586 horses listed in the catalogue, 26 of them were registered with the Virginia Thoroughbred Association. The Virginia-certified horses, which are appealing to buyers due to the lucrative incentive programs available, sold for an average of $86,500. Hip 208, a chestnut filly by Practical Joke out of Kitten Empress, was the highest selling Virginia-certified horse going to trainer Norm Casse for $285,000. This filly was certified at Timbercreek Farm under the care of Sara and Zach Miller in Charlottesville, Virginia. During the preview she breezed in :10.3.
Hip 510 was the second highest selling Virginia-certified horse going to Augustus Mcrae for $180,000. This 2-year-old dark bay colt by Vekoma out of Yalisha was certified at Ballyerin Racing, LLC with Madison Meyers and Kieron Norris in Middleburg, Virginia.
Hip 510 (Vekoma – Yalisha, by Run Production). Tibor Photography.
The Virginia-breeding program continues to grow as horsemen throughout the country see the additional lucrative benefits associated with owning and racing a Virginia-bred.
The highest selling 2-year-old Virginia-bred was Hip 337. The chestnut filly by Vekoma out of Rachel’s Smokin sold for $200,000 to Colts Neck Stables. The 2-year-old was bred by Gerard Lopez.
Hip 337 (Vekoma – Rachel’s Smokin, by Sky Mesa). Tibor Photography.
The second highest selling Virginia-bred in the sale sold for $150,000 to Huburt Guy Bloodstock. Hip 65, a bay filly by Charlatan out of Compensate, was bred by Virginia native Ann Mudge Backer/Smitten Farm.
Hip 65 (Charlatan – Compensate, by Liam’s Map). Tibor Photography.
The Fasig-Tipton Mid Atlantic two year old sale was a solid success for Virginia-bred and certified horses further showing the value and benefits of these growing programs. For more information go to www.vabred.org.
Turner Kobayashi, President of the VTA, put it best saying, “…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.” Full Article
2024 VTA Champions Awards
2024 VTA Champions Awards Between races the VTA 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. 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.” Full Article
Virginia Harness Horse Association
Construction work is well underway on a new $1.5 million barn project at the Shenandoah County fairgrounds in Woodstock, VA – home of Shenandoah Downs – that will accommodate up to 140 horses during harness meets beginning later this year. The structure will provide a safe environment for standardbred horses that reside in the track’s backstretch.
Upcoming Events
Virginia Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association
The condition book, stakes schedule, and stall applications for the 2025 summer meet at Colonial Downs in New Kent, VA, are now available online at Colonialdowns.com. Stall applications are due Friday, May 7, 2025. The backside opens to horsemen on Monday, June 23rd. The first day of training is Wednesday, June 25th.
Virginia Gold Cup · May 3, 2025
Join us for the 100th running of the Virginia Gold Cup races at Great Meadow! The VTA/VHBPA tent will be located on Members Hill. Food services open at noon and drinks are a cash-only bar. Tent reservations are open to VTA and VHBPA members for $50 per person. The owner’s tent will also be combined with our tent. Owners who have a horse(s) entered that day will receive credentials from the Gold Cup office for free admission to the tent. Reservations are open through April 24th or until the event is sold out!
2025 Spring Harness Racing
Celebrate 10 years of harness racing at Shenandoah Downs this spring and fall. Conveniently located at the Shenandoah County fairgrounds (I-81, Exit 283) there is racing every Saturday and Sunday with Pari-mutual wagering on all races.
With the conclusion of the first spring meet in Virginia, we are looking forward to Colonial Downs’ 41-day summer meet July 9 – September 13.
Race days are as follows:
Wednesdays-Saturdays July 9- September 13
Saturday, August 9th Festival of Racing
Monday, September 1st (Labor Day)
Saturday, September 6th GIII Old Dominion Derby / Old Dominion Oaks
Reminders: Horse Owners, Breeders, and Participating Facilities
Virginia-Certified Program · 2023 Foals
Do you have a Thoroughbred who was foaled out-of-state and looking to bring it to Virginia? As a reminder, horses in our Virginia-certified program must arrive and complete 6 consecutive months (180 days) before December 31st of their 2-year-old year. All 2023 foals must arrive at a Virginia participating facility by June 30th to complete the program. Applications and applicable fees are due within 30 days of arrival.
Reminder to all Virginia Participating Facilities
Horses may move from your facility to another as long as the second facility is registered with the VTA. In these cases, we still need verification forms from every facility with the dates the horse(s) was at your farm.
The under tack show takes place June 10-14 starting at 7:30am each day in Ocala, Florida.
The under tack show is as follows: June 10 (1-172), June 11 (173-343), June 12 (344-386, supplements 387-430, 451-534), June 13 (535-705), June 14 (706-833, supplements 834-873, HRA 901-903). Each day starts at 7:30am.
Tuesday, June 17th hips 1-386 + 2YOs in training Supplements will go to the sales ring. Continuing Wednesday, June 18th are hips 451-833 + 2YOs in training Supplements as well as HORA 901-903 + HORA Supplements.
See the file below for all Virginia Bred and Virginia Certified horses listed in the sale.
The Star De Naskra: MD/VA-Bred or Sired · 3-Year-Olds · 7 Furlongs · $125,000
The Miss Disco: MD/VA-Bred or Sired · Fillies 3-Year-Olds · 7 Furlongs · $125,000
Friday,July 18, 2025
The Punch Line Stakes: VA-Bred or Sired · 3-Year-Olds and up · 5½ Furlongs (Turf) · $125,000
The Edward P. Evans Stakes: VA-Bred or Sired · 3-Year-Olds and up · 1 1/16 Miles (Turf) · $125,000
Saturday, July 19, 2025
The Glenn Petty: VA-Bred or Sired · Fillies & Mares 3-Year-Olds and up · 5½ Furlongs (Turf) · $125,000
The Brookmeade Stakes: VA-Bred or Sired · Fillies & Mares 3-Year-Olds and up · 1 1/16 Miles (Turf) · $125,000
Saturday, July 26, 2025
The Love Sign: Fillies & Mares 3-Year-Olds and up · 6 Furlongs · $100,000
The Reigh Count: 3-Year-Olds and up · 7 Furlongs · $100,000
Saturday, August 2, 2025
The Hickory Tree: Virginia Restricted (VA-Bred/Sired/Certified) (Plus $50,000 for VA-Bred or Sired) · 2 Year-Olds · 5½ Furlongs · $100,000
The Keswick: Virginia Restricted (VA-Bred/Sired/Certified) (Plus $50,000 for VA-Bred or Sired) · Fillies 2-Year-Olds · 5½ Furlongs · $100,000
Thursday, August 7, 2025
The Randolph D. Rouse Stakes: Fillies & Mares 4-Year-Olds and up · 2¼ Miles (Hurdle) · $100,000
Saturday, August 9, 2025
The Petramalo Mile: 3-Year-Olds · 1 Mile · $100,000
The Tyson Gilpin: Fillies 2-Year-Olds · 7 Furlongs · $100,000
The Secretariat (Gr. 2): 3-Year-Olds · 1 Mile (Turf) · $500,000
The Van Clief Stakes (Listed): 3-Year-Olds and up · 5½ Furlongs (Turf) · $150,000
The Andy Guest Stakes: Fillies & Mares 3-Year-Olds and up · 5½ Furlongs (Turf) · $150,000
The Beverly D. (Gr. 2): Fillies & Mares 3-Year-Olds and up · 1 3/16 Miles (Turf) · $500,000
The Arlington Million (Gr. 1): 3-Year-Olds and up · 1¼ Miles (Turf) · $1,000,000
Saturday, August 16, 2025
The Find: MD/VA-Bred or Sired · 3-Year-Olds and up · 1 1/16 Miles (Turf) · $125,000
The All Brandy: MD/VA-Bred or Sired · Fillies & Mares 3-Year-Olds and up · 1 1/16 Miles (Turf) · $125,000
Saturday, August 23, 2025
The Jamestown Stakes: MD/VA-Bred or Sired · 2-Year-Olds · 5½ Furlongs (Turf) · $125,000
The Dolley Madison: MD/VA-Bred or Sired · Fillies 2-Year-Olds · 5½ Furlongs (Turf) · $125,000
Saturday, August 30, 2025
The Meadow Stable Handicap: Virginia Restricted (VA-Bred/Sired/Certified) (Plus $50,000 for VA-Bred or Sired) · 3-Year-Olds and up · 5½ Furlongs (Turf) · $100,000
The Camptown Handicap: Virginia Restricted (VA-Bred/Sired/Certified) (Plus $50,000 for VA-Bred or Sired) · Fillies & Mares 3-Year-Olds and up · 5½ Furlongs (Turf) · $100,000
Thursday, September 4, 2025
The Life’s Illusion, Hurdle Stakes: Fillies & Mares 4-Year-Olds and up · 2¼ Miles (Hurdle) · $100,000
Saturday, September 6, 2025
The Exacta Systems Rosie’s Stakes: 2-Year-Olds · 5½ Furlongs (Turf) · $125,000
Da Hoss Stakes: 3-Year-Olds and up · 5½ Furlongs (Turf) · $150,000
Kitten’s Joy Stakes: 2-Year-Olds · 1 1/16 Miles (Turf) · $125,000
The Old Dominion Derby (Gr. 3): 3-Year-Olds · 1⅛ Miles (Turf) · $500,000
The Old Dominion Oaks (Listed): Fillies 3-Year-Olds · 1⅛ Miles (Turf) · $250,000
The Colonial Cup: 3-Year-Olds and up · 1½ Miles (Turf) · $150,000
Saturday, September 13, 2025
The Bert Allen Handicap: Virginia Restricted (VA-Bred/Sired/Certified) (Plus $50,000 for VA-Bred or Sired) · 3-Year-Olds and up · 1 1/16 Miles (Turf) · $100,000
The Nellie Mae Cox Handicap: Virginia Restricted (VA-Bred/Sired/Certified) (Plus $50,000 for VA-Bred or Sired) · Fillies & Mares 3-Year-Olds and up · 1 1/16 Miles (Turf) · $100,000
CLICK HERE to view the condition book and index on Equibase
Dedicated to the success of racing, breeding, and agribusiness.
We certainly hope you are able to attend, if not please help the industry by contributing to Delegate Krizek’s campaign.
Delegate Krizek grew up around harness racing. He has taken the time to educate himself on our industry issues and is a friend of Virginia’s horse industry. He represents Fairfax County and is a member of the General Assembly’s General Laws and Appropriations Committees, where most of our racing legislation is heard. As Chair of the General Laws Gaming Subcommittee, he was listed as a patron on the 2025 bill that moved all gaming activities including racing under a single Gaming Commission. Delegate Krizek worked with us this year to ensure the horse industry was protected if the Gaming Commission moved forward. We look forward to working closely with him in the years ahead.
Join us for hors d’oeuvres and cocktails on June 11th at the Middleburg Community Center. It’ll be a terrific time to get to know Delegate Krizek and hear from him directly.
Details are as follows:
300 W. Washington St., Middleburg, VA, 20117
5:00pm-7:00pm; remarks will be around 6:00pm
Parking will be located behind the building past the picnic area
Political contributions are not tax deductible. Unlimited corporate, PAC and personal contributions may be accepted. We are required to report occupation and employer information for individual donors over $100. Paid for by the Virginia Equine Pac and authorized by Krizek for Delegate.
The under tack show takes place May 13-15 starting at 8:00am in Timonium, MD.
Monday, May 19th hips 1-274 will go to the ring. Tuesday, May 20th hips 275-550 will conclude the sale. Each sale session will begin at 11am in the sales ring.
See the file below for all Virginia Bred and Virginia Certified horses listed in the sale.
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.
R. Larry Johnson’s family accepts the awards for VA-Bred 2-Year-Old Filly Champion Sail Theseven Seas and VA-Certified Filly Champion Future Is Now. Ashley Nicole Photography
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 3rd 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 15th 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 – DeterminedKingdom; 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
Left to right: Frank Shipp (Breeder of VA-Bred 2-Year-Old Champion Saxton), Brooke Royster (Breeder of VA-Bred Older Mare Champion Tufani), Susan Naylor (Owner of Tufani). The awards were presented by Virginia Delegate, Betsy Carr. Ashley Nicole Photography.Greg Kilka, breeder of Virginia-Certified Colt Champion Book’em Danno and Atlantic Six Racing, owner of the horse. On the far right is Hunter Marek accepting the award for VA-Bred Turf Horse Champion Gigante on behalf of Smitten Farm and Mrs. Anne Backer. These awards were presented by Virginia Delegate, Buddy Fowler Jr. Ashley Nicole PhotographySecond from the left, Turner Kobayashi accepts the awards for Audley Farm being named 2024 Breeder of the Year as well as their homebred Determined Kingdom’s award for 2024 VA-Bred Horse of the Year & Turf Sprinter Champion. On the right are Determined Kingdom’s owner, Matt Dorman, and Trainer, Phil Schoenthal, for his 2024 campaign. These awards were presented by the Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matt Lohr and Chair of the Virginia Racing Commission Stephanie Nixon. Ashley Nicole Photography.2024 Co-Trainers of the Year Madison Meyers & Susan Cooney accept their awards presented by Virginia Senator, Creigh Deeds Ashley Nicole Photography
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.”
Ashley Nicole PhotographyLeft to right: Leeanne Ladin, President/CEO VA Tourism Rita McClenny, Jocelyn Russell, and guest. Ashley Nicole PhotographyFondly and Jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr win the 2025 Virginia Oaks. Ashley Nicole PhotographyVirginia-Bred Omaha Omaha bred by On Your Left Racing LLC, foaled in Orange, Virginia, gearing up for the Virginia Derby. Ashley Nicole Photography.Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin watch the races from the winner’s circle platform. Ashley Nicole PhotographyAmerican Promise, 2025 Virginia Derby winner. Ashley Nicole Photography
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 151stRun 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.
The under tack show takes place April 6-12 starting at 8:00am each day in Ocala, Florida.
The under tack show is as follows: April 6 hips 1-173 8:00am; April 7 hips 174-346; April 8 hips 347-519; April 9 hips 520-691; April 10 hips 692-863; April 11 hips 864-1035; April 12 hips 1036-1207.
Tuesday, April 15th hips 1-302 will go to the sales ring. Continuing Wednesday, April 16th are hips 303-604. Thursday, April 17th you will see hips 605-906. Lastly, Friday, April 18th hips 907-1207 will conclude the sale. The sale starts at 10:30 am each day.
See the file below for all Virginia Bred and Virginia Certified horses listed in the sale.
