With a much-anticipated return less than eight weeks away, Colonial Downs Racing presented by Woodford Reserve— “Racing More, More Money, and More Fun” — the 2022 season promises to be a highly recommended encounter. Biggest Horseman in New Kent, Va. tracking history.
Now in its fourth year under Colonial Downs Group and ownership by Peninsula Pacific Entertainment ─ and as further proof of Colonial’s progress in the Mid-Atlantic region—Colony Downs will offer a record over $600,000 in average daily wallets, punctuated by an extensive staking schedule and increased wallet funds in open races and for crossbred, crossbred and certified horses. received from Virginia.
As an added benefit to the riders, the special maiden weight (MSW) races at the meeting will carry a $60,000 wallet.
The $300,000 Virginia Derby (G3) for 3-year-olds and the $200,000 Virginia Oaks tournament for 3-year-olds, both on September 6, once again highlight the stake calendar.
This year’s meeting has been extended by six race days starting July 11 and continuing through September 7 with races every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Daily first posting is 1:45 p.m. ET.
All Colonial Downs races will be televised on TVG.
Colonial Downs stables open Monday, June 27 and conditions and deposits, stall apps and all rider information are available at colodowns.com/horsemen. To date, booth applications have been received from more than 60 faculty members for the 2022 meeting.
Colonial continues to be one of the nation’s most rider-friendly racecourses, as evidenced by the renewed offers for longtime riders to meet branded “Every Race, Every Day.” As a bonus, again all holders will be guaranteed $1,000 per start or their share in the wallet and all trainers will get $300 per start head as recognition for faithful participation every race, every day.
Jill Byrne, Colonial Downs Vice President of Racing Operations, said: “In a super competitive racing environment, we look forward to another season with bigger payoffs and greater incentives for our riders. We and our stakeholders aim to increase engagement in the 2022 season.” “Our team is delighted to present a diverse program of racing opportunities on our outstanding racing surfaces.”
Enormous bonuses and incentives contributed to a total of 725 horses fixed at Colonial last year. In total, the 21-day total processing is $46,867,078, generating a record daily average of over $2.2 million.
Due to the popularity of the Colonial Downs and its racing surfaces, the 2021 meeting produced a total of 1,713 starters for 205 races, with an average of 8.36 runners per race. A total of 148 races were contested on Colonial’s signature Secretariat Grass ─ the widest grass racing surface in the country. Both Colonial’s track surfaces are rated as some of the safest in all of horse racing, as evidenced by the published Equestrian Injury Database data from The Jockey Club. A total of 1,325 horses competed on the grass, averaging 8.85 starting each race; and 388 horses participated in 57 dirt races with an average of 6.81 horses per race.
“We are incredibly proud of our past performances and the opportunity to build on our enormous success positioning Colonial Downs as one of the nation’s elite boutique racetrack gatherings. for riders and fans,” said John Marshall, Executive Vice President of Colonial Downs Corporation. “Virginia Equine Alliance and Virginia HPBA have also provided commitment and support to our goal of revitalizing racing in Virginia and continuing its growth and prosperity.”
In addition to those based in Virginia, Colonial expects new and returning riders to join the 2022 meeting from Kentucky, New York, New Jersey, Florida, Maryland, Delaware, Illinois, West Virginia and Pennsylvania, among other states. other states.
Coaches expected to return to the 2022 meeting include Graham Motion, winner of both the 2019 and 2021 editions of the Virginia Derby (G3), top earners Michael Trombetta, Dallas Stewart, John Ortiz, Mike Tomlinson, Mike Stidham, Hamilton Smith, and Michelle Lovell. Last year, Smith beat Lovell 10-9 for the title of overall meeting coach.
Colonial looks forward to welcoming a number of Chicago-based coaches, including nine-time Arlington Park coach Larry Rivelli, Chris Bock, Tony Mitchell, Joel Campbell and Mike Campbell.
Leading the local team will be Sarah Nagle, whose Big Luck Farm won two Virginia limited-stakes races last year as part of a Virginia-certified program, bred by Virginia and advantage; Eagle Point Farm’s Karen Godsey and Susan Cooney.
Highlighting the competition in the region, the Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred Championship (MATCH) is back, with four open-stakes races totaling $600,000 on August 16.
As part of a showcase of top racing and horseback riding, Colonial Downs is at the forefront of safety and integrity. Colonial is a member of the Mid-Atlantic Strategic Alliance to Reduce Horse Mortality and advocates for the Safety and Integrity Authority (HISA) rules and regulations, effective July 1. .
The 2022 meeting will be conducted under the most stringent safety and confidentiality protocols. These activities play a key role in leading to zero racing-related deaths by 2021, placing Colonial Downs among the best in the country on the Equine Industry Database (EID) by Jockey Club.
Colonial Downs and the Virginia Settlement Protection and Benevolent Association (VHBPA) continue to support the Post-Purebred Care Coalition. Since 2019, the two organizations have combined to contribute more than $100,000 towards the care of retired racehorses.
VHBPA CEO Frank Petramalo said: “We couldn’t have asked for a better partner than the Colonial team and our riders can’t wait to break the gate on July 11th,” said CEO. VHBPA executive Frank Petramalo.
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