Colonial cuts Virginia Derby purse

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.