by Darrell Wood

New Kent, VA — While a tornado-like wind storm touched down in New Kent County late Thursday afternoon several miles from Colonial Downs, the track was able to get its final race of the afternoon off without a glitch, though the result of the race was quite dynamic.

When #6 McBlack crossed the finish line nearly a length ahead of #8 Craig Michael, it triggered the largest win payout in the fifteen year history of Colonial Downs.

McBlack, who actually his won last time out, was overlooked by the betting public and sent off at odds of 186-1. The 3-year-old gelding returned a whopping $375.40 for a $2 win bet. That is the largest win payout ever at either the summer thoroughbred or fall harness season.

Due to weather concerns, the race actually went off close to one minute earlier than planned. The nearby wind event did not affect the Colonial Downs facility though.

The track, which continues running thru November 5, has its biggest event of the season this Saturday — a Trackside Tailgate Party, where you can drive your vehicle up to one of 300 trackside parking spots.