RD82 - Annual Report of the Virginia Racing Commission


Executive Summary:
Pursuant to the provisions of the Code of Virginia Title 59, Chapter 29, Section 59.1-369 relating to horse racing with pari-mutuel wagering, it is my privilege and pleasure to submit herewith the 2005 Annual Report of the Virginia Racing Commission.

The pari-mutuel horse racing industry in Virginia represents an important segment of the Commonwealth's economy not only from the operations of Colonial Downs and its satellite wagering facilities, but also through the agribusiness activity represented by the breeding, training and related support activities for race horses throughout the Commonwealth.

In 2005, with the addition of new satellite wagering facilities in Martinsville and Chesapeake, Colonial Downs had eight facilities open in south central and western Virginia. A ninth facility was opened in Scott County near the Bristol, TN boarder on January 18, 2006. Additional purse money being generated at the new facilities will provide more live racing days in future years at the New Kent racetrack from both thoroughbred and standardbred (harness) owners and breeders.

Colonial Downs and Virginia continue to receive national attention with the introduction of the Jacobs Entertainment Grand Slam of Grass. In 2006, two legs of the four-race series will be run at Colonial Downs-the $1,000,000 Colonial Cup and the $1,000,000 Virginia Derby. The goal is to grow the races to a level that ranks the two events among the top five sports events held in Virginia each year.

The Racing Commission remains committed to insuring the integrity of racing for its participants and patrons and appreciates the support it has received from the Administration and the General Assembly.