Flat races will be held at Great Meadow in 2016 as part of the annual Virginia Gold Cup program on Saturday May 7th, and preparations are in full swing for the event’s 91st renewal which is expected to attract a crowd of 70,000 people.
Pari-mutuel wagering will be available on the five steeplechase and three flat races, which carry combined purses of over $400,000. Fans will be also be able to bet the Kentucky Derby after the final live race of the afternoon.
The 2016 “Cup” program features the theme “Then And Now”, which is being incorporated into the annual tailgating contest. Reserved tailgating spots are available on North Rail, South Rail and on Members Hill, and can be purchased by calling 540-347-2612. More details can be found at www.vagoldcup.com.
The VTA will have a tent on Members Hill, which will serve as an educational Off Track Betting Center of sorts. Event attendees will be invited to stop by to learn about betting opportunities with on line wagering partners TVG, XPressBet and Twin Spires. Handicappers and fan education staff will be on hand to teach tailgaters how to wager and offer help in selecting top choices for the Gold Cup races and those being simulcast from Churchill Downs. “Until we get Off Track Betting Centers up and running in Virginia, proceeds from bets made via our ADW partners are funding all aspects of racing including purses and breeders bonuses,” said VEA President Debbie Easter. “We need to take this unique opportunity to educate as many of the 70,000 Gold Cup attendees as we can about year-round pari-mutuel opportunities. If we can turn just a fraction of that crowd in to year round horseplayers, it will be a success.”
