Upcoming Events
The 2026 Virginia Derby & Virginia Oaks
The 2nd running of the Virginia Derby and Virginia Oaks will take place on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Colonial Downs in New Kent, Virginia. These two races serve as qualifying races for the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks. The Horsemen’s suites will be available for this day by reservation only. Stay tuned for further announcements regarding ticket sales for the suites and banquet room in the coming weeks.
A Word from the Board
“As my time as a VTA board member draws to a close, I would like to say how proud I am to be a member of a fantastic organization. Our successful Virginia-bred and certified programs are getting a lot of notice and many are reaping the rewards. The future is bright as we embark upon a new Virginia-bred foaling season and look forward to an expanded 48-day live racing season at Colonial Downs with many Virginia restricted race opportunities..”
— Susan Cooney, Director of the VTA Board
Virginia Steeplechase Association
We are all looking forward to upcoming Point-to-Point & NSA Sanctioned Steeplechase racing at our Virginia jump venues.
February 28 — Rappahannock Hunt Point-to-Point
March 14 — Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point
April 18 — Middleburg Spring Races
April 25 —Foxfield Spring Races
April 26 — Middleburg Hunt Point-to-Point
May 2 — Virginia Gold Cup
Shenandoah Downs Spring Racing
Pacers & trotters will compete in a 7-week spring meet that runs from April 11 – May 24, every Saturday & Sunday at 1:05 PM.
Parking and admission are always free and the action is family friendly.
Wagering is available on all races. The track is conveniently located at I-81, Exit 283 halfway between Harrisonburg & Winchester and is a short 40-minute drive from the state’s only Buc-ees! More details are at shenandoahdowns.com.
Reminders
Thoroughbred Owners, Breeders, and Participating Facilities
Stay Connected in 2026
Ensure your 2026 membership is active to take full advantage of our exclusive benefits and event updates. Whether you are renewing your support or joining us for the first time, we are thrilled to have you as part of the VTA family this year. Unsure if your membership has been renewed for 2026? CLICK HERE to view our membership directory.
Get your Thoroughbreds foaled in Virginia registered with the VTA
Virginia Thoroughbred breeders, don’t forget to register your Virginia-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 registration process and ensure your Virginia-bred can reap all the benefits
Qualifying for the Virginia Breeder’s Fund Yearling Futurity
Virginia-Bred
To qualify for the Virginia Yearling Futurity, all Virginia-Bred horses must be fully registered with the VTA and Thoroughbred Jockey Club prior to the date of the event — Don’t wait until the show—ensure your Virginia-Bred registration is submitted and confirmed now to stay eligible!
Virginia-Certified
To qualify for the Virginia Yearling Futurity, all Virginia-Certified horses must complete a 6-month residency and be fully registered with the VTA and Thoroughbred Jockey Club prior to the event. What this means for you: All short yearlings should arrive in Virginia by January 31st to ensure the residency requirement. Please confirm your registrations are up to date to remain eligible!
2026 Stallion Applications
Any Virginia-Stallion applications and fees submitted between now and May 31st for the 2026 breeding season may be added on the website. Stallions whose applications are submitted after May through December 31st will not be advertised on the website for the 2026 breeding season. CLICK HERE to apply online.
2025 Fourth Quarter Recap
Governor Elect Spanberger Names an Ag Secretary
Governor-elect Spanberger has officially named Katie Frazier as the new Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry. Katie is a familiar face in the industry, having spent years at the Virginia Agribusiness Council and recently at Farm Credit of the Virginias. Spanberger highlighted that Frazier’s background is exactly what the state needs to support our farmers and foresters through current economic challenges. She’ll be taking over the role starting January 17th.
Virginia Harness Horse Association
Shenandoah Downs ushered out its tenth fall harness racing season in Woodstock October 26 and closing weekend featured a four-pack of Virginia Breeder’s 2-year-old stakes worth a combined $374,825.
In the $91,025 Filly Pace finale, Frank Chick’s Caviart Daisy stormed past Caviart Amore Mio coming out of turn two, passed the halfway mark four lengths in front in :55 2/5 and cruised to a five-length victory over Caviart Santa Fe in 1:53 3/5 — setting a record time for that division. The Sweet Lou filly was sent off as the 1-9 favorite and was fresh off a pair of impressive elimination leg wins the prior two weeks. Tony Morgan, harness racing’s second leading all-time driver with over 18,000 wins, was in the bike.
Details about the Virginia Harness Horse Association’s lucrative incentive programs are at vhha.net.
Industry Related News
From the Derby to the Commonwealth: Remembering Jockey and Virginia Businesswoman Diane Crump
Diane Crump, the barrier-breaking jockey who became the first woman to ride in a pari-mutuel race and the first to compete in the Kentucky Derby, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026, following a battle with brain cancer. Overcoming intense hostility and boycotts in the late 1960s, Crump paved the way for future generations of female riders. Following her retirement from the saddle, she settled in Virginia, where she continued her lifelong commitment to the industry by operating Diane Crump: Equine Sales, Inc., a successful equine sales business.
