The 39th Running of the WV Breeders Classics

The  39th Running of the WV Breeders Classics was held on Saturday 11th October at Charles Town Races and what a night under the lights it was in the great Mountain State.

It all began in 1987, with the dream and inspirational vision of the late Sam Huff, the West Virginia native and Hall of Fame linebacker, this year’s annual event has grown to 10 races with over 1 million dollars in purses, and includes a Friday night Gala, the Sam Huff Tournament the day before and a Friday night Gala.  

At the Friday evening Gala, West Virginia Racing Chairman Paul Espinosa noted that the annual event has become the Mountain State’s own “Super Bowl.”  Chairman Espinosa’s longtime family’s multi-generational connections to West Virginia racing includes his father, Victor Espinosa (trainer) and his son, Paul Espinosa, Jr., who is often noted as one of the best track announcers in the country and calls the races at Hollywood Casino Charles Town.

Original sponsors J.C. Penny and and the WV Lottery were key to funding the first running of the West Virginia Breeders Classic.  Carol Holden, President of the Classics, and is the instrumental organizer and manager of the Classics and who became the partner of Sam Huff, noted that the first event was so “touch and go” that she could not advertise the Classics until three months ahead of the first going.

Sam Huff’s and Carol Holden’s vision have provided a great charitable contribution to the local community with great help from sponsors.