Colonial Downs NEW KENT—There was no Nicanor, no hype and no national TV. All Colonial Downs had to offer yesterday was fancy hats and horse racing. And both turned out very well. On a Virginia Derby day where nearly every race was tight, including a dead heat to end the day, it was Battle of Hastings thrilling the crowd with a come-from-behind victory to claim the top prize.

The 4-1 favorite, under Tyler Baze, edged Straight Story in a photo finish to capture the $750,000 Virginia Derby on a day of tight races at Colonial Downs.

The Virginia Derby lost a bit of its luster yesterday when morning-line favorite Nicanor, brother of famed Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, was scratched because of injury.

Of the 10 horses in this year’s Virginia Derby, two are certain to warrant attention—one going for a $5 million bonus, another will be a sentimental favorite. Both fared well in yesterday’s post-position draw at Colonial Downs. The Derby, the track’s biggest race and one that offers a $750,000 purse, is Saturday. Racing will take place all afternoon, with the Derby scheduled as the 11th of 12 races, posting at 5:59 p.m.

Michelle Sharp couldn’t stop smiling. Melanie Williams was happy she had changed clothes. “It was worth putting on the dress,“ the young assistant trainer said, “and getting out of the barn clothes.“ The winner’s circle has that effect on people. Baze had the best explanation for all the giddiness yesterday after the three major stakes races at Colonial Downs.