In this issue

Good times roll at Beau Ridge Farm.
Slots at nearby Charles Town are a boon for John McKee and Cynthia O’Bannon’s commercial breeding operation.
Story by Sean Clancy. Page 16

Grooms take on touch of the elite.
Groom Elite Program offered at Colonial Downs improves skills, boosts self-esteem.
Story by Betsy Parker. Page 21

NEWSMAKER
Sonny Hine: Late Mid-Atlantic based trainer
elected to Hall of Fame.
Story by Bill Finley. Page 39

Lead Article

Good times roll at Beau Ridge Farm

Location. Location. Location. A boy grows up three blocks from the race track. He makes his life there. A girl lives a block and a half from the track. She makes her life there.

Eventually, what was once started simply because of proximity and curiosity becomes a sprawling, roiling business and passion that consumes two lives completely.

Welcome to Beau Ridge Farm in Bunker Hill, W.Va. And to Cynthia O’Bannon’s and John McKee’s lives. Described as a “working farm” by O’Bannon and “nothing fancy” by McKee, it’s home to nine stallions, 43 mares and everything in between...more