Author: Darrell Wood

Large Fields Set for “Virginia Champions Day” Saturday August 31 at Colonial Downs

Posted on by Darrell Wood

Five turf stakes showcasing Virginia-bred, -sired and -certified horses attracted large fields for Virginia Champions Day at Colonial Downs on Saturday, Aug. 31. Offering $725,000 in total, the four stakes open to horses in all three categories – the Camptown, Bert Allen, Meadow Stable and Nellie Mae Cox – average 10.5 runners. The Jamestown is […]

Charlottesville’s Foxfield Race Property Sold; Will Remain a Steeplechase Venue

Posted on by Darrell Wood

Albemarle County, Virginia – Cassiopeia Foundation 501c(3) is proud to announce the purchase of the Foxfield property in Albemarle County, ensuring the preservation of the historic site, fulfilling the dreams of founder Mariann de Tejeda, and providing a stable platform for the continued operations of the independent Foxfield Racing LLC 501c(3). The Foxfield property, with its […]

Nominations Announced for Virginia Derby Day’s Six Turf Stakes at Colonial Downs

Posted on by Darrell Wood

Nominations closed on Wednesday for the six pack of turf stakes scheduled for Virginia Derby Day on Saturday, Sept. 7, which is closing day at Colonial Downs. With $1.3million in combined purses, the Grade 3 $500,000 New Kent County Virginia Derby leads the charge along with the $250,000 Woodford Reserve Virginia Oaks (Listed), $150,000 VisitRVA.com […]

Nations Pride Triumphant in the Aug. 11, Gr. 1 Arlington Million at Colonial Downs

Posted on by Darrell Wood

Godolphin’s homebred Nations Pride produced a valiant run in the stretch to triumph in the 2024 Grade 1 Arlington Million at Colonial Downs. Adding to Santin’s score in 2022 and Sulamani’s in 2003, Godolphin now boasts three Arlington Million victories. Trained by Charlie Appleby and piloted by William Buick, Nations Pride covered the 1¼-miles distance […]

Virginia Derby to Become Kentucky Derby Qualifier Race at Colonial Downs in 2025

Posted on by Darrell Wood

Winning Horse will Compete in the Iconic Run for the Roses Colonial Downs Racetrack (“Colonial Downs”) announced during the annual Festival of Racing that the 2025 Virginia Derby has earned the distinction as a “win and you’re in” qualifying race on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the landmark event for […]

Chenery/Tweedy Family Names Leeanne Meadows Ladin First Recipient of the Inaugural Penny Chenery Award

Posted on by Darrell Wood

In keeping with Penny Chenery’s long career of celebrating Secretariat’s legacy, promoting the best in racing, and honoring excellence in Thoroughbred athletes, the inaugural Penny Chenery award was presented to author/historian Leeanne Meadows Ladin of Montpelier, VA. The presentation was made on August 11 at Colonial Downs Racetrack in New Kent, VA after the running […]

Virginia Thoroughbred Association’s “Nothing Like It” Campaign Highlights Lucrative Breeders Bonus Program

Posted on by Darrell Wood

The Virginia Thoroughbred Association (VTA) unveiled a new “Nothing Like It” advertising campaign which emphasizes benefits to breeders of registered Virginia-bred horses — who earn bonuses for finishing first, second and third in any open race in North America.  Up until last year, bonuses were only paid to horses who finished first in those races. Additionally, bonuses […]

Winfinity, Candycrumbs Score in Keswick & Hickory Tree 2-Year-Old Dirt Stakes at Colonial Downs 

Posted on by Darrell Wood

Dream Big Racing, LLC’s Winfinity and Mary Lightner’s Candycrumbs each captured a $150,000 Virginia-Restricted dirt stakes for 2-year-olds August 3 at Colonial Downs in a similar, dramatic come-from-behind running style. The former was 1-1/4 lengths the best in the Keswick for fillies while the latter crossed 1-1/4 lengths in front in the Hickory Tree for […]