Virginia Racing Commission

To Our Partners in Racing Integrity

As we near the conclusion of a thrilling and competitive summer of racing at Colonial Downs, we want to extend our sincere congratulations and thanks to every one of you. Your professionalism, dedication, and horsemanship have made this a safe and successful meet. Together, you have showcased our corner of the world to an international audience, and we should all be proud of the high-quality racing you have presented.

This success is built upon a shared commitment to the core principles of our sport: putting the welfare of the horse first and ensuring the integrity of every race. Maintaining these high standards requires a clear understanding of our collective responsibilities. To ensure we are all on the same page as we head into the fall season, it is important to remember the established framework that governs our sport:

Our Authority and Your Duty

As granted by Virginia law and in conjunction with federal authorities, our officials (investigators, veterinarians, stewards) have the power to:

• Conduct searches of any person, stable, room, or vehicle within the racetrack enclosure.
• Seize any prohibited medication, drugs, or devices.
• Collect biological samples from any horse under our jurisdiction at any time.
• Access all required treatment records and documentation.

As a licensee, it is your duty to:

• Cooperate fully and truthfully with all racing officials.
• Be responsible for the condition of the horses in your care (the Absolute Insurer Rule).
• Conduct your business with the honesty and integrity befitting the sport.

Our Commitment to You

Our goal is to promote and ensure a fair and safe environment for all competitors. We prefer proactive compliance over punitive action. Our agency is here to be a resource. If you have questions about a rule, a medication withdrawal time, or a protocol, please ask. Open communication helps prevent violations before they happen. During high-profile race days, when the eyes of the racing world are upon us, this commitment results in increased vigilance and a more visible presence from our team.

A Few Practical Reminders for a Smooth Finish

As we all focus on the key races, it's often the small details that ensure everything runs smoothly. In that spirit, please keep the following in mind:

• Licensing and Badges: All persons on the backside must be properly licensed. Please ensure your VRC license is visible at all times. Unlicensed individuals, including guests or family members, are not permitted in the stable area without a proper escort and/or authorization. You may reach out to the staff in the racing office regarding the track's policy.
• Treatment Records: Please ensure your treatment records for all horses are accurate, up-to-date, and available for inspection as required by state and federal regulations.
• Barn Area Safety and Security: Keep your barns and shedrows clean and orderly. Ensure fire lanes remain clear. All children under 16 must be accompanied by a licensed adult.
• Contraband: Be diligent in ensuring no prohibited items are present in your stalls, tack rooms, or vehicles. This includes not only banned substances but also unauthorized items such as unlabeled medications, weapons, and needles or syringes.

Thank you again for an outstanding season so far. We are incredibly optimistic about the future of racing in the Commonwealth and look forward to seeing many of you at the Shenandoah Downs harness meet and for the fall steeplechase season, including the International Gold Cup.

We wish you all a safe and successful conclusion to your Colonial Downs campaign and the very best of luck in all the great racing yet to come.

Respectfully,

Stephanie Nixon Chair Virginia Racing Commission

Waqas Ahmed Executive Secretary Virginia Racing Commission