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Photos from Live Racing Preparations at Colonial Downs

A new “Welcome” sign will greet racing fans as they enter the track in New Kent.

One section of housing for backstretch workers looked quite nice on a recent morning.

The Colonial Downs dirt track on the morning horses first set foot on it this summer.

First horse on the track for training this year was Like a Salt Shaker.

Clocker Shane Burke gets a birds of eye view of workouts every day from 6-10 AM.

Colonial’s stellar track crew of Ken Brown, Harrison Young and Kelly Jackson tend to the Secretariat Turf Course and 1 1/4 miles long dirt oval.

Stall Superintendent Carlos Garcia and VP of Racing Operations Jill Byrne prepare for an influx of 800-plus horses who will stable in the backstretch.

Valets Richie Ramhkelawan and Donald Cusick lead a talented team of people that work the jockey’s room on race days.

With racing office staff coming in from all over the country to work the Colonial Downs meet, you see all kinds of varied apparel.

Horses from Kelsey Danner’s barn lined up next to each other to familiarize themselves with the surroundings in New Kent during a morning workout session.

Sandy and John, along with their outrider horses, control the flow of morning workout activity on the track and especially provide a valuable safety element.

Racing Secretary Allison DeLuca preps for the first post position draw of the season.

Training for novice grooms and hotwalkers included a session on learning what every part of a horse is.

Local trainers George Gregory and Gary Williams have been competitive friends at Colonial Downs since the track opened in 1997.

Trainer Gary Williams, Heather Goodwin and George Gregory celebrate a win in the Colonial winners circle on September 1, 1997, opening day of the track 25 years ago!

Colonial’s paddock area is in great shape. Fans can see horses prepare for the next race in this area.

Another section of Colonial’s scenic paddock area is ready to welcome horses and horsemen come July 11.

Gap Attendant Carrie Wellman displays the 2022 Virginia Derby saddle towels. The 19th running of Virginia’s richest annual race is September 6.

A view from the grandstand roof the day before live racing begins.

Race Caller Jason Beem and Track Handicapper Jessica Paquette provide a top-notch broadcast team on live race days.

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← Longtime Horsemen Williams, Gregory Still Going Strong at Colonial Downs 25 Years Later Colonial Downs Ushers In “2022 Summer Meet with Record Opening Day Handle, Large Crowd →

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Virginia Gold Cup Races

The Virginia Gold Cup and International Gold Cup steeplechase races are a celebration of hunt country tradition and two of the largest, most celebrated outdoor social events held in Virgina. The Virginia Gold Cup is held the First Sunday of May while the International Gold Cup is held in late October, both at Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia. You become a member of the association by purchasing a ticket to one of their races. There are no annual dues for members.

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The Virginia Thoroughbred Association Exists to promote the Thoroughbred horse in the state of Virgina a well as to act as both a resource and a voice for its members. The VTA strives to represent its members in the political and agribusiness spheres, provide guidance and information to members, as well as promote and administrate the lucrative Breeders Fund Bonuses through financial model that rewards the owners and breeders of Virginia-bred horses that win anywhere in the country. This is the only bonus program in the Mid-Atlantic that does not restrict payments to races in its state of origin. There is a 100 percent owner's bonus for Virginia-bred winners at any parimutuel meet in Virginia, designed to help create a market for Virginia-bred horses. Numerous Virginia-bred stakes races and restricted state-bred races are carded to give Virginia-breds the best opportunity to be financially successful for their owners and breeders.

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Virginia Equine Alliance

The Virginia Equine Alliance is a non-profit, 501 (c) 6 organization which is comprised of the Virginia Harness Horse Association, the Virginia Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association, the Virginia Gold Cup Association, and the Virginia Thoroughbred Association.

The purpose of the Virginia Equine Alliance is to sustain, promote, and expand the horse breeding and horse racing industries in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The Alliance seeks to establish and support new and multiple venues for horse racing in the Commonwealth and to advocate and support legislation, regulations, and rules beneficial to the breeders and owners and trainers of horses (“horsemen”) in the state.

The Alliance represents the interests of horsemen at meetings of the Virginia General Assembly, the Virginia Department of Agriculture, the Virginia Racing Commission, racing associations, breeder’s organizations, horsemen’s organizations, and other like groups.

The Alliance is committed to increasing public awareness of the economic and environmental importance to the Commonwealth of the horse breeding and horse racing industries.

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Virginia Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association

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The Virginia Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association is a non-profit membership organization that represents thoroughbred owners and trainers who race in Virginia. The VHPBA negotiates with track management for race days, dates and purses, and also provides educational, recreational, health, counseling and religious programs for backstretch workers.

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The Virginia Harness Horse Association was established to sustain, promote and grow both the breeding and racing opportunities for standardbred horses in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

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The VEA is regulated by the Virginia Racing Commission
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