VA: Colonial Downs Applies for 1 Day Race Meet

Paulick Report

Colonial Downs in Virginia has filed an application with the state racing commission to conduct one day of all-turf racing – Dec. 3.

It’s a move that Frank Petramalo, the executive director of the Virginia Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, called a “sham”.

According to a report in the Daily Racing Form, the application calls for eight turf races to be run on Dec. 3; average temperatures in that region at that time are usually in the mid-50s.

Petramalo told the DRF that the Virginia HBPA believes the application was filed with the racing commission in order to protect the track’s right to operate offtrack betting parlors in the state.

“In my opinion, this is simply an attempt to cut off the Virginia Equine Alliance’s right to operate Virginia offtrack betting parlors,” Petramalo said.

Colonial Downs has not held live racing since 2013. The track surrendered its license at the end of last year after the facility and the Virginia HBPA could not reach an agreement on 2014 racing dates.