Colonial Downs, in collaboration with National Steeplechase Association, will host its first steeplechase-only race card in 13 years on Monday, June 29 — capping off opening week festivities. The day features a special first post of 10:45 AM and will be highlighted by the renamed Theodora A. Randolph Stakes which kicks off a new “Triple […]
Author: Aidan Turnage-Barney
Virginia Harness Horseman William Fletcher Passes Away at 97
Condolences go out to family and friends of harness horseman William Fletcher of Horsey, Virginia, who passed away June 5 at the age of 97. The epitome of a true Southern gentleman, his life was defined by faith, family, and farming. Mr. Fletcher’s work ethic was unmatched. Well into his nineties, he was still climbing […]
Colonial Downs Summer Meet to Feature 35 Stakes, Sunday Racing & Steeplechase Racing
With Virginia’s summer racing season on the horizon, Frank Hopf, Senior Director of Racing Operations at Colonial Downs, has been busy preparing for the longest meet ever at Colonial Downs. The campaign will run from June 25 – September 7 with racing every Thursday thru Sunday afternoon. Featured returning flat events include the Festival of […]
NEW BOOK “EAGLE POINT FARM – A LEGACY OF GRIT AND GRACE” ILLUSTRATES LOVE OF HORSES AND HOME IN ASHLAND, VIRGINIA
Readers of the new book “Eagle Point Farm – A Legacy of Grit and Grace” by DonnaDennehy can saddle up for an unforgettable ride with one very determined Virginiahorsewoman. Donna Gilman Dennehy, at the age of 19, took the reins of her family’sThoroughbred horse farm in Ashland, Virginia and led it on a 50-year journey throughtriumphs […]
ONE MONTH UNTIL LIVE RACING RETURNS TO COLONIAL DOWNS
~ Following a sold-out Virginia Derby in March, the 2026 Summer Season resumes June 25 with ten weeks of Thursday-Sunday racing; Exciting promotions and entertainment promise fans an unforgettable day at the races ~ NEW KENT, Va. (May 26, 2026)—Following an historic and record-breaking March meet in which more than 9,700 fans watched Incredibolt win the 2026 […]
Caviart Daisy Completes Virginia Breeders Fund Series Sweep in $107,800 Final at Shenandoah Downs
Frank Chick’s Caviart Daisy put a stamp on her three-leg Virginia Breeders Fund series, capturing a $107,800 championship in the sophomore filly/mare pacing division Saturday at Shenandoah Downs. The Sweet Lou filly crossed in 1:53 1/5 over a sloppy track, equaling the divisional record mark she set two weeks ago. Driver Tony Morgan led […]
Shenandoah Downs to Host Virginia Breeders Fund “Day of Champions” Card for Three-Year-Olds on Saturday May 23
After two weeks of elimination races, fields for the Virginia Breeders Fund Three-Year-Old Championships are set and will take place this Saturday May 23 at Shenandoah Downs. The four title bouts each feature a full field of eight with combined purse money of $439,900. They are scheduled as races 1, 3, 5 and 7 on […]
COLONIAL DOWNS NOW HIRING FOR SUMMER RACE SEASON
~ Job fairs at track each Tuesday and Thursday from 4-6pm through June 18 and Saturday, May 30 from 12-3pm; Variety of on- and off- track positions available beginning at $15+/hour ~ As summer racing season approaches, Colonial Downs is adding team members for a variety of seasonal roles at Virginia’s premier thoroughbred racetrack! Team […]
COLONIAL DOWNS ANNOUNCES STAKES SCHEDULE FOR SUMMER 2026
Festival of Racing Slated for August 1; Old Dominion Derby for September 7 A robust schedule of 35 stakes races and handicaps worth more than $6.5 million, topped by the Colonial Downs Festival of Racing on Saturday, August 1, is on tap when the Virginia racetrack opens its doors for a 45-day summer season on […]
VIRGINIA DERBY HORSES TO CONTINUE TRIPLE CROWN JOURNEY AT PREAKNESS STAKES
~ Virginia Derby runners Incredibolt and Ocelli to follow-up strong showings at Kentucky Derby in this weekend’s Preakness Stakes~ After strong showings in the 152nd Kentucky Derby, 2026 Virginia Derby alums Incredibolt and Occelli will race in the second leg of the Triple Crown at Saturday’s Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park in Maryland. After winning the 2026 Virginia Derby, Incredibolt finished sixth […]
