Horse Racing News Update: Charlie Appleby’s Nations Pride Faces Tough Field in Arlington Million at Colonial Downs
(Colonial Downs, New Kent, VA) The stage is set for an exciting day of racing at Colonial Downs, as Charlie Appleby’s Nations Pride takes on five rivals in the prestigious Grade 1 Arlington Million on the turf.
First run 43 years ago in Chicagoland as the world’s first $1 million Thoroughbred race, the Million anchors a stakes-heavy day in New Kent, Virginia, between Richmond and Williamsburg. The Beverly D. (G2) and Secretariat (G2) will also be contested on the Colonial grass.
Nations Pride, a 5-year-old Godolphin homebred entire by Teofilo, is making only his third start this year. The Irish-bred horse is stretching back to his preferred distance of 1 1/4 miles, at which he has an impressive 6-for-8 record. That includes the 2023 Canadian International (G1) at Woodbine, where he last found the winner’s circle.
Appleby’s assistant Christiane Harley spoke highly of Nations Pride’s ability to thrive when traveling, noting his Group 1 win in Germany last year and his first Grade 1 victory in the 2022 Saratoga Derby Invitational.
The Arlington Million field of six is the smallest ever for the race. Contenders include Ascot Summer Mile (G2) runner-up Ancient Rome, Kelso (G3) second-place finisher Talk of the Nation, and last-year’s Million Preview victor Integration, who is undefeated in three starts at Colonial Downs.
Jockey William Buick will guide Nations Pride from post position 4 as Appleby continues his mission to conquer the American racing landscape.
The Beverly D. (G2) and Secretariat (G2)
In the Beverly D. (G2), 6-year-old mare Fev Rover will try to defend her title, having led from gate to wire in last year’s inaugural running of the race at Colonial. The Ireland-bred millionaire, trained by Mark Casse, faces a tough challenge from the likes of Canada’s 2022 Horse of the Year Moira and the Neil Drysdale-trained Nadette.
The Secretariat (G2) features a competitive field of 3-year-olds, led by the Graham Motion-trained Trikari. The Oscar Performance filly is cutting back to one mile after winning last month’s Belmont Derby Invitational (G1). She’ll face off against last-out winners Brilliant Berti, Bear River, Fulmineo, and General Ledger.
“With an exciting slate of graded stakes races, Colonial Downs is set to provide horse racing fans with an unforgettable day of action.”
Stay tuned for updates on the results and performances from this stakes-filled event.
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