Debbie Easter

During its nine-week 2024 meet, Colonial Downs will offer more than $2.4 million in non-stakes purses to horses who are Virginia Certified and the track's first condition book features 46 Virginia-restricted races. Any horse that maintained residency in Virginia for at least a six-month consecutive period prior to Dec. 31 of its 2-year-old year qualifies. "We often hear from owners and trainers who did not know their horse qualifies for our Virginia Restricted races," said Gary Palmisano, Executive Director of Racing for Churchill Downs. "The rules are unique to what...

The Virginia-Certified Residency Program generated an estimated economic impact of $86.2 million between 2017 and 2023, according to a study commissioned by the Virginia Equine Alliance. "This is a significant total, especially taking into consideration that the program is still relatively new," said Debbie Easter, president of the Virginia Equine Alliance. "The program didn't begin until 2017, yet already is demonstrating its value." The program requires horses to reside at least six consecutive months at a Virginia farm during his or her first two years to receive a certification as...