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The annual controlled burn of the Secretariat Turf Course at Colonial Downs took place Monday March 18 at the New Kent track. The grass oval is set ablaze at this time every year to quickly and efficiently remove dead cover off the surface’s top player. The burn also drives nutrients deeper into the ground to … Continue reading Colonial Downs Conducts Annual Controlled Burn of Secretariat Turf Course on March 18 →

The Virginia Gold Cup Association revealed plans for a new Grade 1 fixture to be run as part of the sensational $430,000 card at Great Meadow Race Course in The Plains, Va., in May. The $150,000 Commonwealth Cup will be contested as a handicap hurdle stake for four-year-olds and up at 2 1/8 miles over … Continue reading Virginia Gold Cup Adds Grade 1 Stakes Race to NSA Calendar on May 4 →

The Virginia Racing Commission is pleased to announce the appointment of Thoroughbred owner, trainer, and breeder Jill Gordon-Moore as its newest member. With a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence, Gordon-Moore brings valuable expertise to the Commission, enhancing its ability to oversee and regulate horse racing activities in the state. Gordon-Moore is a … Continue reading Longtime Virginia Horsewoman Jill Gordon- Moore Named Newest Member of Virginia Racing Commision →

The 2024 horse racing season in Virginia is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever! Daylight hours are getting more abundant little by little so it’s time to think spring — and beyond. This year, there will be 73 racing performances — 32 days of harness racing, 27 days of thoroughbred racing, 7 … Continue reading 73 Virginia Horse Racing Events Scheduled in 2024; Here’s the Lineup →

It is a new year and that means we are that much closer to the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby. Listed below are some significant races coming up throughout January, including several Derby preps. The next opportunity to advanced wager on the Kentucky Derby will be available on January 19th and running until the … Continue reading Horse Racing Simulcast Stakes Schedule for January →

Frank Petramalo, longtime Executive Director of the Virginia HBPA, announced he will be retiring at the end of the year. He will be replaced by Glen Berman who served as Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Director and General Counsel from 2009-2016 and most recently, as head of the Florida HBPA. Petramalo served on Virginia’s HBPA Board from … Continue reading Longtime HBPA Executive Director Frank Petramalo Set to Retire December 31   →

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. … Continue reading Virginia’s First Lady, Shows Support for the Equine Industry →

(WOODSTOCK, VA — 10/30/2023) — Pam Wagner’s Petes For Real completed a sweep of his Virginia Breeder’s divisional championship series with a big win in Sunday’s $85,025 2-Year-Old Colt & Gelding Pace, one of eight title races for freshman and sophomore pacers and trotters of both sexes that were on the card. Those eight carried … Continue reading Petes For Real Finishes 3-for-3 In Virginia Breeders Championship Series at Shenandoah Downs; Scores In $85,250 Finale  →

Last Sunday the first group of “Own-a-Horse” winners came to Shenandoah Downs and had an opportunity to meet their very own horses, drivers, and trainers! The event allows people who have never been around racehorses to not only get a feel for the industry and see the backside, but also to win their horse’s share … Continue reading The VHHA’s “Own-a-Horse-for-a-Day” Promotion is Back! →