WITH TWO WEEKS TO LIVE RACING, COLONIAL DOWNS STABLES HAVE OPENED AND TRAINING HAS BEGUN

~ More than 100 horses have already arrived, with approximately 700 expected to stable at the New Kent racetrack throughout race season ~

NEW KENT, Va. (June 27, 2024)—With just two weeks to go until live thoroughbred racing returns to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the stables at Colonial Downs Racetrack are filling with thoroughbred horses that will compete over nine weeks of weekend racing from Thursday, July 11 to Saturday, September 7. More than 100 horses have already arrived, with approximately 700 horses expected to stable at the track during race season. Daily training for horses and trainers also commenced this morning.

“The opening of our stables means race season is right around the corner,” said Frank Hopf, Senior Director of Racing Operations at Colonial Downs. “We are excited to see our stables filling with worldclass thoroughbreds from around the country, and welcome the jockeys, trainers, and racing professionals that make Colonial Downs Virginia’s premier home for live thoroughbred racing.”

Following a record-setting season in 2023, Virginia’s premier thoroughbred track is preparing for another historic season of weekend racing with improved fan experiences, innovative promotions, and exciting, high-stakes thoroughbred racing.

The 27-day live racing season will be held over nine weeks from Thursday, July 11 through Saturday, September 7. The New Kent racetrack, which is the widest grass racing surface in North America, will hold three race days per week, Thursday through Saturday.
Steeplechase horse racing, a spectacular Virginia tradition and a fan favorite, will be a regular feature at Colonial Downs nearly every Thursday. New this year, Colonial Downs will offer wagering on three jump races during Thursday steeplechase race cards beginning at 11:45 AM.

Topped by a quartet of graded races, Colonial Downs’ 2024 stakes program consists of 27 races worth a combined $5.7 million. Highlights include the Colonial Downs Festival of Racing on Saturday August 10, featuring the Grade 1 Arlington Million ($1 million) and the Grade 2 Secretariat Stakes ($500,000) and Grade 2 Beverly D. Stakes ($500,000). The Beverly D. is a Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win & You’re In” race. All three races are slated to be run over Colonial’s acclaimed Secretariat Turf Course. The Grade 3 New Kent County Virginia Derby ($500,000), Colonial Downs’ longtime signature event, will be raced on the season’s closing day, Saturday, September 7.

Tickets are now on sale for the entire 2024 racing season, and visitors can enjoy a series of promotions to ensure an unforgettable day at the races:

Starting on July 11, visitors can be a part of Thirsty Thursdays. The summer long promotion will feature drink specials along with an opportunity to purchase a souvenir cup to receive discounted domestic draft beer during live racing every Thursday. Post time for flat races on Thursdays is 1:30 p.m., with steeplechase races beginning at 11:45 a.m. on select Thursdays throughout race season.
Visitors can start summer weekends early with Party at the Downs every Friday. With a late-afternoon post time of 4:30 p.m. and races continuing into the evening, the Party starts even earlier with Happy Hour drink specials from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and live music in the Trackside Tent.
Each Saturday of the race season will feature a different event or promotion along with family-fun activities in the Trackside Tent starting at 1:30 p.m.
Families can enjoy pony rides, petting zoos, and face painting, while all guests can enjoy the following promotions and giveaways:

July 13: Colonial Downs Calendar Giveaway
July 20: Richmond Flying Squirrels Day
July 27: NASCAR Day
August 3: Taste of New Kent County and Hat Giveaway
August 10: Colonial Downs Festival of Racing
August 17: New Kent County Fair
August 24: Wiener Dog Races
To register your Wiener Dog, visit: www.rosiesgaming.com/wiener-dog-racing
August 31: Commonwealth Champions Day
September 7: Virginia Derby Day/Secretariat Poster Giveaway/Closing Day

General admission and convenient guest parking is free every day. For an elevated guest experience, Colonial Downs offers reserved Grandstand Seats and Grandstand Box Seats as well as dining options in the Jockey Club restaurant on the third floor and in the 1609 restaurant on the fourth floor.

For more information on tickets, dining, and pricing, visit Colonial Downs on the web at www.colonialdowns.com.

# # #