Keys Discount: A Rising Star in Timber Racing Wins The Virginia Gold Cup
On May 3, 2025, during the 100th running of the Virginia Gold Cup at Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia, Keys Discount secured a notable victory in the prestigious $100,000 timber stakes race. Ridden by jockey Graham Watters, the six-year-old Maryland-bred gelding showcased resilience and tactical prowess to clinch his second consecutive stakes win.
In the centennial edition of the Virginia Gold Cup, Keys Discount, owned by Dolly Fisher, demonstrated strategic racing by initially taking the lead, then allowing Uco Valley to set the pace. Around the 3½-mile mark, Keys Discount regained the front position and maintained it through the stretch, ultimately finishing 1¾ lengths ahead of Irv Naylor’s Family Tree. Bogey’s Image secured third place.
This victory marked a significant milestone for Keys Discount, as it was his first win in the Virginia Gold Cup and his second stakes win of the year. Previously, he had triumphed in the $50,000 Virginia Gold Cup Timber Stakes at the same venue on April 6, 2025. The horse's impressive performance has solidified his status as a rising star in timber racing.
Wizards Well (IRE): A Breakthrough Victory at the 2025 Virginia Gold Cup
Jockey Harrison Beswick and The Wizards Well
The Wizards Well (IRE) achieved his first career win in the opening race of the day. Ridden by jockey Harrison Beswick, the Irish-bred gelding led from start to finish, securing a decisive victory for owner Runnymoore Racing LLC and trainer Todd McKenna. The Wizards Well showcased a strong performance by taking the lead early and maintaining it throughout the course. His front-running strategy paid off, as he managed to fend off competitors and cross the finish line first, earning accolades from spectators and affirming the confidence placed in him by his connections.
Prior to this race, The Wizards Well had participated in five starts without a win, though he had placed in two of them. His earnings before the Virginia Gold Cup victory totaled approximately $8,400 USD. The win at Great Meadow marked a significant milestone in his racing career, demonstrating his potential in steeplechase events.
With this maiden victory, The Wizards Well is poised for further success in the steeplechase circuit. The combination of his demonstrated stamina and the skilled guidance of jockey H. Beswick and trainer Todd McKenna suggests a promising future for this gelding in upcoming races.
Cool Jet (IRE): A Veteran's Triumph at the 2025 Virginia Gold Cup
Jockey Bernard Dalton and Cool Jet
At the 100th running of the Virginia Gold Cup on May 3, 2025, Cool Jet (IRE), a nine-year-old bay gelding, delivered a standout performance by winning the Grade 1 Commonwealth Cup at Great Meadow Race Course in The Plains, Virginia. Ridden by veteran jockey Bernard Dalton and trained by Jack Fisher, Cool Jet led the race from start to finish, showcasing his experience and stamina over the 2 1/8-mile hurdle course.
Cool Jet's victory in the Commonwealth Cup marked his first Grade 1 win and his first victory since 2023. Prior to this, he had notable successes, including wins in the AFLAC Supreme Hurdle Stakes and the Green Pastures Stakes. His career record reflects his consistency and competitiveness in the steeplechase circuit.
A Century of Steeplechase Tradition
On Saturday, May 3, 2025, the Virginia Gold Cup celebrated its centennial at Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia. This milestone event honored a century of steeplechase tradition, drawing over 50,000 spectators to witness thrilling races, partake in vibrant festivities, and revel in the pageantry that defines this iconic gathering.
The Virginia Gold Cup's origins trace back to April 3, 1922, when eight sportsmen convened at the Fauquier Club in Warrenton, Virginia, to organize a four-mile race over natural obstacles in the countryside. Just 34 days later, the inaugural race was held, marking the beginning of what would become one of the nation's most prestigious steeplechase events.
Initially hosted at Broadview Farm, the event relocated to Great Meadow in 1985 after Arthur W. "Nick" Arundel purchased the 500-acre property to preserve it as open space and a permanent home for the Gold Cup . Since then, Great Meadow has evolved into a premier venue for equestrian sports and community events.
Megan Connolly: The Voice Behind the Winner’s Circle at the Virginia Gold Cup
At the 100th running of the Virginia Gold Cup on May 3, 2025, Megan Connolly served as the Winner’s Circle announcer, providing expert analysis and engaging commentary throughout the event. A seasoned figure in the steeplechase community, Connolly is renowned for her insightful horse picks and dynamic presence at race meets.
Her role extended beyond mere announcements; Connolly offered in-depth rundowns on various horses, highlighting favorites, potential upsets, and long shots before each race. This expertise enriched the spectator experience, especially for those new to steeplechase racing.
Connolly's association with the National Steeplechase Association (NSA) is well-established. She has been a familiar commentator at numerous meets and served as the master of ceremonies at the NSA awards gala in January 2023, underscoring her prominence in the sport
Connolly's passion for horses and racing is evident in her work, and her contributions to the Virginia Gold Cup have made her a beloved figure among fans and participants alike. Her ability to connect with the audience and provide valuable insights has solidified her status as a key voice in the world of steeplechase racing. Her contributions have significantly enhanced the visibility and appreciation of steeplechase racing, making her an integral part of events like the Virginia Gold Cup.
Saluter: The All Time Gold Cup Champion and The Horse of the Century
According to The Virginia Gold Cup Association, the undisputed greatest horse in the long history of the Virginia Gold Cup and International Gold Cup has been Mr. & Mrs. Henry Stern’s big bay gelding, Saluter. His race record includes six wins of the Virginia Gold Cup and two wins of the International Gold Cup.
Saluter’s record also includes an 11-year record of the Virginia Gold Cup’s fastest time (8:27 over the 4-mile course in 1995) and the honor of retiring the seventh Gold Cup trophy in 1998 after his fifth consecutive Gold Cup win. He then returned in 1999 at 11 years old, shocking the crowds, to win his sixth straight Virginia Gold Cup, making Jack Fisher the all-time top winning rider with nine wins of the Virginia Gold Cup. Along the way, Saluter also swept the 1997 first running of the World Timber Championship by winning both the Virginia Gold Cup and Marlborough Cup in England.
Saluter’s course record for the Gold Cup was eventually broken in 2006 when Kinross Farm’s Miles Ahead’s time of 8:19 shaved 8 seconds off of his previous record time. The current record holder is Charles C. Fenwick Jr.'s Doc Cebu (8:15 at the 2020 Gold Cup).
Saluter passed away in August 2017 at the home of his trainer Jack Fisher's farm in Monkton, MD where he was living the life of leisure after his retirement from racing. He was 28.
Beyond the races, the Virginia Gold Cup is renowned for its vibrant social scene. The Hat Contest drew participants adorned in elaborate and creative headwear, reflecting both tradition and personal flair. Simultaneously, the Tailgate Contest featured themed setups ranging from classic Southern charm to avant-garde designs, with attendees showcasing culinary delights and inventive decorations.
Vendor tents offered a variety of shopping opportunities, from equestrian gear to artisanal crafts, enhancing the festive atmosphere. Attendees also enjoyed gourmet food options and signature cocktails, making the event a comprehensive celebration of Virginia's rich cultural tapestry.
