
ABOUT THE VTA |
The Virginia Thoroughbred Association was organized in 1941 to cultivate the development of the Commonwealth's heritage as a producer of quality Thoroughbred horses. Today, more than 65 years later, the VTA presently boasts a membership base of more than 800 members.
The VTA is a service organization whose main goal is to assist members and to promote the Virginia Thoroughbred industry. With the passage in Virginia of pari-mutuel racing legislation in 1988 and the opening of Colonial Downs in 1997, the VTA has vastly expanded the scope of its operations.
The VTA has emerged as the industry leader assisting the Virginia Racing Commission in developing and fine-tuning the rules under which the Commission regulates the Virginia Breeders Fund. The VTA administers and promotes the Virginia Breeders Fund. The VTA also works closely with the Virginia HBPA and Colonial Downs to pursue the expansion of live horse racing in the Commonwealth. The organization and its staff constantly research and develop opportunities in an effort to strenghten and enhance Virginia's standing as one of the world's most important centers for Thoroughbred bloodstock.
The VTA's member-elected Board of Directors is comprised of owners, breeders, bloodstock agents, trainers and veterinarians who volunteer many hours of service developing programs and policies that represent and support every segment of the industry. |
On average 2 race per day for Virginia-bred, sired and certified horses during the Colonial Downs meet.
5 stakes for Virginia Bred and Virginia sired horses
2 stakes for Virginia Bred, Virginia sired and Virginia certified 2 year olds
Owners of Virginia Bred or sired horses earn a 50% purse bonus when their horses finish 1st through 4th in open races at Colonial Downs
Owners of Virginia bred or sired foals born prior to 2021 earn up to a 25% bonus on all race wins in NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD, WV. Awards for foals born in 2021 and after are paid to the developer (see out of state awards below)
Breeders bonuses are earned when a Virginia Bred finishes 1st - 3rd in any open race in NA, any race at Colonia Downs or any National Steeplechase Association sactioned race in Virginia.
Awards to owners of Virginia sires of Virginia Bred horses that finish 1st - 3rd in any open race in NA, any race at Colonial Downs or any National Steeplechase Association sactioned race in Virginia.
Developers bonuses are awarded when Virginia Bred, sired or certified horses win races in the mid-Atlantic region (NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD, WV & VA), up to a 25% bonus on the winning purse for open races and 10% of the winning purse for state restriced races. At Colonial Downs, Developers earn up to a 25% bonus in open races only. Developer bonuses will not be earned for West Virginia wins for 2023 foals and after.
No breed back rule, but mare must reside in Virginia from Sept 1st of the year bred through foaling following year. If the mare is purchased at a public auction after 9/1 and she resides in Virginia within 15 days after the sales concludes thru foaling, the resulting foal can be resitered as a Virginia Bred.
Average purses are about $700,000/day for 44 days of racing. Restricted race purses are 25% higher than open race purses.
In 2023 breeders awards were 34% of 1st - 3rd place purses won by Virginia Breds at tracks in NA. Stallion awards were 80% of the first place purse. Bonuses were awarded to developers of certified horses that won races in the Mid-Atlantic region (NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD, WV and VA).
Virginia-Bred: one time registration fee
Weanling- $125
Yearling- $150
2-Year-Old or older- $300
($100 discount if VTA member)
Virginia-Sired: one time registration fee
$125 ($100 discount if VTA member)
Virgnia-Certified: one time registration fee
$250 ($150 discount if VTA member)