the day you breed a horse until there is a little foal on the ground . Then it is another two years before the horse will be ready to race ,” says Charles Town HBPA President Jim Miller . “ As you can see , there is a three-year investment cycle . Over $ 320 million was bet on Charles Town races . That is a staggering number for visibility and eyes on Charles Town when we race three or four times a year . People bet from all over the place .”
The community of Charles Town is one of horse lovers . The town contains multitudes of farms and green pastures for horses to train , rest or retire .
“ We did an economic impact study , and 14 % of the community was employed by or in some way touched by the racing industry . The whole community is very much horse-centric — the diner downtown has a mural of racehorses on the wall ,” Gaige says . “ We are surrounded by farms and beautiful green estates . Everywhere you look we have beautiful farms .”
support of permitting green space . We have more grass rather than concrete . It is part of the cultural standpoint and very important in preserving green space ,” Miller says .
Thanks to the work of the HPBA , the horses — whether they are racing , training for jumping careers or barrel racing — all end up back out in the outdoors and well taken care of for retirement .
“ A trip to Charles Town gives spectators the chance to experience the bright lights , the thundering hooves and all the excitement that thoroughbred racing has to offer , while staying true to the roots of one of West Virginia ’ s first sports ,” Gaige says .
According to Miller , horse racing has been in Jefferson County for well over 200 years and is an integral part of the area .
“ Horse racing has been a cultural part of Jefferson County . In addition , given the agricultural nature of Jefferson County , the breeding and racing of horses has been in
Photo by Coady Photography .
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