Author: Maggie Huff
~ Exclusive seating options and experiences unveiled for Virginia’s only Kentucky Derby qualifying race including limited General Admission tickets at fan-friendly prices ~
NEW KENT, Va. (November 10, 2025)—Colonial Downs Racetrack today unveiled a series of special ticket and experience packages for the 2026 Virginia Derby on March 14, 2026, including a limited number of General Admission tickets available at the fan-friendly price of just $5.
Last year’s Virginia Derby was a complete sell out so fans are encouraged to buy their tickets today at www.ColonialDowns.com to make sure they are part of this iconic Virginia sporting event.
The 2026 Virginia Derby will again serve as a qualifying race on The Road to the Kentucky Derby with the winning horse securing a spot in the 152nd Kentucky Derby. Last year, Virginia Derby winner American Promise and runner-up Render Judgment both went on to run in the 151st Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
“We were absolutely blown away by the fan response to last year’s Virginia Derby and we’re thrilled to again be hosting a Kentucky Derby qualifier right here in Virginia,” said Frank Hopf, Senior Director of Racing at Colonial Downs Racetrack. “Last year’s Derby was a sell out, so get your tickets today to be part of Virginia’s Derby.”
For this special day of racing, a limited number of general admission tickets will be available for the fan-friendly price of just $5, with free admission for children under five.
Additional seating, ticket, and experience options have been created especially for this day of racing including special trackside seats and boxes, the Trackside Dining Pavilion and Lounge, the Homestretch Derby Party Tent, and an elevated experience in the elegant Colonial Downs Jockey Club. Options can be viewed here.
Quantities are extremely limited, so fans are encouraged to buy their tickets today.
For the 2026 race season, Colonial Downs will again host a special March meet with races on Thursday, March 12, Friday, March 13, and culminating with the Virginia Derby and Virginia Oaks on Saturday, March 14, pending Virginia Racing Commission approval.
RADFORD, Va. (November 7, 2025)—Today, Churchill Downs Incorporated and the Virginia Veterans Foundation announced a charitable contribution of $2,500 to VFW Post 776 (Radford-Montgomery) to help the Post recover from a recent break-in and act of vandalism that significantly damaged its facility.
On September 2nd, a break-in occurred at VFW Post 776 (Radford-Montgomery), causing thousands of dollars in damage. Windows, doors, and equipment were severely damaged, including a safe that stores the Post’s Honor Guard rifles. An historic World War I rifle was also removed from its display case and various items were taken.
Funds for the Post’s recovery come from the Colonial Downs VFW Post Home Improvement Grant program, which was created with a $25,000 charitable contribution made by Churchill Downs Incorporated as part of its Salute to Service during the 2025 Festival of Racing at Colonial Downs Racetrack. The grant from Churchill Downs and the Virginia Veterans Foundation will cover most of the cost to help the Post and recover from the break-in.
“Churchill Downs is proud to support VFW Post 776 in its time of need,” said Aaron Palmer, Director of Virginia Government Relations for Churchill Downs Incorporated, owner and operator of Colonial Downs Racetrack and Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums. “We were honored to provide the financial support that created the Post Home Improvement Grant and are gratified to see it being put to such good use.”
“For more than 80 years, VFW Post 776 has been a place where our community’s veterans have found support, camaraderie, and fellowship,” said VFW Post 776 Commander Nathan VanHoy. “The September break-in shook us, but it did not break us. Our Post is coming back even stronger because the support of our friends at Colonial Downs, the Virginia Veterans Foundation, and the entire New River Valley community.”
“Congratulations to Commander VanHoy and the veterans of Post 776 on the Post reopening and recovery after the September break in,” said VFW Virginia State Commander Doug Hoffman. “On behalf of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Virginia, I want to thank the good people at Colonial Downs in New Kent, and the entire Churchill Downs organization, for supporting the veterans in Radford and all Virginia veterans.”
“VFW Post 776 has been an important part of the Radford community since 1944,” said Senator Travis Hackworth. “The September break in was devastating to the entire Radford community, especially to our veterans. I am grateful to the Virginia Veterans Foundation, and to Colonial Downs, for providing the emergency financial support that helped Radford’s VFW Post recover.”
“I was shocked and dismayed when I heard of the break-in at VFW Post 776 in Radford,” said Delegate Jason Ballad. “The people affected by this crime are Veterans who put their lives on the line for this Nation, and I was very pleased when I heard that the criminal responsible was apprehended. I commend the resilience of Post 776 members and Post Commander Nathan VanHoy on quickly reopening after the September 2nd break-in, and I offer my deepest thanks to Colonial Downs and the Virginia Veterans Foundation for providing funds to ensure that this local resource for Veterans was able to re-open.”
Churchill Downs Incorporated, owner and operator of Colonial Downs Racetrack and Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums in Vinton and around the state, contributes to local organizations and causes through special programs like the Colonial Downs VFW Post Home Improvement Grant and its “Rosie’s Gives Back” program, which has made more than $5.4 million in direct donations and in-kind contributions, and donated thousands of hours of volunteer service. The program supports a range of nonprofits and causes around Virginia including groups providing services in education, workforce development, healthcare, and support for veterans and law enforcement. The goal of the Rosie’s Gives Back program is to meaningfully improve the quality of life in the communities where team members live and work. The company also partners with statewide programs for the broadest impact possible.
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About Churchill Downs Incorporated, Colonial Downs Racetrack, and Rosie’s Gaming Emporium
Colonial Downs Racetrack (“Colonial Downs”) and Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums (“Rosie’s”) employ over 1,500 team members in the Commonwealth of Virginia, paying over $30 million in annual salaries, wages and benefits. The Rose Gaming Resort in Dumfries as well as Roseshire in Henrico and Rosie’s in Emporia, Hampton, New Kent, Richmond and Vinton offer innovative Historical Racing Machines (HRMs) and full card simulcasting. Rosie’s Game Room in Collinsville features a limited selection of some of the best HRM titles. Colonial Downs Racetrack in New Kent hosts live Thoroughbred racing on two nationally renowned surfaces: the Secretariat Turf Course, the widest turf course in North America, and a 11/4-mile dirt track. www.rosiesgaming.com.
About the Virginia Veterans Foundation
The Virginia Veterans Foundation is the official charitable foundation for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Department of Virginia. Its mission is to support the programs and operations of the Department and to support veterans, active-duty military, and their families. The VFW is one of the largest, and most charitable, veterans service organizations in Virginia. Virginia has 122 VFW posts and 36,000 members, including auxiliaries, in every region of the Commonwealth. All donations are tax deductible in accordance with the law. Reach us by phone 540-886-8112 or email [email protected].
~ $15,000 to support Vinton Breakfast Lions Club and the new Vinton Park ~
In the third quarter of 2025, Rosie’s Vinton contributed a total of $15,000 through its Rosie’s Gives Back program to support the Vinton Breakfast Lions Club and its efforts to create a new community park, as well as its programs to provide for those in need through humanitarian services and grants.
“We were so happy that we could give to the Lions Club to help support the town’s effort for the new Vinton Park,” said Todd Lear, General Manager of Rosie’s Vinton. “This multi-generational park will feature playgrounds, pickleball courts, a boulder wall, a picnic shelter and more.”
Community nonprofit organizations can request financial, volunteer, in-kind, or other support through the Rosie’s Gives Back program by submitting an online request form.
Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums in Vinton and around the state contribute to local organizations and causes through the “Rosie’s Gives Back” program which has made more than $5.4 million in direct donations and in-kind contributions, and donated thousands of hours of volunteer service. The program supports a range of nonprofits and causes around Virginia including groups providing services in education, workforce development, healthcare, and support for veterans and law enforcement. The goal of the Rosie’s Gives Back program is to meaningfully improve the quality of life in the communities where team members live and work. The company also partners with statewide programs for the broadest impact possible.
About Colonial Downs Racetrack and Rosie’s Gaming Emporium
Colonial Downs Racetrack (“Colonial Downs”) and Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums (“Rosie’s”) employ over 1,500 team members in the Commonwealth of Virginia, paying over $30 million in annual salaries, wages and benefits. The Rose Gaming Resort in Dumfries as well as Roseshire in Henrico and Rosie’s in Emporia, Hampton, New Kent, Richmond and Vinton offer innovative Historical Racing Machines (HRMs) and full card simulcasting. Rosie’s Game Room in Collinsville features a limited selection of some of the best HRM titles. Colonial Downs Racetrack in New Kent hosts live Thoroughbred racing on two nationally renowned surfaces: the Secretariat Turf Course, the widest turf course in North America, and a 11/4-mile dirt track. www.rosiesgaming.com.
~ Contributions totaling $15,000 to support Crossover Healthcare Ministry, Autism Society of Central Virginia, and Rx Partnership ~
To celebrate its grand opening, Roseshire Gaming Parlor, which has welcomed more than 30,000 guests since its opening, has contributed $15,000 through its Rosie’s Gives Back program to support trusted community partners in Henrico providing support services for Virginians with autism and healthcare services to those in need.
Recipients of contributions include:
- $5,000 to the Autism Society of Central Virginia which provides non-profit services, advocacy, and support to children, youth, and adults with autism, their families and the professionals who serve them.
- $5,000 to Crossover Healthcare Ministry, a Henrico-based non-profit organization that provides high-quality, compassionate healthcare to uninsured and Medicaid patients.
- $5,000 to RxPartnership, a Henrico-based non-profit that increases medication access for the vulnerable in Virginia and strengthens the health safety net.
“We are so grateful for the warm reception we have received from the Henrico community, and are proud to be a trusted partner for these tremendous organizations,” said Jeremy Callahan, General Manager of Roseshire. “Our team at Roseshire is committed to being engaged and productive members of the community we call home, and we thank the Autism Society, Crossover Healthcare Ministry, and RxPartnership for the great work they do to serve our neighbors in need.”
Community nonprofit organizations can request financial, volunteer, in-kind, or other support through the Rosie’s Gives Back program by submitting an online request form.
Roseshire Gaming Parlor and Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums around the state contribute to local organizations and causes through the “Rosie’s Gives Back” program which has made more than $5.4 million in direct donations and in-kind contributions, and donated thousands of hours of volunteer service. The program supports a range of nonprofits and causes around Virginia including groups providing services in education, workforce development, healthcare, and support for veterans and law enforcement. The goal of the Rosie’s Gives Back program is to meaningfully improve the quality of life in the communities where team members live and work. The company also partners with statewide programs for the broadest impact possible.
About Colonial Downs Racetrack and Rosie’s Gaming Emporium
Colonial Downs Racetrack (“Colonial Downs”) and Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums (“Rosie’s”) employ over 1,500 team members in the Commonwealth of Virginia, paying over $30 million in annual salaries, wages and benefits. The Rose Gaming Resort in Dumfries as well as Roseshire in Henrico and Rosie’s in Emporia, Hampton, New Kent, Richmond and Vinton offer innovative Historical Racing Machines (HRMs) and full card simulcasting. Rosie’s Game Room in Collinsville features a limited selection of some of the best HRM titles. Colonial Downs Racetrack in New Kent hosts live Thoroughbred racing on two nationally renowned surfaces: the Secretariat Turf Course, the widest turf course in North America, and a 11/4-mile dirt track. www.rosiesgaming.com.
~ Contributions totaling $22,460.87 to support Community Youth Center, Emporia Police Department, Reach Initiative, Rise Against Hunger ~
In the third quarter of 2025, Rosie’s Emporia contributed a total of $22,460.87 through its Rosie’s Gives Back program to support trusted community partners serving public safety, child development, education, mental health and overall wellbeing, and general community outreach.
Recipients of contributions include:
- $6,000 to Community Youth Center— Empowering the future of the Emporia-Greensville Community by building a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
- $7,500 to Emporia Police Department—This contribution will support the Department’s community outreach initiative to provide gifts and meals to families in need during the holiday season.
- $4,961 to Reach Initiative—To empower youth in Emporia, VA by providing resources and opportunities that foster academic success and build a brighter future
- $4,000.00 to Rise Against Hunger—A global movement to end hunger by nourishing lives, empowering communities and responding to emergencies.
“A community is not just a place. It’s the people who believe in each other enough to build something greater together,” said Shearish Keliiholokai, General Manager of Rosie’s Emporia. “Here at Rosie’s Emporia, we embody that and are proud to partner with these organizations to promote overall wellbeing, healthcare, and academic excellence.”
Community nonprofit organizations can request financial, volunteer, in-kind, or other support through the Rosie’s Gives Back program by submitting an online request form.
Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums in Emporia and around the state contribute to local organizations and causes through the “Rosie’s Gives Back” program which has made more than $5.4 million in direct donations and in-kind contributions, and donated thousands of hours of volunteer service. The program supports a range of nonprofits and causes around Virginia including groups providing services in education, workforce development, healthcare, and support for veterans and law enforcement. The goal of the Rosie’s Gives Back program is to meaningfully improve the quality of life in the communities where team members live and work. The company also partners with statewide programs for the broadest impact possible.
About Colonial Downs Racetrack and Rosie’s Gaming Emporium
Colonial Downs Racetrack (“Colonial Downs”) and Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums (“Rosie’s”) employ over 1,500 team members in the Commonwealth of Virginia, paying over $30 million in annual salaries, wages and benefits. The Rose Gaming Resort in Dumfries as well as Roseshire in Henrico and Rosie’s in Emporia, Hampton, New Kent, Richmond and Vinton offer innovative Historical Racing Machines (HRMs) and full card simulcasting. Rosie’s Game Room in Collinsville features a limited selection of some of the best HRM titles. Colonial Downs Racetrack in New Kent hosts live Thoroughbred racing on two nationally renowned surfaces: the Secretariat Turf Course, the widest turf course in North America, and a 11/4-mile dirt track. www.rosiesgaming.com.
~ Upscale gaming and entertainment parlor to open in Henrico following unanimous 5-0 vote of approval from Virginia Racing Commission ~
HENRICO, Va. (September 15, 2025)—Today, the Virginia Racing Commission voted unanimously to grant a license to Roseshire, a new upscale gaming and entertainment venue in Henrico County from Churchill Downs Incorporated. Roseshire is scheduled to open on September 29, 2025, in the Staples Mill Shopping Center at the intersection of Staples Mill Road and Glenside Drive.
“Roseshire will be an upscale and welcoming entertainment and gaming parlor with exciting games, great entertainment, and top tier food and beverage, including an innovative mocktail program we are launching just for Roseshire,” said Jeremy Callahan, General Manager of Roseshire. “With this unanimous vote of approval from the Virginia Racing Commission, we are thrilled to welcome guests to Roseshire beginning Monday, September 29!”
Roseshire has hired nearly 100 team members to ensure an exceptional experience for guests. The venue will feature 175 innovative historical horse racing machines (HRM), as well as live entertainment, simulcast wagering on horse racing around the country, and exceptional food and beverage options including an extensive mocktail menu developed just for Roseshire.
Churchill Downs Incorporated, which also owns Colonial Downs Racetrack, Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums, and The Rose Gaming Resort, invested approximately $35 million to develop Roseshire.
Revenue generated at Roseshire and other HRM venues support Virginia’s $2+ billion equine industry including the state’s growing thoroughbred racing program. Under Churchill Downs’ ownership, live race days and purses at Colonial Downs Racetrack have increased to record highs and the track hosted its first Kentucky Derby qualifier in 2025.
For members of the media, Roseshire is planning a special media preview ahead of its opening. Details will be forthcoming.
~ Season featured first Kentucky Derby qualifier race and record highs for race days, number of races, guests in attendance, horses in competition, handle, and purse money ~
NEW KENT, Va. (September 15, 2025)—Colonial Downs wrapped up an historic and record-setting 2025 race season on Saturday, September 13. The 2025 season featured the track’s first ever Kentucky Derby qualifying race, the first ever Kentucky Derby winner to run at the track, and new record highs for race days, number of races, guests in attendance, horses in competition, handle, and purse money.
“This season was an unbelievable success by any measure,” said Frank Hopf, Senior Director of Racing at Colonial Downs. “We are so grateful for all the new and returning race fans and horsemen that brought energy and excitement to the track during the Virginia Derby spring meet and our ten-week summer race season. Colonial Downs is proud to be a key part of Virginia’s growing and thriving equine industry, which supports thousands of jobs and billions of dollars of economic impact all around the state. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the track in March for the Virginia Derby to see which Virginia champion will earn a spot in the iconic Kentucky Derby.”
The 2025 race season at Colonial Downs set new record highs for Virginia thoroughbred racing including:
- 44 race days
- $27.4 million in purse money
- 397 total races
- 3,146 horses in completion
- Over 70,000 guests in attendance
- $101,032,299 in wagering handle including a one-day record of $10.46 million for the Festival of Racing
The season began with a special three-day meet from March 13-15, highlighted by the sold-out Virginia Derby which served as a Kentucky Derby qualifier for the first time ever. More than 8,000 excited guests came out to cheer on winner American Promise who went on to run in the 151st Kentucky Derby.
Governor Glenn Youngkin recently announced that the 2026 Virginia Derby will again serve as a Kentucky Derby qualifier on March 14, 2026 subject to approval by the Virginia Racing Commission. Tickets for the 2026 Virginia Derby will go on sale at www.ColonialDowns.com in the coming weeks.
The season continued from July 9 to September 13 with racing highlights including the Old Dominion Derby and Festival of Racing, which set a new record for largest wagering handle in Virginia history and featured the track’s first Kentucky Derby winner in competition, Mystik Dan. The season also offered fan favorite entertainment like camel, ostrich, and zebra races, the unforgettable wiener dog races, and a live performance by American Idol star and New Kent native Grayson Torrence.
Colonial Downs, Rosie’s Gaming Emporium, and The Rose Gaming Resort, which are all owned and operated by industry leader Churchill Downs Incorporated, are critical pieces of Virginia’s $2+ billion equine industry. Revenue generated at Rosie’s and The Rose support high-value purses that attract worldclass race teams and boost Virginia’s broader equine industry.
(Photo credit: Coady Media)
Trained by Jonathan Thomas and ridden by Jaime Torres, As Catch Can was let sent off at 16-1 odds of and paid $34.20, $10.40, and $5.80.
“I think she really liked the turf like this today,” Torres said. “The plan was to keep her close to the lead. That way she doesn’t have too much to do at the end and we got the job done.”
After the 6-5 favorite Evershed unexpectedly took the lead soon out of the gate, As Catch Can tracked up close, saving ground throughout to cover the 1⅛ miles in 1:51.28, beating Evershed by three-quarters of a length. Somethinabouther finished third.
“She’s a reliable filly,” Thomas said. “ She’s traveled well and always runs wherever we’ve taken her, so we had confidence that way. She really handled the delay well, which I thought was big. She had a really good breeze last week at Del Mar, and it gave us a lot of confidence to get on the plane, but I’m really glad it worked out. And Jamie (Torres) gave a perfect ride, exactly what we were looking for.”
Earning her first stakes score in the Old Dominion Oaks, As Catch Can’s career earnings jump to $320,395 from a lifetime record of 11-3-3-1.
(Photo credit: Coady Media)
NEW KENT, Va. (Sept. 6, 2025) – Pin Oak Stud’s World Beater lived up to his lofty name Saturday at Colonial Downs, storming down the center of the Secretariat Turf Course to capture the Grade 3, $500,000 Old Dominion Derby, the centerpiece of Old Dominion Derby Day.
The chestnut colt trained by Riley Mott and ridden by Jamie Torres rated kindly in mid-pack through the early stages of the 1⅛-mile turf test before uncorking a powerful stretch rally. Crossing the wire in 1:53.01 over a course listed as soft following a late afternoon down pour, he held safe by 1¾ length over Mesero, who got the best of Outrunner at the wire.
“He was rolling very good today,” Torres said. “He didn’t care about how wet it was. I’m very, very happy with him. He’s all talent.”
Torres’ win aboard World Beater in the Old Dominion Derby capped off three consecutive stakes victories on the day, including piloting As Catch Can to victory in the Old Dominion Oaks and Doncho in the Da Hoss Stakes.
A field of eight 3-year-olds lined up in the gate and Iron Hand proved quickest, carving out tepid fractions of :25.38 and :51.18. World Beater settled comfortably in mid-pack biding his time as the leaders began to weaken on the far turn. Swung into the clear at the top of the stretch, the colt lengthened his stride impressively, sweeping past his rivals and drawing away in the final furlong to earn the second graded stakes of his career following the Grade 1 Saratoga Derby earlier this year.
“I’m just very thankful that we could bring the horse here in good shape and perform well in front of this crowd,” Mott said. “We’ve got a big group here with my wife’s side coming in from Charlottesville, Virginia. We will watch him for a week or two to see (what’s next). It’s been a long season for him, but we have pretty big aspirations for his four-year-old year next year.”
Bet down to 2-5, World Beater paid $2.80, $2.20, and $2.10. Mesero returned $9.60 and $5.40. Outrunner paid $4.00.
With the victory, World Beater banked $300,000 to boost his lifetime bankroll to $1,126,414 from a career record of 9-4-2-1.
About Colonial Downs
Colonial Downs Racetrack, in New Kent, Virginia, hosts live thoroughbred racing on two nationally renowned surfaces – the Secretariat Turf Course, the widest turf course in North America at 180 feet wide and on a 1 1/4-mile dirt track. The Colonial Downs Group, which is owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN), also operates Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums® throughout the commonwealth, which offer innovative historic horseracing (HHR) gaming and full card simulcasting as well as Rosie’s Game Room in Collinsville, and The Rose Gaming Resort® in Dumfries which offers 1,650 HHR gaming terminals, full-card simulcasting, eight bars and restaurants and more than 100 hotel rooms.
(Photo credit: Coady Media)
WORLD-RECORD HOLDER DONCHO WIRES DA HOSS STAKES IN PHOTO FINISH OVER ALOGON
NEW KENT, Va. (Sept. 6, 2025) – Doncho, the world-record holder for 5½-furlong turf sprints, turned in a commanding performance on Old Dominion Derby Day at Colonial Downs, leading gate-to-wire to take the $150,000 Da Hoss Stakes in a heart-stopping photo finish over Alogon.
Trained by Michelle Lovell and ridden by Jaime Torres, the 4-year-old Mo Town gelding set a strong pace then held firm as Alogon closed in late. Witty rallied late for third. Doncho crossed the wire first in 1:01.62 on firm turf.
“He surprised me the way he broke today,” Torres said. “He was very, very quick. I think the best he’s ever came out of the gates. I knew that at the finish line it was going to be pretty close, so I just tried to run away at the quarter pole and see what happened at the end.”
Sent off at 2-1, Doncho returned $6.20, $3.80, and $2.60.
Notching his second stakes score, Doncho’s career record now tallies 9-5-0-1 with $341,551 in career earnings. Lovell also won the 2021 Da Hoss with Just Might.
SAFE TRIP HOME IMPRESSES WITH FIRST STAKES IN COLONIAL CUP
In his very first stakes attempt, PTK Racing’s Safe Trip Home showed both stamina and grit to capture the $150,000 Colonial Cup at Colonial Downs.
Trained by Bill Cowans and ridden by Emmanuel Esquivel, the 5-year-old gelding by More Than Ready settled near the back of the pack, following the even-money favorite Twirling Point throughout before setting down his best kick in the stretch.
“I wanted to follow Kendrick (Carmouche, jockey of Twirling Point) the whole way around,” Esquivel said. “It looked like that horse could go in front or midpack, so I felt like that was the one to follow. My horse has gotten a little rank in the past, but today he broke really nice and relaxed, he settled in pretty good.”
Safe Trip Home completed the 1½-mile affair on turf in 2:27.55, beating Desvio by two lengths. Just a Photo won the photo for third.
Safe Trip Home paid $9.80, $4.60, and $3.80.
With the Colonial Cup triumph included, Safe Trip Home’s career earnings now stand at $294,867 and his record reads 10-4-1-0.
ROYAL TESTAMENT LEADS GATE-TO-WIRE IN ROSIE’S STAKES, MARKING THIRD STRAIGHT WIN
FOR TRAINER GEORGE WEAVER
Mathiesen Racing’s Royal Testament delivered a flawless front-running performance to capture the $125,000 Exacta Systems Rosie’s Stakes for 2-year-olds at Colonial Downs, giving trainer George Weaver a remarkable third consecutive victory in the race, along with Governor Sam in 2024 and No Nay Mets in 2023.
Facing a field of eight males, Royal Testament carved out a bold pace, passing the quarter-mile marker in :22.05 before powering clear in the stretch to win by 3¾ lengths. Piloted by Eric Cancel, she finished the 5½-furlong turf sprint in 1:02.47.
“Last time I was chasing the leader,” Cancel said. “Today she broke out of there sharply and so I went on with it. She proved that she is a pretty decent filly. In the mornings she had been working really well. We had high hopes for her coming into this race.”
A pair of Wesley Ward trainees ran second and third led by first-time starter Gypsy Art ahead of Rogue Legend (GB).
Royal Testament returned $6.00, $3.60, and $2.60.
Royal Testament, now 2-for-3, has notched back-to-back wins and has a bankroll of $106,350.
CASA CIELO WIRES FIELD IN $125,000 KITTEN’S JOY AT COLONIAL DOWNS
Casa Cielo proved too tough to catch Saturday at Colonial Downs, leading every step to capture the $125,000 Kitten’s Joy Stakes for 2-year-olds.
Trained by Keith Desormeaux and ridden by Francisco Arrieta, the colt broke sharply, set firm fractions on turf, and kept finding in the stretch to turn back post-time favorite Jutland. He ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.25, finishing 2¾ lengths clear of Jutland, with Kid Charlamagne completing the trifecta.
“The last time he ran, he was a little green, but he gave me a very good turn of foot,” Arrieta said. “So I was expecting the same thing today, just put him in front, give a good pace, and start from the quarter pole. He exploded and gave me a really, really nice kick.”
Casa Cielo paid $7.00, $3.00, and $2.20.
Owned by Don’t Tell My Wife Stables, the son of Caravaggio improved his record to 3-2-1-0 and boosted his earnings to $123,400.
