Meet Ed Bubolz, the starter at Colonial Downs who works intently in the mornings just so he is able push a button nine times at different points of the afternoon. Bubolz oversees every detail associated with loading a field of horses into the starting gate prior to a race and then hoping for — and […]
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On Biggest Day of Horse Racing in Virginia History, Fort Washington Claims Arlington Million
James River Horse Foundation shows “Spirit of Virginia”
Written by Nick Hahn, originally posted on theracingbiz.com on 8/4/2025 Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin handed out a Spirit of Virginia Award to the James River Horse Foundation on July 31. The awards recognize Virginians’ uncommon contributions to their fields. Only six are given out each year. In the spirit of the […]
Just Philtored, Trendsetter Prevail in Virginia-Restricted Keswick & Hickory Tree Stakes at Colonial
Courtesy of The Racing Biz, written by Frank Vespe A pair of promising 2-year-olds kept their records spotless Saturday (August 2) at Colonial Downs with stakes wins in Virginia-restricted company, as Just Philtored held off a determined challenger in the $100,000 Keswick Stakes for fillies and Trendsetter came flying late to capture the $100,000 Hickory […]
Trainer Danielle Hodsdon, with 14 Wins in 19 Years, Wins Twice Within Five Minutes
Meet horse trainer Danielle Hodsdon who has saddled horses on and off for 19 years and has reached the winner’s circle 14 times. Her history at Colonial Downs goes back decades though. She rode in her first sanctioned steeplechase race there — and broke her collarbone in that event — during the infamous Strawberry Hill […]
Meet Longtime Colonial Downs Valet Rich Ramkhelawan
Meet horse racing valet Rich Ramkhelawan, one of the unsung, passionate staff members that help ensure race days at Colonial Downs roll along seamlessly. A native of Trinidad and Tobago, Rich has worked at the New Kent track from day one, going back to September, 1997. In Rich’s world, the word ‘valet’ is pronounced with […]
Colonial Downs Prepares for Biggest Day of Racing in History this Saturday
~ 2024 Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan and other high-profile horses will compete for more than $2.5 million in prize money over twelve races during 2025 Festival of Racing; Festival day to feature live music and family-friendly activities because The Race is Just the Start ~ NEW KENT, Va. (August 4, 2025)—Colonial Downs Racetrack is […]
RUNAWAY STORM SET FOR GRADE 1 ARLINGTON MILLION
Robert J. Hunt’s Runaway Storm has been aiming for the Grade 1 Arlington Million at Colonial Downs for more than a year, and assuming all goes well between now and the Aug. 9 Festival of Racing headline event, the Ethan West trainee who won the 2023 Bryan Station (G3) will get his shot at his […]
Game Debut Winners Trendsetter and Just Philtored Headline Saturday’s $100,000 Hickory Tree and $100,000 Keswick
Saturday’s pair of sibling stakes going 5½ furlongs on the dirt at Colonial Downs will showcase Virginia-bred, -sired, or -certified juveniles. Trendsetter and Just Philtored, the morning line favorites in the $100,000 Hickory Tree and $100,000 Keswick, respectively, will look to stay perfect after proving their heart and talent in their debut wins. When debuting […]
Gil Short Comes Full Circle in Virginia, From Initial Colonial Downs Constuction Manager to New Standardbred Horse Farm Builder
Meet Gil Short, a key figure in the development, launch and early operation of Colonial Downs Racetrack in New Kent, who is back in the area building another equine facility — though this one isn’t geared to accommodate hundreds of horses and thousands of fans. Short was responsible for Colonial’s planning and impressive design back […]
