(NEW KENT, VA — 12/4/2024) —- Boston, a Hall of Fame Virginia-bred thoroughbred horse, was feted Sunday at Historic Tuckahoe in Henrico County with a historical highway marker dedication that recognizes his prominence in the racing world. The marker was recently installed near his foaling location in the county along the westbound lanes of Route 6, at 10400-10402 Patterson Avenue. The dedication ceremony took place inside the original horse stable at Historic Tuckahoe — situated just outside of Richmond about 35 miles from Colonial Downs — which is the boyhood home of Thomas Jefferson.

Boston, a regal chestnut colored horse with a white blaze on his nose, was a grandson of Sir Archy and lived from 1833-1850. He was the most accomplished racehorse in an era when thoroughbred racing was the nation’s most popular sport.

Bred by Richmond attorney John Wickham and foaled near Historic Tuckahoe, Boston was known for his vicious temperament as well as his speed and endurance. He was trained in the stable of William R. Johnson, known as the “Napoleon of the Turf.” Boston won about 40 of 45 known races between 1836 and 1843 on tracks from Georgia to New York, once in front of a crowd of 70,000. He was an inaugural inductee into the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame in 1955.

During his racing career, he was undefeated as a 4- and 5-year-old starting in 15 races. Thirty of Boston’s victories were in four-mile heats and nine were in three-milers. In the era of grueling marathon contests, Boston was in a class of his own. Thirteen of Boston’s starts took place in Virginia including eight in Petersburg –- all of which he won. Post-racing, Boston was the leading sire in 1851, 1852 and 1853 and eventually sired 95 winners of 293 races. Among his noted progeny were Lexington and Lecomte.

Moderators at the dedication ceremony were Sarah Pace, President of the Henrico County Historical Society, and Josh Pons, equine author and co-owner of Country Life Farm in Hartford County, Maryland. Pons bred Fulmineo, winner of the inaugural $125,000 Boston Stakes held July 13 at Colonial Downs. The 3-year-old Bolt d’Oro colt also competed in the September 7 Virginia Derby.

Special appreciation for Boston’s renewed attention this year — which led to the historical highway marker and inaugural stakes race in his honor — was extended to Becky Francois, sponsor of the highway marker, along with Jennifer Loux of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, the Virginia Equine Alliance, Colonial Downs, Virginia Racing Commission, Virginia HBPA and Historic Tuckahoe.

~ Virginia’s premier thoroughbred racetrack will hold 44 days of live racing throughout the year including its first Kentucky Derby qualifier race on March 15 ~

NEW KENT, Va. (December 3, 2024)—Today the Virginia Racing Commission approved an expanded 44-day live racing season for Colonial Downs in 2025. This will be a record number of race days since the track reopened in 2019 and is an increase of 17 race days over the 2024 schedule. The approved schedule includes a special three-day Virginia Derby meet in March, anchored by the $500,000 Virginia Derby on March 15 which will be Virginia’s first-ever Kentucky Derby qualifier race with the winning horse securing a spot in the field for the 151st Kentucky Derby at historic Churchill Downs.

“We’re excited to bring a Kentucky Derby qualifying race to Virginia for the first time in 2025,” Senior Director of Operations Frank Hopf said. “We look forward to an outstanding 2025 season with participation from horsemen not only from Virginia but also from throughout the Mid-Atlantic as we expand our summer dates.”

The live race season will kickoff with a new three-day meet on March 13-15 anchored by the Virginia Derby on Saturday, March 15. Additional ticket options for the Virginia Derby will be announced and go on sale to the public in the coming weeks, including a limited number of general admission tickets at family-friendly prices.

The racing season will continue with 41 days of live racing each Wednesday through Saturday from July 9 through September 13 with a special day of racing on Labor Day, Monday, September 1. This will include the annual Colonial Downs Festival of Racing on Saturday, August 9 featuring a slate of high-profile graded stakes races.

Throughout the season guests will find a variety of promotions, giveaways, and food and drink specials for racing enthusiasts, new fans, and families.

~ Third Quarter contributions totaling $21,000 to support New Kent Public Safety Foundation, Hatcher Cole FOP Foundation, Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers, New Kent Football Boosters ~

In the third quarter of 2024, Rosie’s New Kent contributed a total of $21,000 through its Rosie’s Gives Back program to support trusted community partners serving youth development and community support.

Recipients of contributions include:

• $10,000 to the New Kent Safety Foundation whose mission is to support first responders, veterans, and their families in their struggles with PTSD as well as provide assistance to those who are going into those same fields.
• $1,000 to the Hatcher Cole FOP Foundation to support its efforts in distributing meals, canned goods, and Christmas gifts to those in our community who are in need during the upcoming holiday season.
• $5,000 to Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers which aids local law enforcement in solving major crimes in Richmond and the surrounding counties.
• $5,000 to the New Kent Football Boosters to refurbish equipment to keep varsity and junior varsity players safe while on the field.

Rosie’s New Kent is proud to support a wide variety of organizations in our area that provide support and assistance throughout all segments of our community. 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 $2.5 million in direct donations, $195,000+ in-kind contributions, and donated more than 2,500 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.

~ Second and Third Quarter contributions totaling $50,000 to support Greensville County Public Schools, Jackson –Feild Homes, Emporia Greensville Humane Society, The Devin Chandler Foundation, Emporia Greensville Humane Society ~

In the 2nd and 3rd quarter of 2024, Rosie’s Emporia contributed a total of $50,000 through its Rosie’s Gives Back program to support trusted community partners serving children and animals throughout the community and school systems.

Recipients of contributions include:

• $2,500 – Jackson-Feild Homes to support treatment for young people in need
• $10,000 – Greensville County Public Schools – Edgenuity program (Alternative Learning Opportunities)
• $29,450 – Greensville County Public Schools – Unitive Justice in Education (Training for teachers)
• $4,550 – The Devin Chandler Foundation – Youth sports program in the local community
• $3,500 – Emporia Greensville Humane Society

“Our team at Rosies Emporia is proud to sponsor and partner with all four of these foundations,” said Jeremy Callahan, general manager of Rosie’s Emporia. “All these programs are in direct support of the community and show great promise of what the future could hold for the children and animals of Emporia area. It’s a pleasure to work with Jackson-Feild Homes, Greensville County Public Schools, The Devin Chandler Foundation, and Emporia Greensville Humane Society to be able to help support kids and animals in the local community.”

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 $2.5 million in direct donations, $195,000+ in-kind contributions, and donated more than 2,500 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.

~ Third Quarter contributions totaling $27,400 to support Soundscapes, Youth Volunteer Corps. of Hampton Roads, Hampton Roads Police Athletic League, The WKW Cary Foundation, The Center for Sexual Assault Survivors, Get Out Prevails Foundation Inc. Parents Against Bullying and Chateau Cares ~

In the third quarter of 2024, Rosie’s Hampton contributed a total of $27,400 through its Rosie’s Gives Back program to support trusted community partners providing music programs for students, youth enrichment programs, job training and placement resources, anti-bullying programs, health equity efforts, veterans services, support for survivors of sexual or domestic violence, and local youth sports.

Recipients of contributions include:

• $1,000 to Soundscapes Gala celebrating 15 years of music programs for local youths.
• $5,000 to The Youth Volunteer Corps of Hampton Roads to support its youth volunteer summit.
• $5,000 to Hampton Roads Police Athletic League supporting its youth enrichment programs.
• $2,000 to RESET Inc. an organization which supports social development, health and wellness in the community.
• $2,500 to Chateau Care to support job training and placement programs.
• $400 to World Class Gymnastics Too Parent Organization supporting local athletes.
• $5,000 to Parents Against Bullying a youth outreach program that seeks to address the individual, family, peer social and community risk factors that impact bullying, crime and violent youth behavior.
• $2,500 to The WKY Cary Foundation to promote health equity.
• $1,000 to American Veterans Post 14, which support more than 250 local American Veterans.
• $3,000 to the Center for Sexual Assault Survivors.
• $500 to Get Out Prevails Foundation which provides a supportive space for women facing domestic violence.

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 $2.5 million in direct donations, $195,000+ in-kind contributions, and donated more than 2,500 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.

~ Third Quarter contributions totaling $30,000 to support Miles Jones Elementary and the Autism Program of Virginia ~

In the second quarter of 2024, Rosie’s Richmond contributed a total of $30,000 through its Rosie’s Gives Back program to support trusted community partners serving veterans, education, public health etc.

Recipients of contributions include:

• $5,000 to The Autism Program of Virginia to provide workforce support for individuals with autism
• $25,000 to Miles Jones Elementary to assist with supplies, books, computers and lunches.

“Our team at Rosie’s Richmond is proud to support Miles Jones Elementary School, The Autism Program of Virginia, and other great partners around Central Virginia,” said Vincent Jordan, general manager of Rosie’s Richmond. “These organizations are building a stronger Richmond by opening doors of opportunity for young people and others in our community.”

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 $2.5 million in direct donations, $195,000+ in-kind contributions, and donated more than 2,500 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.

~ Rosie’s employs 150 local team members, generates $3 million in annual tax revenue for Hampton, contributes $100,000 each year to local partners ~

HAMPTON, Va. (September 12, 2024)—Rosie’s Gaming Emporium in Hampton has been awarded gold in 11 different categories in the 2024 edition of Best of Hampton/Newport News by Virginia Media.

First-place awards were received for:

• Best Place to Win
• Best Beer/Wine Selection
• Best Burger
• Best Chicken
• Best Date Night Restaurant
• Best Family Entertainment
• Best Lunch
• Best Margarita
• Best Pizza
• Best Sports Bar
• Best Wings

“I’ve worked in Atlantic City, Mississippi, North Carolina and Pennsylvania and I haven’t seen the kind of local support that I’ve seen here,” Mary Harper, general manager of Rosie’s Hampton, told Virginia Media. “The support that we get from the local community has been really wonderful.”

Rosie’s Hampton, which is located at 1996 Power Plant Parkway in Hampton, employs around 150 local team members, generates approximately $3 million in annual tax revenue for the City of Hampton, and contributes $100,000 annually to local community partners and nonprofits. In the spring it began 24/7 operation after receiving unanimous approval from Hampton City Council.

Harper told Virginia Media she was particularly proud of the recognition for “Best Place to Win,” attributing Rosie’s success to its unique gaming offerings that pay out hundreds of jackpots weekly.

Rosie’s offers guest both exciting historical horse racing games as well as simulcast wagering on live thoroughbred and harness races from Colonial Downs Racetrack in New Kent County and racetracks around the country.

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 $2.5 million in direct donations, $195,000+ in-kind contributions, and donated more than 2,500 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.

~ Contribution from Rosie’s Gives Back program to support GCPS students and virtual learning program ~

EMPORIA, Va. (August 20, 2024)—Rosie’s Emporia today announced that it has made a $39,450 donation to Greensville County Public Schools as part of its signature charitable program, “Rosie’s Gives Back.” The donation of nearly $40,000 will help support the school system’s Unitive Justice in Education program and Edgenuity virtual learning program.

“Our team at Rosie’s Emporia is so proud to have the opportunity to support the community we call home,” said Jeremy Callahan, General Manager of Rosie’s Emporia. “We treasure our relationship with our neighbors in Emporia and Greensville County and will continue to support great community partners like Greensville Public Schools, the Emporia Police Department, and others who are making a difference here at home.”

“We are excited and thankful for the partnership with Rosie’s allowing Greensville County Public Schools to offer Unitive Justice to our students, faculty, and staff at Greensville County High School,” said GCPS Superintendent Dr. Kelvin Edwards. “Unitive Justice is not just a framework for resolving conflicts—it’s a vision for fostering community and mutual respect. By focusing on repairing relationships and understanding the root causes of issues, we create a more inclusive and supportive environment. This approach aligns with our commitment to nurturing both the academic and emotional well-being of our students, ultimately leading to a more harmonious and effective learning community.”

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 $2.5 million in direct donations, $195,000+ in-kind contributions, and donated more than 2,500 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.