ONE MONTH UNTIL LIVE RACING RETURNS TO COLONIAL DOWNS

~ Following a sold-out Virginia Derby in March, the 2026 Summer Season resumes June 25 with ten weeks of Thursday-Sunday racing; Exciting promotions and entertainment promise fans an unforgettable day at the races ~

NEW KENT, Va. (May 26, 2026)—Following an historic and record-breaking March meet in which more than 9,700 fans watched Incredibolt win the 2026 Virginia Derby and secure his spot in the Kentucky Derby, live racing will return to Colonial Downs in one month on Thursday, June 25 with a record setting schedule, a new day of weekend racing each week, unique entertainment and promotions, and high-stakes thoroughbred racing.

Colonial Downs will host 45 days of live racing each Thursday through Sunday from June 25 through a special day of racing on Labor Day, Monday, September 7. This will be the most days of live racing in the nearly thirty-year history of Colonial Downs Racetrack.

This season’s expanded and adjusted schedule adds an additional day of weekend racing every Sunday to allow more fans and families to experience the thrill of live thoroughbred racing and all that a Colonial Downs race day has to offer. Each Sunday will feature family friendly entertainment like a petting zoo for young guests.

“The racing and fan experience will be even bigger and better at Colonial Downs this year,” said Frank Hopf, Senior Director of Racing Operations. “After an unbelievable Virginia Derby that sent two horses on to Triple Crown campaigns, we are ready to welcome new and returning fans for the biggest season of racing in the history of Colonial Downs. All summer long, guests will find exciting racing, family-friendly fun, and a few new surprises we think fans will really love. Colonial Downs is just a short drive from Richmond, Hampton Roads, or anywhere in Virginia, so make your plans now to come visit us at Virginia’s premier thoroughbred racetrack!”

Experiencing live racing is more affordable than ever with new reduced-price ticket options at www.ColonialDowns.com. General admission is FREE nearly every race day, with General Admission for three Premium Racing Events available at the fan-friendly price of just $5 and free admission for children five and under. For an elevated experience on any race day, Colonial Downs offers covered seating in the Reserved Grandstand Seats and Grandstand Box Seats, as well as indoor and dining options at the Jockey Club and the 1609 Restaurant.

The 2026 Premium Racing Events that will require a ticket include:

• Saturday, June 27—Opening Saturday will feature the all-new Corgi Race with a fun competition between some of Virginia’s most adorable amateur athletes. Registration details are available here.
• Saturday, August 1—The annual Colonial Downs Festival of Racing will feature the season’s biggest races and purses including the Grade 1 Arlington Million with its $1 million purse, along with the Grade 2 Beverly D., and Grade 2 Secretariat Stakes.
• Saturday, August 15—Wiener Dog Racing returns to Colonial Downs as mighty little athletes race down the track on tiny legs. Registration details are available here.

The standard post time for the 2026 season will be 12:30pm on all race days except the Festival of Racing and Old Dominion Derby which will begin at noon.

In addition to races on Colonial Downs’ world-famous Secretariat Turf Course and its traditional dirt course, the track will also run a program of steeplechase jump races beginning at 10:15am on July 23, August 13, and September 3 with a special day of exclusively steeplechase racing on Monday, June 29 during opening week.

Throughout the summer meet, fans and families will enjoy a variety of exciting promotions, activities, and theme days to make for an unforgettable day at the track.

Colonial Downs continues to build its reputation for high-quality racing, as evidenced by the strong performances by Virginia Derby entrants Incredibolt and Ocelli in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. This year’s race program includes 35 high-profile stakes races and handicaps worth more than $6.5 million, including:

• Saturday, August 1—The Arlington Million (Grade 1) with its $1,000,000 purse
• Saturday, August 1—The Beverly D (Grade 2) with its $500,000 purse
• Saturday, August 1—The Secretariat (Grade 2) with its $500,000 purse
• Monday, September 7—The Old Dominion Derby (Grade 3) with its $500,000 purse

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