As an owner of an equestrian property in Quinton VA in New Kent County, I am very excited and have great anticipation for the opening of Colonial Downs. Having lived previously in Washington state, my wife and I enjoyed the excitement, fun and class of horse racing. We are highly encouraged by the opening of Colonial Downs as we have missed this entertainment in our lives since moving to Virginia in 2015. We have made a few trips to Maryland to see horses run, but the lack of convenience make it harder to have an enjoyable experience.                   

With Colonial Downs in my backyard, my wife and I will again get to enjoy something that we really love to do. The increase in jobs, income for the state and county, and bringing the horse community together is a great thing for all of Virginia. With the draw of all the history in Central Virginia, as a destination for vacationers, it is essential that Virginia keeps up with the ingenuity and growth of other states to be able to keep up and draw the dollars of out of state visitors and keep our in state dollars here.

I am so grateful that Governor Northam and the politicians in the state of Virginia worked with and helped the equestrian community to bring back horse racing to the great state of Virginia. The benefits of higher property values, money for the area as a whole and the love of the sport will be a great opportunity for Virginia to move in the right direction for much needed entertainment and destination in Central Virginia.