Building on Success With $500,000 Daily Purses

Colonial Downs Group is very pleased the Virginia Racing Commission has approved 18 race dates in 2020 for Colonial Downs Racetrack. Racing will be conducted beginning July 23 and running through August 29 on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays with a scheduled post time of 5:30 pm.  Colonial Downs will distribute $500,000 per day in purses and provide a lucrative series of state bred and certified races for the second straight year. The popular MATCH Series will be run at the New Kent track on August 15. The G-3 Virginia Derby will close out the race meet on August 29 along with the Virginia Oaks, Rosie’s and Kitten’s Joy Stakes. Four Wheel Drive won the inaugural running of the Rosie’s Stakes and went on to capture the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint establishing himself as a contender for Eclipse Award honors.

Frank Petramalo, Executive Director of the Virginia Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (VHBPA) stated, “The horsemen look forward in 2020 to building on our successful 2019 race meet. The renowned Secretariat turf course and highly praised mile and a quarter dirt track along with our beautiful stabling area provide a perfect setting for horses and their connections. We are certain that our incremental growth plan will establish Colonial Downs as a premier destination for racing in the mid-Atlantic region and beyond.”

Live racing at Colonial Downs racetrack re-emerged in 2019 under the new ownership of Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E).  In its first year of ownership, P2E exceeded all expectations to re-establishing Colonial Downs Racetrack and opening four Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums throughout Virginia.  John Marshall, Executive Vice President of Operations said, “Our team is focused on adding more life to our communities and the thoroughbred industry through our 2020 growth plan which features the continued evolution of live racing at Colonial Downs towards becoming one of the nation’s elite turf meets.”

“It was such a successful return of racing to Virginia in 2019, with Colonial Downs receiving wonderful support of top horsemen and women from all regions of the country, as well as horseplayers, fans and the entire racing industry,” added Vice President of Racing Operations, Jill Byrne. “We could not be more enthusiastic for the 2020 season. Offering $500,000 in daily purses, participant incentives, a strong state bred and certified program, Steeplechase races, the addition of the MATCH Series to our stakes schedule, all culminating with Virginia Derby night, makes for an exciting and lucrative 18 days of racing. Equine and human safety and welfare and the integrity of our racing product also remain top priorities for Colonial Downs, as we demonstrated in 2019, and we will continue to work with our partners and the horse industry as a whole to emphasize that important responsibility.”

Tickets for the 2020 live race meet including the Virginia Derby and Oaks go on sale February 2, 2020 at www.colonialdowns.com.

Christmas came early for hundreds of George W. Carver Elementary School students Wednesday.

As part of “Operation Warm,” every student received a new coat to keep them warm throughout the winter. For some students and families, it meant one less thing to worry about during the holiday season.

“It’s going to help me because I’m not going to get sick and it has fur inside,” said Taylar Neal, a fourth-grader at Carver Elementary School.

Tables with stacks and stacks of jackets in every color lined the school’s auditorium Wednesday. The smiles on the faces of children were made possible by the Richmond Firefighter’s Association, Richmond Police, Unos, Rosie’s and Councilwoman Kim Gray.

“It’s really exciting to be able to provide for a need, a very important need, in the community,” Gray said.

Almost $15,000 was raised, making it possible to buy nearly 900 new coats.

Former NFL football player and Richmond native Billy McCullen told 8News the gesture meant a lot to students.

“It’s not always peaches and cream in the neighborhood, so sometimes the simple things that we take for granted like a coat goes far,” McCullen, who volunteers at Carver, told 8News.

In addition to supplying Carver students with new jackets, Operation Warm was also able to provide jackets for two Richmond preschools.

*** Will be Effective January 2020 ***

Colonial Downs Group announced today that it will increase the minimum wage at all company facilities statewide to $15 per hour, an amount double the current state minimum wage, starting in January. This impacts employees at Rosie’s historical horse racing satellite wagering facilities in Richmond, Hampton, Vinton and New Kent County, and all future facilities the company may open in the years ahead. In addition, the company announced it will raise its minimum wage for tipped positions to $9 an hour, an amount 4x greater than the state minimum wage of $2.13.

Speaking about the decision, Aaron Gomes, Chief Operating Officer of the Colonial Downs Group, stated, “Over the past year we have hired more than 1,000 new employees at our Rosie’s facilities across the Commonwealth. These men and women are tremendous individuals who, through their hard work and hospitality, have made Rosie’s true entertainment destinations. Our employees are the reason for our success, and we know this. Now, we are dedicated to ensuring that their hard work and commitment to our customers is rewarded, and that starts with their financial compensation. We hope that today’s announcement will lead to an even happier holiday season for our employees and their families. Virginia is our home, and we have been incredibly heartened by the enthusiastic reception we have received since we opened the doors at our first facility in New Kent County this past April. We look forward to providing world class entertainment and fun in the years ahead at all of our Rosie’s facilities, and the job creation and tax revenue that comes with it, and to continuing to be a corporate partner Virginians can count on.”

In Richmond, the city’s Office of Community Wealth Building partnered with Rosie’s to assist with recruitment for over 300 jobs at the company’s Midlothian Turnpike location, and Rosie’s has been committed to hiring City of Richmond residents living in poverty. Speaking about that partnership and today’s announcement, Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney noted, “A living wage creates a pathway out of poverty and toward family stability and security. We are extremely pleased that Rosie’s is furthering its commitment to the City of Richmond by helping residents secure jobs at wages that will help support their families and strengthen our community.”

Delegate Betsy Carr (D-Richmond) remarked, “This decision by Rosie’s is a positive one for all the employees and families that will be impacted. I am encouraged by the company’s commitment to doing right by the men and women who work there, and by the Commonwealth they call home. This is the kind of proactive corporate effort that makes Virginia stronger.”

Richmond Councilman Michael Jones commented, “This is a great day for workers on the Southside of Richmond. As we talk about uplifting communities and rebuilding neighborhoods, it all starts with good jobs. Every adult desires to provide for themselves and their families. Raising the minimum wage does that. It helps to combat crime but more importantly it provides hope for a better tomorrow. One of my campaign promises was to bring resources and opportunities to the Southside; this delivers on that pledge. I am happy with the partnership that we have with Rosie’s/Colonial Downs. We need more businesses to step up and stop putting profits over people.”

Tickets on Sale Friday for December and January Events

Colonial Downs Group is very pleased to announce it is adding to its line-up of entertainment at the New Kent County racetrack. Comedy headliner Jiggy will perform with Brian Plumb on Friday, December 27, 2019, while Ian Lara and Irwin Loring will take the stage on January 17, 2020. Tickets will be available online only at www.colonialdowns.com beginning this Friday, November 29 at 9:00 a.m. Tickets are $12.50 each with a minimum table of four. Patrons must be over 21 years of age. Colonial Downs hit new restaurant 1609 is also taking reservations prior to both shows.

Jiggy is a stand-up comedian, podcaster and musician. Jiggy signed on to The Impractical Jokers Tour presented by TruTV as opening act and has been performing to sold out theaters coast to coast for over 5 years. He has headlined sold out shows internationally in the U.K. and Ireland including the Cockpit Theater for the Camden Fringe Festival. He has been seen on Food Network’s Cooks vs. Cons, TruTV’s Jokers Wild & After Party and heard on some the nation’s top podcasts.

Ian Lara is one of the hottest rising comics in New York City. He was the host of the “OUT OF TUNE” music app gameshow, featured in “Variety” and “Cosmopolitan”, this year he taped a set for “Comedy Central Stand up Featuring” which has garnered over 8 million views, he made an appearance on this season of “NBC’s Bring the Funny” and made his late-night debut on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

“We are excited to be bringing top acts to this revitalized venue near Central Virginia,” said Aaron Gomes, chief operating officer of Colonial Downs Group. “We continue to deliver on our promise to bring more than premier thoroughbred horse racing and an exciting new form of gaming to New Kent County.” Acclaimed country music band Old Dominion performed at Colonial Downs in September.

Donations Made to Veterans Groups and Free Giveaways

At a ceremony honoring our nation’s veterans, Colonial Downs Group and Rosie’s Gaming Emporium are making two check presentations to Richmond based veterans groups. Boots to Suits is being recognized for its work to provide veterans with career outfits to help them look and feel their best for job interviews and in non-military work environments; and Veterans & Athletes United is being recognized for helping disabled veterans live to their fullest capabilities.

Colonial Downs Group and Rosie’s Gaming Emporium have previously recognized other veterans support groups in Virginia including Link of Hampton Roads, the Roanoke Marine Corps League, TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors), USO of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia, and the Virginia Western Community College Educational Foundation Veterans Assistance Fund. Collectively, the support to these organizations is close to $50,000. More information about our efforts to give back to the community is located at https://rosiesgaming.com/rosies-gives-back/.

Stephanie Gilliard, Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel – Virginia for Colonial Downs Group stated at the Richmond Rosie’s check presentations, “We have many veterans among our 1,000 employees across Virginia and we are all extremely grateful for the sacrifice that every veteran in Virginia and their families have made in service to our country.”

Rosie’s Gaming Emporium is also running a social media campaign to recognize veterans called “Hometown Heroes”. Highlights of the campaign are located at https://rosiesgaming.com/events/hometown-heroes/.

In addition to the check presentations, Rosie’s Richmond is displaying its new security vehicle proudly saluting those who have served; will provide veterans with special player’s club cards; will give veterans a free camouflage version of our Rosie’s bandana; and is offering free donuts and discounted meals to veterans who visit Rosie’s November 11.

Tax Revenues, Jobs & Player Activity All Exceed Expectations

Richmond, VA – November 4, 2019 – Colonial Downs Group announced today its first six months of financial results since beginning operations on April 18, 2019 in New Kent County. The results also include operations in Vinton, which opened on May 6, 2019 and four months of results in Richmond, which opened on June 29, 2019. Colonial Downs Group is generating additional tax revenues and jobs with the opening of its fourth Rosie’s Gaming Emporium in Hampton last week on October 29, 2019.

To date Colonial Downs Group has generated the following:

• Over 1,000 jobs in New Kent, Vinton, Richmond and Hampton
• $5,911,366 in tax revenue to the Commonwealth of Virginia
• $2,730,165 in tax revenue to New Kent County
• $301,641 in tax revenue to the Town of Vinton
• $738,369 in tax revenue to the City of Richmond
• Handle (amounts played) of $729,192,184 (HHR) & $24,374,840 Pari-mutuel
• Total prizes to players of $674,103,572 (HHR) & $17,585,518 Pari-mutuel
• Annual payroll of $36.2 Million

Aaron Gomes, chief operating officer of Colonial Downs Group, stated, “We promised to deliver good jobs and generate significant tax revenues across the Commonwealth by bringing together gaming enthusiasts, and the community to experience an exciting and fun new activity at Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums and through the return of thoroughbred horse racing at Colonial Downs racetrack. We are extremely grateful to our patrons who have embraced what we are offering and helped us keep our commitment. The results are exceeding expectations and we look forward to continued growth, opportunity and economic development.”

Colonial Downs Group presently operates 2,150 Horse Racing Machines (HHRs), and owns and operates seven off-track betting locations.

At a ceremonial ribbon cutting, Colonial Downs Group announced today that Rosie’s Gaming Emporium is now open in Hampton, Va. Rosie’s, located in the Power Plant shopping center just off Interstate 64, features 700 historical horse racing (HHR) machines, simulcast horse racing, a restaurant and bar, and a gift shop.

Aaron Gomes, chief operating officer of Colonial Downs Group, stated, “It is very exciting to be opening our fourth Rosie’s in Virginia in just one year. We are already seeing tremendous success in Richmond, in Vinton near Roanoke and at Colonial Downs in New Kent County. The Hampton location builds on our commitment to create more than 1,000 jobs and generate significant tax revenues across the Commonwealth by bringing together gaming enthusiasts, horse lovers, and the community to experience an exciting and fun activity.”

Revenues generated through HHR machines enabled the return of live thoroughbred horse racing to Virginia earlier this year. Thirty-six thousand spectators attended the live racing events at Colonial Downs racetrack in New Kent County and more than 15 million viewers across the nation watched and bet on the races online.

Vincent Jordan, general manager at Hampton Rosie’s, said, “I am so pleased to be returning to Virginia where I previously served in the military to be part of this enthusiastic effort to bring fun, gaming, and economic development to the Hampton community.” Jordan has 20 years of experience in the gaming industry, most recently at Mount Airy Casino Resort in Pennsylvania.

Rosie’s in Hampton will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. It will create approximately 200 jobs in Hampton and generate approximately $2 million in annual tax revenues for the City of Hampton.

Colonial Downs Group and its four Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums will generate $25 million in state taxes annually and has created upwards of 1,000 jobs statewide with an annual payroll of more than $36.2 million.

BY KARRI PEIFER Richmond Times-Dispatch

Colonial Downs is launching a new restaurant in its New Kent racetrack and gaming emporium.

The restaurant – 1609 – opens Thursday and is named to reflect the “equine and legislative history” associated with Virginia and Colonial Downs Racetrack and Rosie’s Gaming Emporium.

“Virginia’s original partnership with horses began in 1609 with the arrival of the colony’s first race horse. According to historians, the first American horse races occurred in Henrico County in 1674. Ironically, in 2018, the legislation utilized to revitalize horse racing in the state by allowing Historical Horse Racing (HHR) machines and the expansion of pari-mutuel wagering became House Bill 1609. 1609 will offer an array of dining selections by applying age-old culinary tactics to create unique blends that capture the essence of the Commonwealth,” according to a news release.

The 1609 restaurant serves entrees such as pork shank, salmon, crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and a burger ($16-$34), plus appetizers, salads and a raw bar selection. Signature cocktails are named using horse racing themes, including Secretariat and Steeplechase, and local products – including New Kent Winery wine, Edwards ham, Meadow Creek cheeses – are featured on the menu.

“When creating the menu for 1609 we wanted to highlight the true meaning of southern cuisine and the melting pot from which it comes,” sous chef Nick Thompson wrote in a release.

The new restaurant at Colonial Downs is open Thursday through Sunday, 4 to 10 p.m. at 10515 Colonial Downs Pkwy.

Colonial Downs re-opened to the public in April after original owner Jacobs Entertainment surrendered its license to run races in 2014. Revolutionary Racing, now Colonial Downs Group, bought the track in spring 2018. after Gov. Ralph Northam signed legislation that allowed historical horse race wagering machines, which resemble slot machines, to be used in Virginia.