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In 1947, Donna's father, T. Edward Gilman (Ed), a local realtor, was given the listing for Eagle Point Farm, which had been in his family from 1840 to 1938. The property included a two-story frame farmhouse with an English basement, and old cedar tree in the barnyard, an old wooden barn, and two open fields in front of the house. The rest of the farm was covered with trees. According to Frankie Gilman Griffith, Donna's mother, Ed wrote such a fine advertisement for Eagle Point Farm, that he sold himself on the idea of owning the farm! Her parents purchased the farm for $15,000 in 1947. Over the years, whenever the horses ran well, the Gilmans made improvements to the farm and cleared the land. Not only has it proven to be a great financial investment, but also a great place for Donna to be raised and for Donna and Steve to raise their children.

Donna Gilman Dennehy has been actively involved in the daily operations of Eagle Point Farm since 1969. She is prisident of the Virginia Thoroughbred Association and director of the Virginia Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association. In addition to being a TOBA member and NTRA member, she serves on the Farm Bureau Equine Advisory Board, Hanover County Farm Bureau Board, Virginia Horse Industry Board, and the Camptown Charities Board. Donna was co-chairman of the Architectural Review Committee that helped design the track and barns at Colonial Downs.

Donna attended the College of William and Mary and recieved her Bachelors Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1973. She is married to Stephen B. Dennehy and has two grown children, Michael and Karen.

Karen Gray Dennehy graduated with honors from Sweet Briar College in May of 2005 with a Business Management degree and a certificate in Equine Studies. She is an accomplished equestrian, being overall individual champion at the 2004 Affiliated National Riding Commission, 6th in the same competition in 2005, and 3rd overall at the 2005 Intercollegiate Horse Show Association National Championships in Ohio. Karen has since returned to her roots at Eagle Point Farm to help manage and train racehorses. She acquired her Trainer's license in the summer of 2005 and trained the co-leading horse in number of wins at the 2005 Colonial Downs meet, Toccoa, a Purple Comet filly who is bred and owned by Eagle Point Farm. She has also become a member of the Virginia Thoroughbred Association. Karen brings a new perspective to the farm and has added many improvements to the facility and operation.

Together, Donna and Karen work to carry on as the second and third generation to turn out fit, sound, and confident racehorses from Eagle Point Farm.

 

 

© 2000 Eagle Point Farm
Karen and Donna Dennehy
14509 Blunts Bridge Road, Ashland, VA 23005