VIRGINIA GOVERNOR AND FIRST LADY YOUNGKIN TO PRESENT TROPHIES FOR HISTORIC VIRGINIA DERBY AND VIRGINIA OAKS
Posted on March 14th, 2025
~ For the first time ever, the Virginia Derby and Virginia Oaks will serve as qualifier races on The Road to the Kentucky Derby and The Road to the Kentucky Oaks ~
NEW KENT, Va. (March 14, 2025)—Colonial Downs Racetrack is honored to welcome Governor Glenn A. Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin to Virginia’s premier thoroughbred racetrack for Virginia Derby Day 2025 on Saturday, March 15, 2025.
The Governor and First Lady, who are longtime racing enthusiasts and supporters of equine charities, will present the trophies to the winners of the Virginia Derby and Virginia Oaks, respectively, and lead the traditional champagne toast to the winners of each race.
“Governor and First Lady Youngkin have been instrumental champions for Virginia’s racing and equine industries, and we are honored to have them join us for this historic day in Virginia sports,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Incorporated, the owner and operator of Colonial Downs Racetrack. “This sold-out Virginia Derby is a testament to the resurgence of racing in Virginia, and we take great pride in being a part of this important revitalization.”
Governor Youngkin will lead the presentation of the trophy to the winners of the Virginia Derby, which will be the day’s ninth race and feature a field of nine three-year-old colts. First Lady Youngkin will lead the presentation of the trophy to the winners of the Virginia Oaks, which will be the day’s eighth race and feature a field of eight three-year-old fillies. The winners of each race will secure a spot in the field for the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, respectively, while top finishers will secure points to qualify for these marquee races at Churchill Downs Racetrack in May.
Virginia Derby Day 2025 is officially a sellout, with more than 8,000 race fans expected to attend. This day will feature special guests, experiences, and entertainment to celebrate this historic day in Virginia sports. The day’s festivities will feature a live performance from The Deloreans, a special Salute to Service, recognition ceremonies for Virginia charities and community partners, exclusive food and beverage offerings, and special guests, including Governor and First Lady Youngkin, to present the trophies for the Virginia Derby and Virginia Oaks.
After this special three-day meet concludes, Colonial Downs will prepare for its traditional summer racing season with live racing every Wednesday through Saturday from July 9 through September 13. In total, Colonial Downs will host 44 days of live racing in 2025, a new record number of race days since the track reopened in 2019.
For more information on the Virginia Derby or the upcoming summer race season, visit www.colonialdowns.com.
