Foxfield Racing Filed Lawsuit Over Property Ownership

The racing operator is seeking to force the sale of the Charlottesville venue after an alleged broken promise.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Equestrian

Foxfield Racing Filed Lawsuit Over Property Ownership

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Foxfield Racing filed a lawsuit against landlord Foxfield Land Preservation in August 2026 to force the sale of the property. The operator claims a 2023 agreement promised them the opportunity to purchase the land, which was later acquired by Zach Miller in 2024.

Why it matters

The legal action stems from concerns regarding the long-term future of the site, as the landlord reportedly threatened not to renew the lease that expires in 2030. Racing officials hope the sale will secure the venue's status beyond the current lease agreement.

The current lease for the Charlottesville racetrack is set to expire in 2030. Additionally, the observation tower at the site has undergone inspections by two separate engineering firms.

The players

Foxfield Racing

This organization operates the racetrack and is responsible for ongoing site maintenance and event scheduling.

Foxfield Land Preservation

This entity serves as the landlord for the Charlottesville property and is currently the defendant in the legal dispute.

Zach Miller

He is the individual who purchased the Foxfield property in 2024.

National Steeplechase Association

This organization conducts twice-yearly inspections of the racetrack to ensure course safety and standards.

The details

Foxfield Racing maintains the site for events using rigorous maintenance protocols, including turf compaction, moisture testing, and grass-growth monitoring. Despite the ongoing litigation, the organization recently installed new fencing during the week of September 16, 2026.

The first running of the Foxfield races occurred in 1977.
Zach Miller purchased the property in 2024.
A formal response to the lawsuit is scheduled for court filing on September 23, 2026.
Fall races are scheduled for October 4, 2026.

Roadmap

The legal dispute underscores the tension between land ownership and the long-term operational viability of historic equestrian venues. As property values in the Charlottesville area shift, racing organizations are increasingly forced to secure ownership to protect their facilities from redevelopment.

Attendees of the upcoming October 4, 2026 races are not expected to see changes to event logistics due to the litigation. However, the outcome of the lawsuit could eventually dictate whether the historic racing tradition remains at its current Charlottesville location past 2030.

The takeaway

Legal disputes over land ownership can create significant uncertainty for community-based sporting institutions. Stakeholders in similar organizations often find that clear, written purchase agreements are essential for ensuring long-term institutional stability.