The Kentucky Derby’s signature drink, a Mint Julep, originated in Virginia and was perfected in Richmond.

Til.

There's a neat short documentary about John Dabney, the formerly enslaved man who became one of the most in demand bartenders and restaurant owners in Richmond. He was very well known for his take on the mint julep, The Hailstorm, and is partially credited with elevating the drink to a more sophisticated crowd.

The Jasper serves the Hailstorm if anyone is curious and wants to try it! Didn't know about the history of the drink, that's really interresting

So they're trying to sneak in the casino deal?

I am interested to see if this improves the quality of the racing here in Virginia. Colonial Downs has a bad reputation for being the bottom of the barrel horses and I would love to see that change.

It doesn’t change anything about the current situation of the casino. It’s just urban ones partner that is changing.

Didn't they also only have races during weekday afternoons this past summer?

Yes, because the horse owners wanted to race in more popular places like Maryland on the weekends.