LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 30, 2019) – The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) today announced that Colonial Downs, located in New Kent County, east of Richmond, Va., has joined the organization.
Thoroughbred racing will return to Virginia for the first time since 2014 when Colonial hosts 15 live race days this August and September. It plans progressive race day increases in 2020 and beyond. Colonial Downs is opening under dynamic new ownership and with the support of additional revenue streams from historical racing electronic gaming and off-track betting locations in Virginia. The remodeled Colonial Downs will open its meet August 8 and will race three days each week through September 7.
“Virginia has a long and storied history in Thoroughbred breeding and racing and, will forever be known as the birthplace of 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat,” said NTRA President and CEO Alex Waldrop. “We look forward to working with the team at Colonial Downs as it brings back first class racing to the heart of Virginia horse country.”
“Joining the NTRA is an easy decision for Colonial Downs Group as we introduce horseracing to new audiences,” said John Marshall, Senior Vice President Colonial Downs Group . “Our Virginia racing revival is led by seasoned industry professionals with proven track records prioritizing industry welfare, integrity and advocacy first. It is an honor and privilege for Colonial to join the NTRA in growing the popularity of horse racing.”
About the NTRA
The NTRA, based in Lexington, Ky., is a broad-based coalition of more than 100 horse racing interests and thousands of individual stakeholders consisting of horseplayers, racetrack operators, owners, breeders, trainers and affiliated horse racing associations, charged with increasing the popularity, welfare and integrity of Thoroughbred racing through consensus-based leadership, legislative advocacy, safety and integrity initiatives, fan engagement and corporate partner development. The NTRA owns and manages the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance; NTRA.com; the Eclipse Awards; the National Handicapping Championship; NTRA Advantage, a corporate partner sales and sponsorship program; and Horse PAC®, a federal political action committee. NTRA press releases appear on NTRA.com, Twitter (@ntra) and Facebook (facebook.com/1NTRA).
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