Colonial cuts Virginia Derby purse
Colonial Downs has reduced the purses for its two premier events, the
Virginia Derby (G2) and the Colonial Turf Cup (G3), in order to maintain the
quality of its overnight program during its longest-ever 45-day summer meet. The
Virginia Derby, which was formerly worth $1 million, will now feature a $750,000
purse. The Colonial Turf Cup was trimmed from $750,000 to $600,000.
“We are absolutely committed to maintaining the quality of overnight races
for the horsemen and our fans,” Colonial Downs General Manager Iain Woolnough
said. “The only way to do that with five more race dates in 2008 is to reduce
the Virginia Derby and Colonial Turf Cup purses.”
Purses are expected to average $200,000 per day in 2008. Over the course of
the meet, which opens on June 9 and runs through August 6, Colonial will run 17
stakes worth a combined $2.52 million.
The 1 3/16-mile Colonial Turf Cup on June 21 kicks off the Grand Slam of
Grass, a four-race series for turf horses. Jacobs Investments offers a
multi-million dollar bonus that would bring total earnings in the series to $5
million for any horse who can sweep the four races. The Grand Slam of Grass
continues at Colonial with the Virginia Derby on July 19 and concludes with the
$400,000 Secretariat S. (G1) on August 9 at Arlington Park and the $3 million
Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) on October 25 at Oak Tree.
The Colonial Turf Cup card also features a pair of distaff stakes, the
$200,000 All Along S. (G3) and the $60,000 Buckland S. The All Along is
contested at 1 1/8 miles on the Secretariat Turf Course, while the Buckland is a
5 1/2-furlong turf dash.
Despite the purse cut, the Virginia Derby is still the richest turf race in
the country for three-year-olds. In the last five years, the 1 1/4-mile test has
attracted two champions and eight Grade 1 winners. The 11th running of the
Virginia Derby will be broadcast live on CBS from 5 to 6 p.m. (EDT).
The $200,000 Virginia Oaks (G3) and the $60,000 Kitten’s Joy S. serve as
supporting events on Virginia Derby Day. The Virginia Oaks, run at 1 1/8 miles
on the turf, has been newly elevated to graded status, following the victory of
champion Dreaming of Anna (Rahy) last year. The Kitten’s Joy is a 1 1/16-mile
turf event honoring the 2004 Virginia Derby winner, who was later voted champion
turf male.
The $50,000 David L. “Zeke” Ferguson Memorial Steeplechase (NSA-G3) on July
13 highlights Colonial’s steeplechase program.
Racing will generally follow a Friday through Tuesday schedule. Post time is
12:55 p.m. on weekends and 5 p.m. on weekdays.