News

The following appeared in the Northen Virginia Daily January 24th and was written by Ashley Miller. Standing in his barn, surrounded by horses, Steve Wetzel never thought he’d trade in his cattle farm for a life of horse training. “There’s a joy to it,” Wetzel said looking at his farm. “To work with them all … Continue reading After Winning Contest at Shenandoah Downs, Farmer Trades Cattle for Harness Horses →

(WOODSTOCK, VA — 1/25/2024) —- The Virginia Harness Horse Association announced that $700,000 in Certified bonus monies for foals of 2020 and 2021 will be distributed from races held in 2023 — a total of $300,000 for the 2020 crop, from 33 individual awards, and $400,000 for the 2021 crop, from 51 individual awards.  Among … Continue reading $700,000 In VA Certified Residency Program Awards Distributed From 2023 Standardbred Races   →

Virginia Gold Cup Adds a Grade 1 Stakes to its May 4 Date Virginia’s horse racing event calendar for 2024 is set and in addition to dates at Colonial Downs (thoroughbred) and Shenandoah Downs (harness), seven spring Point-to-Point (PTP) meets along with seven National Steeplechase Association (NSA) sanctioned meets –- three in spring and four … Continue reading Virginia 2024 Racing Schedule Includes Seven NSA Sanctioned Jump Meets & Point-to-Points   →

The Secretariat For Virginia Committee (SECVA) of the Ashland Museum has announced the dates for the groundbreaking and dedication ceremonies for the “Secretariat Racing Into History” monument.   The groundbreaking ceremony for the Reynolds Family Plaza at Randolph-Macon College, where the magnificent bronze will be permanently installed, will take place on Wednesday February 7 at the … Continue reading Secretariat “Racing Into History” Monument Groundbreaking & Dedication Dates Set →

Mark your calendars for the annual VTA Stallion Season Auction on February 14. Open bidding is available that day from 10 AM – 8 PM and can be made by phone at 434-977-3716— no bids will be accepted by e-mail. Final bidding will be conducted the next day, on Thursday February 15, among the top … Continue reading Virginia Thoroughbred Association Stallion Auction Set for Wednesday February 14 →

Virginia’s breeders benefitted from a continued business boom in 2023 courtesy of Historical Horse Racing (HHR) revenues at seven Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums located around the state and the continued renaissance of the Colonial Downs thoroughbred meet in New Kent which is expected to grow to 40 days in 2025. Virginia breeder’s bonus monies distributed in … Continue reading Virginia Breeders Share in $1,850,000 in Bonus Award Monies in 2023  →

(WOODSTOCK, VA —- 1/11/2024) —- The Virginia Harness Horse Association (VHHA), which introduced a lucrative Sired Stakes program in 2022, announced that 19 stallions will be standing in the state for the 2024 breeding season. Twelve stallions stood in the Commonwealth two years ago and prior to that, just four stood including Gregory Pecs who … Continue reading 19 Standardbred Stallions Scheduled to Stand in Virginia for 2024 Breeding Season   →

Dickinson will be instrumental in the daily management of the course in New Kent, Virginia, while working closely with Track Superintendents on development and maintenance at other CDI-owned racetracks. Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI” or the “Company”) announced Tuesday that Leif Dickinson has been named Director of Track Operations at Colonial Downs Racetrack. In this role, … Continue reading Leif Dickinson Named Director Of Track Operations At Colonial Downs →