COLONIAL DOWNS WELCOMES FANS TO VIRGINIA DERBY WEEK

~ Crews are preparing for three days of racing culminating in the 2026 Virginia Derby on Saturday, March 14; Limited General Admission tickets remain ~

NEW KENT, Va. (March 9, 2026)—With just days remaining before the 2026 Virginia Derby meet, Colonial Downs Racetrack is busy preparing for Virginia’s only Kentucky Derby qualifier race on Saturday, March 14. A small number of General Admission tickets are still available at www.ColonialDowns.com for this iconic Virginia sporting event which is expected to draw more than 8,000 fans to Virginia’s premier thoroughbred racetrack in New Kent County.

In the final days before live racing resumes, track officials are busy installing additional food, beverage, and wagering equipment, setting up special seating and fan zones, preparing the racing surface for the worldclass horses and jockeys who will compete in the meet, and installing signage and materials bearing Colonial Downs’ new branding and logo.

“We could not be more excited to welcome fans from near and far for this one-of-a-kind Virginia sporting event,” said Frank Hopf, Senior Director of Racing at Colonial Downs Racetrack. “Last year we saw two horses from the Virginia Derby go on to compete for racing’s biggest prize at the Kentucky Derby. We only have a few tickets remaining, so get yours today to see the stars of the sport and be a part of Virginia racing history.”

The special three-day Virginia Derby meet will begin with live racing on Thursday and Friday beginning at 12:30pm featuring daily food and drink specials. Friday’s race day will feature an early St. Patrick’s Day party with drink specials and holiday-inspired giveaways, party beads, glasses, and more. General admission is free on Thursday and Friday with reserved and indoor seats available for purchase.

The meet will culminate with the Virginia Derby, the Commonwealth’s only Kentucky Derby qualifying race, on Saturday, March 14 with a 12:00pm post time. A limited number of $5 General Admission and $75 “loaded” General Admission tickets with two food tickets and four drink tickets are still available but selling fast for Saturday’s Virginia Derby at www.ColonialDowns.com. Children five and under are free with a paid adult.

In addition to the exciting action on the track, Saturday’s Virginia Derby Day will feature additional entertainment and special elements to create an unforgettable day at the races. This will include:

• A special flyover from the 41st Flying Training Squadron, also known as “The Flying Buzzsaws.” This distinguished unit of the United States Air Force is based at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi.
• A synchronized air show performed by The Bullseye Formation Team, a volunteer squad of elite volunteer pilots who perform thrilling aerial ballets in highly responsive propeller aircrafts
• National Anthem performed by Cari Lacey, American Idol Season 23 contestant based here in Virginia.
• Pre-Derby and pre-Oaks performances by local country singer Sheila Sullivan with The Brass Wind Band providing live music throughout the day.

The 2025 Virginia Derby drew a record-setting sold-out crowd of more than 8,000 race fans for Virginia’s first ever Kentucky Derby qualifying race. 2025 Virginia Derby winner American Promise, trained by the legendary D. Wayne Lukas, and runner-up Render Judgement both went on to run in the 2025 Kentucky Derby.