The following piece appeared in FaquierNow March 2, 2026 and was written by Leland Schwartz. The U.S. Army wants to purchase the 150-acre Middleburg Training Center where some of Virginia’s top racehorses are trained on its nearly one-mile racetrack, something the region’s horsemen say will “cripple” the sport in the area. The Army hopes to […]
Author: Darrell Wood
Virginia Harness Horse Association Announces Scholarship Opportunity
Due to a generous bequest by longtime Virginia harness horsewoman Jan Nofsinger, the Virginia Harness Horse Association (VHHA) has established a $1,000 scholarship for family members of the Virginia racing community. Guidelines and the application can be found on the scholarship tab on the VHHA.net website. Completed applications must be returned to the VHHA office […]
Virginia Derby Week Set for March 12-14 at Colonial Downs
Strong Stakes Nominations NEW KENT, VA. (March 2, 2026) — Buoyed by a sell-out crowd for its inaugural running one year ago, the countdown is on to Virginia Derby week at Colonial Downs, set for March 12-14, with a three-day slate of racing, including seven stakes, entertainment and special promotions leading up to Saturday’s marquee stakes […]
Colonial Downs Launches New Look for New Era of Virginia Thoroughbred Racing
C~ New brand, logo, and digital presence mark the start of the biggest year of horse racing in Virginia history; Will debut at Virginia Derby on March 14, 2026 NEW KENT, Va. (February 12, 2025)— Colonial Downs Racetrack today launched a new brand, logo, and digital presence to mark the start of a new era […]
Date for Rappahannock Hunt Point to Point Races Pushed Back to Saturday, March 28th!
Saddle up for one of Virginia’s favorite spring traditions! On Saturday, March 28, 2026, RappahannockHunt’s Annual Point-to-Point Race returns to The Hill in Boston, VA—with a new date! This venue offers abeautiful countryside view, located at 13257 Durantes Curve, Boston, VA 22713, just off Route 522. Thislongstanding Virginia sporting tradition offers a full day of […]
Leading 2025 NSA Owner Riverdee Stables Has Steeplechase Star Nominated For an Eclipse Award this Week
When it comes to steeplechase racing, Sean Clancy has pretty much done it all. He was a champion steeplechase jockey, bought horses at sales and put together numerous partnerships for flat and steeplechase horses. He rode Hokan to a 1998 victory in the Grade 1 New York Turf Writers Steeplechase. He competed in over 1,000 jump races, […]
Virginia-Connected Horses Earn Eclipse Award Nominations
Congratulations to several Virginia-connected horses who were nominated for 2025 Eclipse Awards in several different categories. Riverdee Stables’ 10-year-old gelding Cool Jet is a finalist in the Top Steeplechase Horse category. The son of Jet Away had three wins —all in graded stakes — in six starts with earnings of $190,500. The Jack Fisher trainee […]
Three Virginia-Breds Appear in Initial Kentucky Derby Future Pool Wagers
A Virginia-bred horse has appeared in each of the first three pools of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager which were available on Halloween and Thanksgiving weekends — and will also be available on Martin Luther King holiday weekend which runs from Friday January 16 – Sunday January 18. It’s Our Time, Secured Freedom and Crossingthechannel […]
Colonial Downs Prepares for 3-Day Spring Meet in Mid-March
Colonial Downs racing secretary Dan Bork has released the condition book for its 2026 three-day spring meet which runs from Thursday, March 12 through Saturday, March 14. The meet is highlighted by the $500,000 Virginia Derby and $250,000 Virginia Oaks on March 14, which are points races on the “Road to the Kentucky Derby” and […]
Point-to-Point & NSA Steeplechase Races Populate Virginia Spring Racing Calendar
Virginia’s 2026 racing schedule is set for all host venues and breeds including steeplechase races — which kick off the season slate with a series of weekend Point-to-Point (PTP) meets beginning February 28. The Rappahannock Hunt PTP at The Hill in Boston, Virginia ushers in festivities — the first of seven spring meets slated. […]
