The Commonwealth of Virginia has managed to maintain, grow, and thrive in the modern horse-racing industry. This is possible because of the men and women who work so hard every day to continue to expand the sport. No one in the Commonwealth has been more supportive or a greater spokesperson than First Lady Suzanne Youngkin. The attached clip is a promotional piece done by the VEA (Virginia Equine Alliance) in partnership with First Lady Suzanne Youngkin. The video can be watched here.
Churchill Down (CDI) purchased Colonial Downs at the end of 2022. Part of CDI’s promise to the Commonwealth was that racing would continue and be stronger than ever in Virginia. They kept this promise by creating the Colonial Downs “Festival of Racing.” This massive card on August 12 attracted many of the biggest horses and horsemen in the nation. The event was highlighted by the Grade I Arlington Million, and Beverly D, as well as the Grade II Secretariat Stakes. But also, by the presence of Virginia Governor and First Lady, Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Youngkin. The Governor and his wife have been extremely supportive of the “Virginia Renaissance” in racing. They even hosted a party the night before the “Festival of Racing” for members of the horse racing community in Virginia, Churchill Downs Executives, and the last living connections of racehorse hero and Virginian Secretariat.
Another huge step forward for the equine industry in 2023 was the addition of the first-ever Spring Harness meet at Shenandoah Downs in Woodstock, VA. The expansion of dates and addition of a whole other meet illustrates the commitment to the equine industry in the Commonwealth and the upward trajectory of not only thoroughbreds — but also the standard-bred harness horses and all the men and women who make their livelihood from the sport of harness racing.
Horse racing in Virginia has never been in a stronger position. An industry that creates over 38,000 jobs and contributes over 1.3 billion dollars to the economy annually. With the continued partnership of CDI, the VEA, and Virginia’s first family, the future is bright. We look forward to many more years of expansion in the equine industry and to bringing more breeders, owners, and trainers into the Commonwealth. Governor Youngkin’s campaign slogan is “I think Virginia is the best place to live, work, and raise a family.” On Arlington Million Day he had one more to add to the list: “Virginia is the best place to be a horse!”
