Fasig-Tipton and Colonial Downs Forge Partnership
Fasig-Tipton has reached an agreement with Colonial Downs to sponsor the Virginia Oaks at the racetrack's upcoming meet.
The $150,000 Fasig-Tipton Virginia Oaks will be run on August 31, along with the $250,000 Virginia Derby (G3). These races are part of a 17-race stakes schedule totaling $1.8 million that will be conducted during the 15-day live race meeting, August 8 - September 7.
The much anticipated 2019 Colonial Downs meeting is the first in six years at the racetrack located outside of Richmond, Virginia.
"As one of the world's most respected Thoroughbred auction companies, we are very proud and excited to partner with Fasig-Tipton for our 2019 Colonial Downs race meeting," said Jill Byrne, Colonial Downs Vice President of Racing Operations. "The timing of Fasig's Saratoga Sale with the opening of our meeting later that week, and their sponsorship of the Fasig-Tipton Virginia Oaks begins a solid foundation to this new agreement."
Fasig-Tipton, which conducts three auctions annually in the Midlantic region, has a long history with the Virginia Thoroughbred industry, as well.
"Fasig-Tipton is pleased to be partnering with Colonial Downs to sponsor the Virginia Oaks as part of this exciting return of racing to Richmond area," said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning. "Our company is highly invested in the Midlantic region, and we also have deep roots in the Virginia Thoroughbred industry. This is a very natural partnership for us."
About Colonial Downs
Colonial Downs' bright future features the return of live thoroughbred racing and full card simulcasting with the excitement of innovative historic horse racing (HHR) gaming technology. In collaboration with the Virginia Racing Commission (VRC) and Virginia Equine Alliance (VEA), Colonial Downs is set to bring competitive horse racing back to New Kent County and the Commonwealth with the re-opening of the best turf track in the country and a future network of satellite HHR facilities branded as "Rosie's". Colonial Downs Group is making a $300 million investment in the Commonwealth of Virginia creating 800 new jobs by the end of 2019. This effort will generate $25 million annually in state tax revenues, $17 million annually in local tax revenues and $25 million annually to Virginia's horse industry. The project is not receiving any tax credits or government incentives.
For further information:
Anna Seitz, Fasig-Tipton, aseitz@fasigtipton.com, 859.255.1555
Mark Hubbard, Colonial Downs, mhubbard@mwcllc.com, 804.385.3772
