NEW KENT, Va. (Aug. 9, 2025) – Rocker O Ranch’s Giocoso sat the perfect rail trip, cut the corner and powered home to win the $500,000 Grade 2 Secretariat by a length over Simulate on Festival of Racing Day at Colonial Downs.

With jockey Ben Curtis in the irons, the Keith Desormeaux trainee covered one mile over a firm turf course in 1:35.36.

“The mile was always going to suit him,” Curtis said. “A couple went forward and I got a beautiful sit. He relaxed beautifully on the back. When the seam came, I had so much horse, I knew he was going to take it. We know he stays, so I had all the boxes ticked.”

Asked to establish forward position behind the leaders into the first turn, Giocoso found himself tucked on the rail in third with Antisocial to his outside in second and Maui Strong leading the way through opening calls of :23.78 and :48.30. Giocoso saved ground through the far turn as Curtis remained patient behind horses. When he saw daylight at the top of the stretch, Curtis asked and Giocoso punched up the rail gamely to take the lead by the sixteenth pole and hold safe through the wire. Simulate flew late to win the photo for second over Antisocial.

At odds of 9-2, Giocoso returned $11.40, $5.00, and $3.60. With a career record of 10-3-1-1, the Not This time colt bred in Kentucky has amassed $524,271 in lifetime earnings.

Additional Quotes

Junior Alvarado, jockey of place-finisher Simulate: ““Class wise, he belongs. Distance wise, we’re not for sure. I think he needs more distance. But he did prove today that he has enough kick going one mile. He ran great. We know where we are with him.”

Javier Castellano, jockey of beaten favorite Dream On: “I’m a little disappointed. It was a beautiful trip. I had him in a good stalking position and when I let him move to the front I thought it was a cinch. He moved beautifully to the 1/8th pole but after that didn’t show that same kick. Maybe because the pace was a little bit slow, maybe he didn’t love the very hard course.”

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.

Junior Alvarado, jockey of winner Fort Washington: “I wanted to make sure he got comfortable. He’s a tricky horse to ride sometimes. When he’s at his best, you know it right away. Today I felt that going into the first turn. I wanted to make sure I saved enough ground so that I had a big punch at the end. When I swung out in the clearing he finished up very strong. My horse has a powerful turn of foot.”

John Velazquez, jockey of third-place finisher Integration: “I think the track was a little bit hard for him. I think he likes a little more give to it. He didn’t have it today.”

Brian Hernandez Jr., jockey of fourth-place finisher Mystik Dan: “He was in a great spot turning for home, they just outpunched him. Turning for home I had Integration right there and I thought we could get it done. He quickened but with grass horses like he ran against today, it’s a different turn of foot. He handled the grass fine but he just didn’t travel in my hands like I’d like him to on the backside today.”

Ben Curtis, jockey of fifth-place finisher Cairo; “I couldn’t be happier with the horse. He was only beaten a couple of lengths. I thought at the top of the lane, we’d win. Sometimes it takes a race to acclimatize to American racing. The tracks are different. His next stop is Kentucky Downs and he’ll love it there. When everyone quickened out of the gates, he didn’t have that initial kick. I was planning on being in front of Integration. But he was in a perfect spot so I wasn’t going to swap it. His first run in America, he ran fantastic. He’s going to take a step forward from it and he’s going to prefer the track next time.”

Grade 2 Beverly D. Quotes

Javier Castellano, jockey of Charlene’s Dream“I let her go, let her roll,” Castellano said. “It worked out perfectly. She stayed engaged when Be Your Best took it to her in the stretch, and when I asked her for more, she responded for me. I am very proud of her.”

Brendan Walsh, trainer of place-finisher Spanish Eyes: “Those fillies on the lead are very good fillies. It was a good race. You can’t be disappointed, our filly ran her race. They got away from her a little bit. A little further and I think we’re probably in business. She could go a little further. It’s only her third run in the U.S. We like everything she has showed us so far.

Tyler Gaffalione, jockey of third-place finisher Be Your Best: ““Going into the first turn I was letting her run along and I felt like I was asking her to do too much too early. I looked over and Javier had a good hold so I just let him go on and get in a good tracking position. Coming to the eighth pole I thought I had him but the last sixteenth, she started shortening stride. She loved the going, was skipping right over it. I think more so than anything she just got tired.”

Grade 2 Secretariat Quotes

Ben Curtis, jockey of winner Giocoso: “The mile was always going to suit him,” Curtis said. “A couple went forward and I got a beautiful sit. He relaxed beautifully on the back. When the seam came, I had so much horse, I knew he was going to take it. We know he stays, so I had all the boxes ticked.”

Junior Alvarado, jockey of second-place finisher Simulate: ““Class wise, he belongs. Distance wise, we’re not for sure. I think he needs more distance. But he did prove today that he has enough kick going one mile. He ran great. We know where we are with him.”

Javier Castellano, jockey of beaten favorite Dream On: “I’m a little disappointed. It was a beautiful trip. I had him in a good stalking position and when I let him move to the front I thought it was a cinch. He moved beautifully to the 1/8th pole but after that didn’t show that same kick. Maybe because the pace was a little bit slow, maybe he didn’t love the very hard course.”

Junior Alvarado, jockey of winner Fort Washington: “I wanted to make sure he got comfortable. He’s a tricky horse to ride sometimes. When he’s at his best, you know it right away. Today I felt that going into the first turn. I wanted to make sure I saved enough ground so that I had a big punch at the end. When I swung out in the clearing he finished up very strong. My horse has a powerful turn of foot.”

John Velazquez, jockey of third-place finisher Integration: “I think the track was a little bit hard for him. I think he likes a little more give to it. He didn’t have it today.”

Brian Hernandez Jr., jockey of fourth-place finisher Mystik Dan: “He was in a great spot turning for home, they just outpunched him. Turning for home I had Integration right there and I thought we could get it done. He quickened but with grass horses like he ran against today, it’s a different turn of foot. He handled the grass fine but he just didn’t travel in my hands like I’d like him to on the backside today.”

Ben Curtis, jockey of fifth-place finisher Cairo; “I couldn’t be happier with the horse. He was only beaten a couple of lengths. I thought at the top of the lane, we’d win. Sometimes it takes a race to acclimatize to American racing. The tracks are different. His next stop is Kentucky Downs and he’ll love it there. When everyone quickened out of the gates, he didn’t have that initial kick. I was planning on being in front of Integration. But he was in a perfect spot so I wasn’t going to swap it. His first run in America, he ran fantastic. He’s going to take a step forward from it and he’s going to prefer the track next time.”

Grade 2 Beverly D. Quotes

Javier Castellano, jockey of Charlene’s Dream“I let her go, let her roll,” Castellano said. “It worked out perfectly. She stayed engaged when Be Your Best took it to her in the stretch, and when I asked her for more, she responded for me. I am very proud of her.”

Brendan Walsh, trainer of place-finisher Spanish Eyes: “Those fillies on the lead are very good fillies. It was a good race. You can’t be disappointed, our filly ran her race. They got away from her a little bit. A little further and I think we’re probably in business. She could go a little further. It’s only her third run in the U.S. We like everything she has showed us so far.

Tyler Gaffalione, jockey of third-place finisher Be Your Best: ““Going into the first turn I was letting her run along and I felt like I was asking her to do too much too early. I looked over and Javier had a good hold so I just let him go on and get in a good tracking position. Coming to the eighth pole I thought I had him but the last sixteenth, she started shortening stride. She loved the going, was skipping right over it. I think more so than anything she just got tired.”

rade 2 Secretariat Quotes

Ben Curtis, jockey of winner Giocoso: “The mile was always going to suit him,” Curtis said. “A couple went forward and I got a beautiful sit. He relaxed beautifully on the back. When the seam came, I had so much horse, I knew he was going to take it. We know he stays, so I had all the boxes ticked.”

Junior Alvarado, jockey of second-place finisher Simulate: ““Class wise, he belongs. Distance wise, we’re not for sure. I think he needs more distance. But he did prove today that he has enough kick going one mile. He ran great. We know where we are with him.”

Javier Castellano, jockey of beaten favorite Dream On: “I’m a little disappointed. It was a beautiful trip. I had him in a good stalking position and when I let him move to the front I thought it was a cinch. He moved beautifully to the 1/8th pole but after that didn’t show that same kick. Maybe because the pace was a little bit slow, maybe he didn’t love the very hard course.”

NEW KENT, Va. (Aug. 9, 2025) – Four undercard stakes were run on Festival of Racing Day at Colonial Downs, and the winners of the sibling dirt stakes, Rolando and Reputation made it known they are serious players in their divisions after dominating their 3-year-old rivals in the $100,000 Petramalo Mile and seven-furlong $100,000 Tyson Gilpin, respectively.

The added-money action on Saturday kicked off with St. George Stable’s Rolando wiring the Petramalo and setting a track record. Going one mile over a fast main track in 1:33.55, Rolando topped the previous mark of 1:33.70 set by Continuation in 2021.

With Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez in the irons, the Fausto Gutierrez trainee got the jump on the field, led comfortably throughout, and finished four lengths ahead of Barbadian Runner. Lured Away rallied from the back of the pack to run third.

“You ride a horse like this you don’t have to do much,” Velazquez said. “I was hoping someone else went to the front and I would sit off of them but the way he broke today I wasn’t going to fight him. I kept him five wide until we got to the turn and then dropped him down. It was his first start after a long break so I was just concerned about getting him settled early.”

Sent off at 3-1, Rolando returned $8.80. Notching his second stakes score, Rolando added $60,000 for a total bankroll of $232,860 and a career record of 8-4-1-2.

Facing seven fillies, JR Ranch and MyRacehorse’s Reputation was equally dominant, taking the Tyson Gilpin by 6¾ lengths, covering the seven furlongs in 1:21.14.

Trained by Gustavo Delgado, Reputation broke in the back of the pack but was urged into the race by jockey Javier Castellano, who guided her through traffic while tracking the front-running Impulse Buy. After splitting horses in the far turn, Reputation bid for the lead at the eighth pole and pulled away in dominant fashion. Impulse Buy stayed on for second and G W’s Girl finished third.

“That was a dream trip,” Castellano said. “(They went) 21.44, (I was) right behind the speed, saved all the ground, split horses, stepped up outside, and she cleaned up really well.”

Sent off at 3-1, Reputation returned $8.00. Reputation’s career record of 6-3-0-1 totals $158,822 in lifetime earnings.

Older turf sprinters clashed in the $150,000 Van Clief and $150,000 Andy Guest, both going 5½ furlongs across a firm course.

Flying late in the Van Clief, Elizabeth Merryman and Marc Detampel’s Witty rallied from the back of the pack to mow down his seven male rivals across the lawn and stop the clock in 1:02.52.

Piloted by Jaime Rodriguez, Witty outkicked Had to Have him in the final strides to win by a neck. Sent off at 3-1, Witty paid $8.00. Bred and trained by Elizabeth Merryman, the 6-year-old multiple stakes winner now has a lifetime bankroll of $897,782 from a record of 33-11-11-1.

In the Andy Guest, The Estate of R. Larry Johnson’s Hollywood Walk cut the corner through the turn and rallied up the rail to beat six fillies and mares by three-quarters of a length. Odds-on favorite Mrs. Gambolini ran wide to finish second.

Trained by the current meet leading conditioner Mike Trombetta, Hollywood Walk was piloted by Mychel Sanchez, whose perfect ride aboard the 2024 Camptown victress was the difference between first and second in Saturday’s Tyson Gilpin.

“I’m really happy that we finally got the win because I’ve had a couple seconds and thirds with her,” Sanchez said. “She has got a lot of heart. She always gives you everything she has. She’s such a big mare–they do such a great job with her. I wanted to be on the rail right from the beginning because I knew (front-runner Bosserati) lugs out a little bit and I’d have room. I try to show up on days like this.”

Sent off at 8-1 odds, Hollywood Walk paid $19.00. Maryland-bred and Virginia-certified, the Larry Johnson homebred is a half sibling to Mindframe, one of the current leaders in the older male route division. From 26 starts, Hollywood Walk tallies 6-4-8 with $482,731 in lifetime earnings.

~ Contributions totaling $44,469 to support Leashes of Valor, Hampton Roads Police Athletic League, New Choices New Minds, Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia, Stop the Violence 757, Reset Inc., Soundscapes and Greenwave Elite ~

In the first half of 2025, Rosie’s Hampton contributed a total of  $44,469 through its Rosie’s Gives Back program to support trusted community partners serving veterans, at-risk youth, families in need, educational music programs, and violence prevention in Hampton Roads.

Recipients of contributions include:

• $10,969 to Leashes of Valor, an organization that trains and issues service dogs to veterans in need.
• $5,000 to The Hampton Roads Police Athletic League, a partner who is committed to youth crime prevention.
• $5,000 to New Choices New Minds, a new partner committed to feeding the needy in Hampton.
• $5,000 to Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia supporting families in Hampton Roads.
• $5,000 to Stop the Violence 757 a dedicated group of individuals committed to ending violence in our community.
• $3,500 to Reset Inc. a local organization supporting under privileged families.
• $5,000 to Soundscapes a local partner supporting music programs in Hampton VA.
• $5,000 to Greenwave Elite to help local softball teams participate in their World Series tournament.

“Our team at Rosie’s Hampton is honored to support these tremendous organizations that are making Hampton Roads a stronger, more vibrant place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Mary Harper, general manager of Rosie’s Hampton. “We are proud to support established partners like the Hampton Roads Police Athletic League, while building relationships with new community partners like New Choices New Minds. Through our Rosie’s Gives Back program, we are investing in the future of Hampton Roads’ young people, while helping to provide support, stability, and security for families and neighbors who need a helping hand.”

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 Hampton 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, 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 Rosie’s in Dumfries, 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.

~ Second quarter contributions totaling $33,940 to support Dream Catchers, Relay for Life, Child Development Resources, Shore to Shore and Bottom of the Bridge LaSertoma, and Five-O’s Tiki Foundation  ~

In the second quarter of 2025, Rosie’s New Kent contributed a total of $33,940 through its Rosie’s Gives Back program to support trusted community partners serving children, veterans, individuals with disabilities, cancer research, education, and law enforcement support across New Kent County and surrounding areas.

Recipients of contributions include:

• $7,500 to Child Development Resources, who empower families with infants and toddlers to overcome developmental challenges through early intervention. They serve the region by addressing disabilities, income-based risk factors, and other developmental concerns.
  • $2,000 to Cold Harbor Ruritan, who support several community-focused causes, including adult day care for seniors and individuals with disabilities, the Special Olympics, and scholarships for graduating high school seniors.
  • $12,500 to Dream Catchers, who provide equine-assisted therapeutic services for children, adults, and veterans. Funding supported the purchase of an additional therapy horse for their stable.
  • $6,500 to the American Cancer Society – New Kent/West Point Relay For Life, who fund cancer research, patient support, advocacy, and local events honoring those impacted by cancer.
  • $1,000 to Shore to Shore and Bottom of the Bridge LaSertoma, who raise funds for student scholarships and support programs such as the New Kent Christmas Mother initiative.
  • $4,440 to Five-O’s Tiki Foundation, who support law enforcement families in times of need and fund youth education programs that promote positive relationships between the community and local law enforcement.

“Our team at Rosie’s New Kent is incredibly proud to support such a wide range of meaningful causes that make a lasting impact on our neighbors, from early childhood development to veteran care, education, and community safety,” said Dan Cuic, General Manager at Rosie’s New Kent.

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 New Kent 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, 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 1,200 team members in the Commonwealth of Virginia, paying over $30 million in annual salaries, wages and benefits. Rosie’s in Dumfries, 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 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.

~ Second Quarter Contributions totaling $20,000 to support Richmond Performing Arts Alliance, Best Buddies International Inc, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Richmond Police Department (RPD), Professionals Reaching Out to the Community-PROC Foundation, Inc and The Shirley H Johnson-Clark Foundation ~

In the second quarter of 2025, Rosie’s Richmond contributed a total of $20,000 through its Rosie’s Gives Back program to support trusted community partners promoting children’s academic and social success, supporting individuals with disability, and promoting safe communities.

Recipients of contributions include:

• $5,000 Richmond Performing Arts Alliance – Fostering academic growth and social emotional learning for youth in RVA.
• $1,000 Best Buddies International, Inc – Supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• $2,500 Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) – Helping to prevent drunk driving and the affected by it. Raising awareness and educating our community.
• $7,500 Richmond Police Department (RPD) – To prevent crime and maintain order in the community
• $3,500 Professionals Reaching Out to the Community-PROC Foundation Inc – Provide college Scholarships and essential services to underserved communities in Central VA.
• $500 The Shirley H Johnson-Clark Foundation – Dedicated to helping young people in underserved communities achieve their educational success.

“Our team at Rosie’s Richmond is proud to support a range of partners that strengthen the community in which we live and work,” said Vincent Jordan, general manager of Rosie’s Richmond. “Whether it’s promoting youth development, supporting public safety efforts, or providing a helping hand to neighbors in need, we strive to be trusted and engaged community partners throughout Central Virginia.”

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 Richmond 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, 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 Rosie’s in Dumfries, 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 $18,894 to support Family YMCA of Emporia-Greensville, INC., and TopHand Foundation ~

In the second quarter of 2025, Rosie’s Emporia contributed a total of $18,894 through its Rosie’s Gives Back program to support trusted community partners serving youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Recipients of contributions include:

• $3,894 to Family YMCA of Emporia-Greensville, INC.— The YMCA of Emporia-Greensville, INC. is a community-focused organization that provides a wide range of programs and services to promote health, well-being, and community involvement for individuals of all ages.
• $15,000 to TopHand Foundation— The TopHand Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to adaptive sports programs, character development, and providing sports apparel and equipment, with a focus on fostering leadership and excellence within the community.

“Here at Rosie’s Emporia, we believe in giving back to our community,’ said Jeremy Callahan, general manager of Rosie’s Emporia. “We are proud to make a meaningful impact and create a brighter future for this region through our support for the Family YMCA of Emporia-Greensville and the TopHand Foundation!”

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, 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.