SHELDON RUSSELL MOVES INTO SOLE POSSESSION OF SECOND ON COLONIAL DOWNS WINS LIST

Especially gives jockey Sheldon Russell his 256th victory at Colonial Downs making Russell the second-leading rider at the New Kent oval. (Credit: Coady Media)

Credit Coady Media

NEW KENT, Va. (Aug. 14, 2026) — Jockey Sheldon Russell moved into sole possession of second place on Colonial Downs’ all-time wins list Thursday, guiding Especially to victory in the sixth race for his wife, trainer Brittany Russell.

The victory was Russell’s 256th at the New Kent track, breaking a tie with longtime Colonial standout Mario Pino. Russell had drawn even with Pino at 255 wins Sunday aboard Petcoff. Horacio Karamanos remains Colonial Downs’ all-time leader with 562 victories.

Especially made Russell’s milestone win a memorable one. The 4-year-old daughter of Flatter captured Thursday’s dirt allowance feature, rallying from last and surging late to prevail by a neck.
“I’m delighted,” Russell said. “I’ve been very lucky to ride for such good owners and trainers who have given me opportunities.”

Russell, currently seventh in the Colonial jockey standings, has won 15 of 66 starts at the meet, a 23% strike rate. Nationally, Russell is winning at a career-best 30% rate this year, with 35 victories from 116 starts through Thursday and earnings of more than $2 million.

Reaching the milestone carries added meaning for Russell because of his admiration for Pino.

“Early in my career, he was a real role model for me, and he’s accomplished some incredible things,” Russell said. “To have my name alongside his among the all-time leading jockeys here is very special.”

Colonial Downs has played a significant role in Russell’s career since its early stages. Born in Louisiana and raised in Newmarket, England, Russell followed his father, Dean, into racing. After beginning his riding career in England, he came to the United States and spent two years working for trainer Michael Dickinson in Maryland. Dickinson agreed to give Russell his first five U.S. rides and then help him secure an agent. Russell’s fifth ride came at Colonial Downs.

“Colonial has meant a lot to my career,” Russell said. “I’ve been coming here for as long as I can remember. It’s like a second home.”
Russell’s Colonial accomplishments also include the 2011 riding title and a victory aboard Rahystrada in the $500,000 Colonial Turf Cup that season. He teamed with Brittany Russell last year to win the Brookmeade Stakes aboard Thursday Girl.

Through Thursday, Russell has 1,860 victories from 10,777 career mounts and more than $61.8 million in earnings, including 10 graded stakes wins.

Regional-Bred Turf Stars Take Center Stage Saturday

Colonial Downs’ Aug. 15 program will feature three consecutive turf added-money races for regionally bred runners, beginning with the $100,000 Meadow Stable Handicap in Race 7, followed by the $125,000 Find Stakes in Race 8 and the $125,000 All Brandy Stakes in Race 9.

Gigante, the 2025 Virginia-Bred Horse of the Year and a millionaire, headlines the Find Stakes alongside Grade 2-placed Thundering. Day to Day, unbeaten on the Colonial turf, tops the All Brandy Stakes.

The Meadow Stable Handicap brings together defending champion Whenigettoheaven and two-time winner Determined Kingdom, who has won seven of 12 starts over the local turf.

First post for Saturday’s 10-race card is 12:25 p.m. ET.