In a year marked by stellar performances, Virginia's equine industry celebrated its finest at the prestigious Virginia Derby Day festivities on March 15, 2025. The event, held at Colonial Downs, honored multiple champions from the 2024 racing season. Among the highlights was Determined Kingdom, named Virginia-Bred Horse of the Year for an exceptional campaign that included wins in the Punch Line Stakes and Meadow Stable Handicap. Additionally, the Virginia Derby transitioned to a dirt race this year, becoming an official qualifier for the Kentucky Derby. Other notable honorees included Gigante as Virginia-Bred Turf Horse of the Year, Sail ThesevenSeas and Saxton as top freshmen, Tufani for Older Female accolades, and Susan Cooney as Trainer of the Year. This celebration underscored the strength and diversity of Virginia's thoroughbred racing community.

Determined Kingdom, a 6-year-old gelding, showcased remarkable consistency and versatility throughout 2024. Trained by Phil Schoenthal, this Animal Kingdom descendant secured four victories from six starts, earning $285,900 and pushing his career total to over $734,000. His triumphs included the Punch Line Stakes and Meadow Stable Handicap at Colonial Downs, along with strong finishes in allowance races at Keeneland and Laurel. Determined Kingdom's success was not just limited to 2024; he had previously claimed several Virginia-bred stakes titles, including the Punch Line in 2022 and 2023, Meadow Stable in 2023, and Jamestown in 2021. Breeding excellence played a crucial role, as Determined Kingdom was bred by Audley Farm Equine, contributing to his consistent high performance.

The spotlight also shone on Gigante, who earned the title of Virginia-Bred Turf Horse of the Year. Under Steve Asmussen's guidance, this 5-year-old Not This Time horse accumulated $152,175 from five starts, highlighted by a victory in the Buddy Diliberto Memorial Stakes at Fair Grounds. His career trajectory began in 2022 with wins at Colonial Downs, followed by a Grade 2 Secretariat Stakes win in 2023. Gigante's ownership changed hands in January 2025, sold for $610,000 to Clark Brewster & L and N Racing, further testament to his value and potential. Bred by Ann Mudge Backer and Smitten Farm, Gigante exemplified the pinnacle of turf racing prowess.

Emerging talent was recognized through the freshman awards, with Sail ThesevenSeas and Saxton leading the charge. Sail ThesevenSeas, trained by Michael Trombetta, finished in the top three in all five of her races, culminating in a maiden special weight win at Laurel. Her summer performances included second-place finishes in both the Jamestown and Keswick Stakes at Colonial. Saxton, under Cathal Lynch's training, bankrolled $110,400 with two wins from five starts. He excelled in a maiden special weight race at New Kent and an allowance win at Laurel, demonstrating early promise in his career.

Tufani, a 5-year-old mare owned by Susan Naylor, was crowned Top Virginia-Bred Older Female. Trained by Michael Stidham, she clinched victories in the Brookmeade Stakes and Nellie Mae Cox Handicap at Colonial Downs, amassing $188,500 in earnings for the year. Jockey Ben Curtis played a pivotal role in her successes, guiding her to these key wins. Tufani's achievements reflect the depth and quality of Virginia's older female racing stock.

Susan Cooney emerged as the Trainer of the Year, marking a standout year for her stable based in Delaplane. With 11 wins, 9 seconds, and 17 third-place finishes, Cooney's horses dominated the track. Notably, Carolina Hideaway thrived during the summer at Colonial Downs, winning a maiden special weight and an allowance race. Speak Your Mind also contributed significantly, securing two wins at Laurel, while seven other horses from her stable captured individual victories. Cooney's leadership and expertise were instrumental in shaping the future of Virginia's racing scene.

The accolades extended beyond the traditional categories, recognizing Virginia-certified performers like Future Is Now and Book’em Danno. Future Is Now, a 5-year-old mare, earned $513,155 with wins in four stakes races, including two Grade 2 events. Book’em Danno, a 4-year-old gelding, collected $807,500 with three stakes wins, including a Grade 1 victory in the Woody Stephens Stakes. These achievements highlight the competitive spirit and excellence within Virginia's equine community, setting the stage for continued success in the future.