American Equestrian Industry Thrives With New Rules and Record-Breaking Historical Horse Racing Revenue

The equestrian community in Virginia is in for a big treat this fall. The Virginia Thoroughbred Association has developed a novel incentive program to boost the state’s breeding industry. Before this policy change, the breeding rules in Virginia were more relaxed than anywhere else in the country. As a result, there was a steady decline in the quality of thoroughbred horses.

The VTA hopes to change that and revitalize the state’s breeding program with a lucrative offer for the breeders. In the coming days, the equestrian fans will get to enjoy a new generation of racers at Colonial Downs.

Exciting times ahead for equestrian fans in Virginia

The VTA has introduced a state-bred bonus for the winners at Colonial Downs. The horses that rank 1st through 3rd will become eligible for an extra reward. However, the association has added one caveat, citing that the dam will have to stay in the state from conception till the birth of the foal. The rule went into effect on September 1 and has been well-received by the equestrian community in Virginia. In a conversation with Lancaster Farming, VTA Executive Director Debbie Easter underlined the reasons for the incentive program.

“We just thought Virginia should see more economic development now that we are paying first, second, and third”, Easter said. She has also attributed the success of the horse racing industry to the loyal fans of the sport. In the conversation, Easter has also highlighted the positive side of introducing the horse racing machines in Virginia. These machines resemble slot machines and have attracted a new demographic of fans to the racetracks.

According to Easter, there has been a massive surge in revenue since introducing the machines in Virginia. This has directly contributed to the growth of the equestrian industry in the state, raising it to a $4 billion empire. According to Easter, by the end of this year, the association will have an extra fund of $2.5million in their hands. She wants this money to go back into the hands of the hardworking breeders who play a crucial role in the industry’s success. The VTA has even bigger plans for the rest of the money to transform Virginia’s horse racing industry.

Virginia’s racing renaissance

In 2023, the VTA added three prestigious turf stakes in the iconic Colonial Downs race track. Their increased revenue has facilitated the shift of the Grade 1 Arlington Million, Beverly D. Stakes, and the Grade 2 Secretariat Stakes from Arlington Park to New Kent. Colonial Downs became the new stomping ground for the best Virginia-bred racehorse, Secretariat. The colt won the Secretariat Stakes and brought home a hefty reward for the owners. Similarly, Gigante earned a $153,450 bonus aside from the $306,900 prize money for his owners, Lapetus Racing and Diamond T Racing.

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The bonus program will make the equestrian events more exciting as owners will want to snatch the additional reward from the competitors. This policy change is more breeder-friendly and will position the state in the middle of North America’s competitive horse racing industry.

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