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Colonial Downs Meet Begins with Record Opening Day Handle

Colonial Downs kicked off its 2021 racing season Monday with a record opening day handle of $2.66 million, spurred by a four-pack of $100,000 Virginia-restricted turf stakes races, and the return of fans to the New Kent track now in its third year under ownership of the Colonial Downs Group.

“We would like to thank the horsemen, our fans on and off site and our team for starting the meet on the right foot,” said John Marshall, Executive VP Operations for the Colonial Downs Group. “What a delight it was to see 2,500 fans at Colonial Downs on a Monday afternoon with such enthusiasm. We appreciate our fans for urging a new all-time Colonial Downs all-source handle opening day record. Looking at today's card, Colonial Downs has arrived at a whole new level.”

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Bill Sellers to Retire as Lane’s End Farm Stallion Manager

Lane's End Farm's longtime Stallion Manager Bill Sellers will retire in September after 39 years of service. Sellers has overseen the management and care of influential Lane's End stallions including the legendary A.P. Indy, champion sires Kingmambo, Smart Strike, Dixieland Band, Gulch, Lemon Drop Kid, Mineshaft and City Zip in addition to current top stallions Quality Road, Candy Ride (Arg), Union Rags and Twirling Candy.

Sellers has been a valued member of the Lane's End Farm team since 1982, when he was hired in a foreman capacity to work with the farm's first yearling crop and with mares and foals. He became stallion manager at the beginning of the development of the Lane's End stallion division in 1985. In this position, he established the foundation of best practices that would ensure the health and safety of the stallions and result in smooth management of the breeding shed.

Will Farish, Lane's End Farm owner, said, “Bill Sellers has contributed significantly to the success of Lane's End as a leading Thoroughbred breeding farm. Billy's exceptional diligence and hard work have been instrumental in building the Lane's End stallion division into a world renowned operation known for the highest level of horse care and management. We take this opportunity to thank Billy for dedicating his career to Lane's End Farm. We will miss him greatly and wish him the very best in his retirement.”

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Keeneland Condenses Final Sessions of September Sale

The final two sessions of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale have been condensed into one day of selling and the auction will now conclude Sept. 24. This joint day of selling will offer Session 11 hips in the morning and Session 12 hips in the afternoon.

In announcing the change, Keeneland said, “The adjustment will allow buyers to have a full day of yearlings to consider rather than two shorter sessions at the end of the sale, and generate a more vibrant market for all involved on Friday.”

The September sale had originally been slate to conclude Saturday, Sept. 25.

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TVG Expands Collaboration With Jockeys

Officials at TVG have announced that members of the Del Mar riding colony will collaborate with the network to enhance its daily coverage of horse racing.

Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, who has appeared in commercial endorsements for TVG in the past, will be joined by his colleagues Umberto Rispoli, Flavien Prat and Jessica Pyfer in contributing to broadcasts, social media content and overall online presence.

In addition to periodically wearing cameras on their helmets during races, all the jockeys will make appearances as special guests on the network when their riding schedules allow to provide previews and analysis of upcoming races. All will also contribute to news.tvg.com.

“We are so excited to welcome some of the brightest stars in the sport to the TVG team,” said Kevin Grigsby, Executive Producer and Senior Vice President of Television. “These riders will further enhance the fan experience through their unique perspectives and experiences both in and out of the saddle.”

In addition to Smith, Prat, Rispoli and Pyfer, TVG may expand its content collaboration with other riders in California and other major racing markets, Grigsby indicated.

“I am excited for the chance to work with TVG as my riding schedule allows,” said Smith. “TVG is part of the fabric of our sport, the network has always been supportive of the riders, and I'm looking forward to being able to further connect with the fans.”

TVG's Del Mar coverage this summer will also include Jockey Cams worn by Rispoli, Prat and Pyfer.

TVG has been a longstanding supporter of the Jockeys Guild PDJF and will again partner with the organization for the charity telethon later in the year.

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