CHESTER, W.Va. -
It was off to the races on Saturday at Mountaineer Racetrack and Gaming Casino.
The West Virginia Derby kicked off just before 6 p.m. on Saturday. Nine horses ran in the featured race of the day, including the favorite horse named Hanson.
Hanson is a 3 year old horse that has a grade one win under his belt as a juvenile. 7 News was told the horse's tail would be dipped in blue to represent West Virginia.
Race Director Rose Mary Williams says Saturday is the biggest day for horse racing in the mountain state. The prize for winning the West Virginia Derby is $750,000.
Races started at 2 Saturday afternoon, and so did the betting. Patrons could wager on horses in any race. Saturday also featured a derby hat contest, raffle drawings, and an after party in the hotel and casino.
Horse races in West Virginia date all the way back to the 1700's. Charles Washington, who is President George Washington's brother, organized races in the streets of what is now known as Charlestown.
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