Flat racers will share the spotlight with steeplechase horses at this year’s Virginia Gold Cup. Photo by Douglas Lees.
It’s more than 20 months since Colonial Downs in New Kent, VA, held a live Thoroughbred race.
But the show must go on, and so it will on the first Saturday in May, when three flat races are conducted as part of the 90th running of the Virginia Gold Cup.
The Virginia Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association yesterday announced the conditions for five races, including two substitute races, that will take place on May 2 at that event, which is held at Great Meadow in The Plains, VA. All five are for three-year-olds and upward and carry purses ranging from $30,000 to $45,000. None of the races, however, will count on a horse’s official record.
The races:
- Maiden special weight, 7 furlongs, purse of $30,000
- Allowance, N1X, 1 1/8 miles, purse of $45,000
- Allowance, Virginia-bred/Virginia-sired, 1 1/4 miles, purse of $35,000.
And the two substitute races:
- Starter allowance (have started for $7,500 or less in 2014-15), 1 1/8 miles, purse of $30,000
- Allowance, haven’t won a race other than maiden or claiming since 5/1/14, 1 1/8 miles, purse of $35,000.
Entries close by 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 27, with scratch time by 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 29.
As the late Chris Farley used to say, “Well lah-tee-da!” I’m so excited I can barely control myself! A year and a half of no racing and this is the big announcement….three flat races? Now you know why Virginia Racing has become fodder for jokes! And remember when the Horsemen said they would have some news on a racing agreement by April 1st. Well, tomorrow is April Fools day you know! Oh and by the way, only 4 weeks until the Kentucky Derby and still no OTBs. Yeeeeeesh!
Technically, I think the April 1 date was Colonial’s not the horsemen’s. But, Fan, we can’t disagee that it continues to be tough sledding for racing fans and bettors!