R. Larry Johnson, who put his stamp on the Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred industry on racetracks, in breeding sheds, and in boardrooms in Maryland and Virginia, passed away Feb. 4. He was 78. “He was successful in all parts of the horse business — standing stallions, selling yearlings and breeding good, competitive racehorses,” said Cricket Goodall, executive […]
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Virginia Gaming Commission proposal worries racing interests
*Originally posted on theracingbiz.com on 1/27/2025, written by Nick Hahn* A bill in Virginia’s General Assembly could create a painful tear in the skin of Virginia racing’s economic model. House Bill 2498, authored by Del. Paul Krizek (D-Alexandria), would shift oversight of historical horse racing (HHR) machines, the primary source of racing purse money, away […]
Zach and Sara Miller saved horse racing in Albemarle County. They’re not finished.
When Zach and Sara Miller first met at the racetrack, they could have no idea they would get married, nor that they’d save the track from future development in posterity. *Written by Joana Suleiman, originally posted on Dailyprogress.com on 1/14/2025* Last fall, Virginia equestrians and horse racing enthusiasts alike rejoiced at the sight of a […]
Champion Forte’s First Foal Arrives at Darby Dan Farm
Gary Holland’s Kamden Favorites bred the dark bay or brown filly. *Written by Eric Mitchell, originally posted on Bloodhorse.com on 1/9/2025* he first reported foal by Spendthrift Farm’s multiple grade 1 winner and 2022 champion juvenile male Forte was born Jan. 8 at Darby Dan Farm near Lexington. Gary Holland’s Kamden Favorites bred the dark bay or […]
Near his Henrico foaling site, Boston gets his due
Henrico Historical Society celebrates recognition for Hall of Fame horse *Written by Patty Kruszewski, originally posted on Henricocitizen.com on 1/9/2025* A state historical marker was dedicated Dec. 1, 2024 in honor of famed 19th century racehorse Boston, at the Historic Tuckahoe Plantation near the horse’s foaling site. (Patty Kruszewski/Henrico Citizen) Kinder historians might call him […]
Kentucky Derby Prep Races leading to the Virginia Derby
In 2025, for the first time ever the road to the Kentucky Derby runs through Virginia and Colonial Downs. The March 15th Virginia Derby and Virginia Oaks marks the first time the Commonwealth has ever hosted a Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Prep race. The horse that crosses the wire first will be eligible for […]
Virginia’s 2025 Racing Calendar Takes Shape
Horse racing dates and events for the 2025 calendar year in Virginia are set and include a healthy combination of thoroughbred, standardbred and steeplechase competitions that will be held at venues across the Commonwealth. The season kicks off March 1 with the Rappahannock Hunt Point-to-Point (PTP) meet at The Hill in Boston, Virginia and concludes […]
Steeplechase Helping Hurricane Relief Efforts
Story originally published by the Temple Gwathmey Steeplechase Foundation, written by Betsy Burke Parker When Hurricane Helene blew across western North Carolina and southern Virginia farmland in late September, few realized the storm would have such a far reach. Almost three months later, some residents remain without power or roads, and farmers are recognizing the […]
Virginia-Bred Gigante Continues Love Affair with Fair Grounds Turf, Takes Buddy Diliberto Memorial
The following appeared in the Daily Racing Form and was written by Marcus Hersh Million-dollar Virginia- bred earner Gigante returned $3.80 in winning the Buddy Diliberto Memorial Stakes at Fair Grounds on Saturday December 21. Even chasing a loose leader who set a slow pace, Fair Grounds-turf-loving Gigante proved too much for the opposition in the […]
Virginia Horse Owner Adam Ainspan’s Pair of $500,000 Stakes Wins Came with a Thoroughbred and a Standardbred
When retired Virginia small animal veterinarian Adam Ainspan purchased his first racehorse 22 years ago, he most likely had a dream — as any new owner would — to someday win a stakes race say, with a $500,000 purse. That dream turned into reality for Ainspan on August 31, 2023 when his thoroughbred horse Harlan […]
