The rich heritage of Virginia horse racing traces its roots back to the colonial days of the late seventeenth century. Horse racing began as single-day events held at county fairs, family farms, and hunt meets, taking a long and meandering path to become the sport we know and love today. Colonial Downs and More examines the important changes that occurred in Virginia's horse racing industry during the last half century, with a particular focus on the debates over pari-mutuel wagering. The legalization of pari-mutuel wagering became a hot-button legislative issue in the 1980s, sparked by horse breeders and owners hoping to improve the industry. In 1988, voters approved the legalization of pari-mutuel wagering, a move that opened the doors for the establishment of a new racetrack that would come to be known as Colonial Downs. Colonial Downs faced major obstacles from its inception. Construction was bogged down by licensing delays and legal issues. Nine long years elapsed before it finally opened its gates in 1997. After a modest opening, attendance and wagering slumped over the next three to five years. Nonetheless, despite the difficulties, the track and associated operations remain high quality, offering breeders and owners needed funds and providing racing fans with unparalleled fun and excitement. Colonial Downs and More By Francis Marion Bush iUniverse, Inc. Copyright © 2011 Francis Marion Bush All right reserved. ISBN: 978-1-4620-5574-6 Contents 1. Horse Racing as an Industry...............................................12. Formation of Colonial Downs...............................................33. Approval of Pari-Mutuel Wagering..........................................54. Adoption of Horse Racing Act..............................................75. Virginia Racing Commission................................................106. Principal Developers of Colonial Downs....................................147. Ownership of Colonial Downs...............................................188. Location, Buildings, and Characteristics of the Track.....................219. Types, Scheduling of Racing...............................................2710. Wagering.................................................................3111. Satellite Wagering Facilities............................................3712. Colonial Downs Leaders, Track Records....................................4313. Colonial Downs Stakes Winners............................................4514. Point-to-Point/Steeplechase Meets........................................6915. Visionaries of Virginia Turf.............................................8816. Horse Breeding In Virginia...............................................12617. Horse Racing in Virginia.................................................134 Chapter One Horse Racing as an Industry Virginia's horse industry produces a $1.2 billion impact on its annual economy. This total amount includes the value of all horses and the expenditures associated with them. These data were released in a 2011 study conducted by the University of Virginia's Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service (Rephann, 2011). The Virginia Horse Industry Board funded the study. Additional facts reveal that the industry produced more than 16,000 jobs with the greatest numbers in agricultural and agricultural services. Horse owners spent $873 million on horse-related costs. This amount included feed, bedding, boarding, training, tack, capital improvements, and labor. Approximately $4,060 was spent per horse. A survey produced by the state's department of agriculture shows that most horses are centered in the northern region of Virginia. Loudoun and Prince William counties have the highest populations. (See chart below.) A 2006 survey shows that Virginia ranks twelfth in the total number of horses living across the United States. Current estimates are 215,000 horses and some 41,000 operations. Some 30,900 or 14 percent of the total number are thoroughbreds. Another 4,000 or 1.9 percent are standardbreds. Trail riding/pleasure is the highest primary use. Breeding accounts for 17 percent and racing 4 percent of the primary use. (See chart above.) Virginia's thoroughbred breeding industry has fallen into steady decline. From the 1950s to 2000, Virginia slipped from third to eleventh in producing thoroughbred foals in the United States. In the 1960s, Virginia produced 1,200 thoroughbred foals a year. By 2009, approximately 350 foals were born. In 1991, there were 154 stallions serving 837 mares. In 2008, there were 41 stallions serving 123 mares. Breeders need a steady supply of money to maintain operations. Proceeds from wagering are a recognized source. It has been estimated that Virginia loses $100 million per year over state lines in wagering revenues for breeders. The Virginia Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (VHBPA) and Virginia Thoroughbred Association (VTA)