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Air Support Wins the 14 Virginia Derby By a Neck Over Banned

July 16, 2011

(NEW KENT, VA — 7/16/11) — Air Support nosed out Banned after the two waged a thrilling stretch duel over the Secretariat Turf Course in Saturday’s 14th running of the $600,000 Virginia Derby (Gr. II) at Colonial Downs. A field of twelve went postward in the 1¼ mile stakes.

Favored Street Game led from the start under the direction of three time Virginia Derby winning jockey Edgar Prado. The Street Cry colt, who dominated in the Grade III Hill Prince Stakes last month at Belmont, led through the mile, and took a one half length lead into the stretch. Air Support and Banned, third and fourth at that point, both passed Casino Host and the frontrunner, then thrilled a crowd that included Secretariat’s owner Penny Chenery with a great finish.

When Air Support crossed a neck better than Banned in 2:00.80, he gained a  bit of revenge on Street Game. The Smart Strike colt was second to Street Game in the Hill Prince Stakes, but he reversed fortunes Saturday and was seven lengths better in Virginia’s Derby. He paid $15.60 to win.

“I always thought my horse needed more ground,” said Air Support’s owner Stuart Janney. “We’ve been pointing to this race all year because it’s the right distance. Alex (Solis) moved him up nicely in the field and put in him perfect position heading for home.”

Looking forward, Janney spoke of his horse’s next move. “There’s nice stakes both in Arlington and at Saratoga, so we’ll see how he comes out of this race and make a decision. I know the Virginia Derby is a Grade II race but you’d think it was a Grade I based on the horses that entered.”

With the win, Air Support is now 4-of-7 on turf and has earnings on grass of over $575,000. The Kentucky-bred is trained by Claude McGaughey, who was shipping his stable into Saratoga Saturday and didn’t make the trip to Colonial.

There were four other stakes on the Derby Day under card. In the Grade III Virginia Oaks, Excited scored a half length win over Summer Savory in the 1 1/8 test for sophomore fillies. Jockey John Velazquez directed the victorious effort for trainer Todd Pletcher and owner Michael Tabor. Excited stayed in third throughout while Wyomia and Mystical Star battled early on. Wyomia hung on for third, a length behind the winner.  

In the $50,000 Kitten’s Joy stakes, Action Andy gave Ashland, Virginia based trainer Stephanie Nixon her first stakes win ever in the fifteen years she has been conditioning horses. “To win it at Colonial makes it even more special,” said Nixon, who has a 23 horse stable at New Kent. “I’m so excited, I don’t what to do.”

Both of the $50,000 two year old stakes were decided by a head. Softly Lit won the Tippett for fillies while Major Magic captured the Chenery. Softly Lit’s win gave trainer Dane Kobiskie a share of the leading trainer honors with Michael Pino.

Virginia Derby Past Winners

Virginia Derby Records

If you’re looking to be part of for the most intimate Derby Day gathering in the most unique Derby Day setting, keep reading!

You may have seen our new infield viewing area called “Top o’ the Tote”, where you can enjoy turf racing literally from on top of the infield tote board.

On Derby Day, we’re transforming that three level area into a Party Deck, where you can watch 8 turf races, including the Virginia Derby, up close and personal! We’ll have hot dogs, burgers, beer, soft drinks and betting terminals out there, and we’re only making it available to 75 people!

A $20 “Top o’ the Tote” Party Deck ticket includes Derby Day admission, “Top o’ the Tote access, a race program, tip sheet, and vouchers for a hot dog or burger, beer or soft drink and your first $2 bet!

Other Seating Options

General Admission Access to the first floor grandstand and trackside areas.	Reserved Grandstand Seats Covered grandstand seating to the left & right of the box seats only steps away from bars and betting windows.	Box Seats Covered seating overlooking the finish line, with betting windows and a bar steps from your seat, along with limited food service.
Jockey Club Dining Room Reserved table seating on the third level. Enjoy great food and simulcasting on your party's personal TV or on any of the over 50 other public TV's placed throughout the Jockey Club.	Jockey Club Bar & Lounge Bar / Lounge seating on the third level. Enjoy great food and simulcasting on any of the over 50 public TV's placed throughout the Jockey Club and above the bar.
Turf Club Reserved table seating on the fourth level. Watch the races from the Turf Club's outdoor balcony overlooking the finish line! This year enjoy our Turf Club Buffet included with admission.	Turf Club Bar Reserved bar seating on the fourth level. Watch the races from the Turf Club's outdoor balcony overlooking the finish line! This year enjoy our Turf Club Buffet included with admission.