News and notes from around the Thoroughbred racing world, compiled by Thoroughbred Racing Communications, Inc. (TRC) (212.371.5911..)

COLONIAL DOWNS OFF AND RUNNING

America's newest racetrack opened on Sept. 1 to good reviews. Colonial Downs, located between Richmond and Williamsburg, Va., drew 13,468 patrons at a facility designed to hold 10,000, including Virginia Governor George Allen and Penny Chenery, who raced Virginia-bred Secretariat. Most of the horses entered were from Maryland, and with no racing in that state until Laurel Park's Oct. 7 opening, Colonial Downs racing secretary Lenny Hale expects a large horse population on the grounds. Racing contunes through Oct. 12.

COAST-TO-COAST TRIPLE PAYS $28.30

The Coast-to-Coast Triple, part of America's Day at the Races, paid $28.30 for a $1 wager with a total handle of $313,775. Bettors had to select the winners of three races: the Del Mar Derby at Del Mar (won by Anet), Miss Woodford Stakes at Monmouth Park (Vegas Prospector) and Arlington International's Springfield Stakes (Man the Shipp). The triple had a takeout an extremely low takeout of 10 percent.

CALDER TO HOLD BENEFIT FOR BUONICONTI FUND

On April 29, the Thoroughbred Racing Associations (TRA) announced the launch of a charitable campaign to support spinal cord injury research through contributions to the Buoniconti Fund, the national fund-raising arm of the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. Because the inherent dangers of race-riding have made spinal cord injuries a major concern of the industry, the TRA Board of Directors agreed to support the Buoniconti Fund either through direct contributions or fund-raising activities at member tracks. Calder Racecourse in Miami, always a generous booster, has doubled its contribution to $50,000 this year, and will stage a special day for donations on Sept. 6. For a minimum $5 donation, fans will get the chance to win a football from the Miami Dolphins 1972 undefeated season, autographed by quarterback Bob Griese. Other prizes include a baseball signed by Marlins pitcher Alex Fernandez and a puck autographed by Florida Panthers goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck as well as a Panthers jersey. Three players from the Dolphins' 1972 season, Jim Kiick, Manny Fernandez and Jim Mandich, will be on hand, as will Panthers coach Doug MacLean.

The fund is named for Marc Buoniconti, son of former Miami Dolphins All-Pro linebacker Nick Buoniconti, who was injured during a college football game in October, 1985, and is now a quadriplegic.

ARLINGTON TO SERVE AS HUB FOR ARC

Arlington International Racecourse, in Arlington Heights, Ill., will act as the western hemisphere hub site for simulcasting and marketing of the Group 1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, to be run at Longchamp in Paris on Oct. 5. The Arc, Europe's most prestigious race, always produces strong contenders for the Breeders' Cup Turf, to be held Nov. 8 at Hollywood Park. Pilsudski (IRE), last year's Arc runner-up, won the Breeders' Cup Turf.

MONMOUTH PARK BREAKS RECORDS

The 1997 Monmouth Park meet ended Sept. 1 with attendance up and handle down over last year. Several highlights were reached, though, including a record Haskell crowd of 39,219 and a single-day wagering mark of $9.7 million, also on Haskell day. Formal Gold set a track record for 1 1-8 miles in 1:40 1-5 in his win in the Philip H. Iselin Handicap.