Sporting Pursuits

Photos by Vicky Moon and Coady Photography

The XXXIII edition of the West Virginia Breeder’s Classic under the guidance and care of President Carol Holden of Middleburg kicked off with a Gala Dinner Dance sponsored by Valley Equine at the Clarion Hotel in Shepherdstown. Owners, trainers, sponsors and friends gathered in the ballroom for dinner and the can’t-sit-still, toetapping music of Prince Haveley and the HRH Band. The following evening, many more gathered at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, reveling at the races sponsored by the West Virginia Thoroughbred Breeders Association, the Bank of Charles Town and the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce.

Jockey Xavier Perez guided Anna’s Bandit, owned By No Guts No Glory Farm, to a 5 ½- length victory in the $175, 000 Cavada Classic Stakes at seven furlongs for fillies and mares, three years old and up. The winner’s share was $157,500.

The featured $300,000 Stakes, at 1 1/8 miles for Three Year Olds and up, was won by the bay gelding Castle Bound trained by James Casey and owned by Taylor Mountain Farm. The Casey/Taylor Mountain Farm team won three races on the card.

Kevin Haymaker, senior vice president of Bank of Charles Town, with Dennise Haymaker.

Ann MacLeod and Lenny Hale are regular attendees.

Gustravo Larrosa rode Castle Bound to an astounding victory by a head, which paid $138.40 for a $2 win ticket.

Sharyn Correy and Cindy Tucker Curtis.

Tim Grams chats with Carol Holden.