Colonial Downs set its turf course aflame Tuesday, another step towards the return of live racing to New Kent County.
The Virginia Equine Alliance, the umbrella group representing the state’s horse industry, is applauding a new state law and the sale of Colonial Downs.
The sale of Virginia’s Colonial Downs was completed Wednesday, moving Virginia racing one step closer to a rebirth — live racing perhaps returning in 2019.
The Grade 3 Commonwealth Derby and Oaks – will be mothballed this year, possibly to return in ’19 at a reopened Colonial.
The passage of historical racing, coupled with Virginia’s new residency program, is helping farms and training centers fill their barns — and envision a future.
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam on Tuesday signed a law that will allow “historical racing” machines in Virginia and is expected to allow Colonial Downs to reopen for live racing.
Virginia-bred One Go All Go and Virginia-raised Sadler’s Joy will meet again as two logical contenders in Saturday’s Pan American Stakes at Gulfstream Park.
Va. Governor Ralph Northam has signaled no major problems with a bill that would allow “historical racing” machines – and could reopen Colonial Downs.
The Virginia Senate Wednesday approved historical racing machines, sending the bill – which could reopen Colonial Downs – to the governor for his signature.
The possibility of racing returning to Colonial Downs moved forward today, when the Va. House approved a critical “historical racing” bill.