I am excited for the reopening of Colonial Downs and the introduction of historical horse racing to Virginia.  A healthy and vibrant horse racing industry in Virginia will mean economic development and job creation that extends far beyond the track itself.  Historical horse racing will create thousands of new jobs, tens of millions in State and local tax revenue, and millions more in economic development statewide if fully implemented.  I thank the Virginia Racing Commission for moving quickly to make this happen and I ask that the new regulations for Colonial Downs in regards to the number of historical horse racing machines, be market driven so that Virginia can successfully compete with other states, and so that we do not restrict Colonial Downs from reaching its true potential.