Shenandoah Downs will open its 11th season of pari-mutuel harness racing this Saturday April 11 with an 11-race program beginning at 1:05 PM. The opener will celebrate driver/trainer Roger Hammer’s distinguished career, his impact in Virginia racing over two-plus decades and his 80th birthday as well — with a commemorative t-shirt giveaway and celebratory birthday cake. The […]
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Colonial Downs 2026 Stakes Schedule
Standardbred Owners Ainspan, McDonald Each Score Thoroughbred Wins at Colonial Downs’ Virginia Derby Meet
Virginia-based harness horse owners Adam Ainspan and Anne McDonald have had their pictures taken in the Colonial Downs winners circle in past decades courtesy of standardbred champions that captured Virginia Breeder’s divisional titles. Ainspan’s Graham Grace Stables scored with Great George Two in 2004 while McDonald’s Always Quick Star snagged trophies in 2013 & 2014 […]
VEA Economic Impact Study – February 2021
VEA Economic Impact Study – May 2024
Army seeking to purchase historic Middleburg Training Center; equine leaders say move would ‘cripple’ local industry
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 […]
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 […]
Gigante Named Virginia-Bred Horse of the Year; Awards Ceremony to be held at Colonial Downs on Virginia Derby Day
Million-dollar earning Gigante, named 2025 Virginia-Bred Horse of the Year, headlines a slate of award winners whose connections will receive hardware for their efforts Saturday March 14 at Colonial Downs. The trophy presentations will take place on the winner’s circle stage between races during the prestigious Virginia Derby Day card in New Kent. Gigante, owned […]
Rappahannock Hunt Point-to-Point Rescheduled to 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 […]
