Beginning well before sunrise, trainers, exercise riders, grooms and hot walkers prepare hundreds of thoroughbreds for another day at Virginia’s premier horse racing venue. While the races may last only a few minutes, the work behind each horse is a year-round commitment shared by an entire team. For Gloucester County trainer Leanne Hester, racing is more than a profession, it’s a lifelong passion. “I’ve been around horses since I was young,” Hester said. “One of my favorite things is raising a foal from birth and eventually watching it win a race. That’s incredibly rewarding.” Hester balances two careers, working as a real estate agent while training racehorses. Her days begin around 3:45 a.m., allowing her to care for her horses before transitioning to her work with Liz Moore & Associates later in the day. Colonial Downs is currently racing four days a week, Thursday through Sunday, with eight to 10 races scheduled each day at the New Kent track. Because each thoroughbred compete...