NEW KENT, VA. (March 14, 2026) —

Riley Mott, trainer of winner Incredibolt

“It was very impressive. He sat right in the pocket behind a hot pace and was surrounded by horses most of the way. He took Jaime right up into a hole on the rail turning for home and then just blasted off and was pulling away at the end. In his morning workouts and races, he’s always galloped out really well. He’s bred to do it and he’s shown us he can finish races going long, so we’re optimistic and hopeful we can make it to the first Saturday in May. I’m happy for the horse and our staff, and especially happy for the Pin Oak team and the Bernhard family. We’re missing a very important member today in Mr. Jim Bernhard, but I know he’s looking down on us.”

Jaime Torres, jockey of winner Incredibolt

“He’s really matured and has a lot more confidence now. That showed today.I felt like I had plenty of horse around the half-mile, and I thought the horses in front were starting to slow down a little. I was just waiting for the right spot. This is a dream come true.”

Rajiv Maragh, jockey of second-place finisher

“Based on that performance, you’d think he can keep improving and appreciate more distance. He settled beautifully, got into a nice rhythm and finished well.”

Julien Leparoux, jockey of third-place finisher Confessional

“He had a very good trip. He sat just off the pace and was very comfortable. I was able to get him out and make a run, and he finished strongly. We just got beat today. I thought it was a very good race for him — better than his last start. He ran his race today, and I think the blinkers helped keep him focused.”

Flavien Prat, jockey of fourth-place finisher Buetane

“He finished pretty well. From where I was, it just didn’t work out the way we wanted. But he made a good run.”

Joe Ramos, jockey of fifth-place finisher Ocelli

“He was traveling very well on the backside, and I thought I was in a good spot. Turning for home I tried to make my move, but in the stretch he started leaning inside and didn’t stay straight. He’s still learning. Horses like that need to learn to run straight and focus. He has the body and the stride — when he figures things out mentally, I think he could be a special horse.”

About Colonial Downs

Colonial Downs Racetrack, in New Kent, Virginia, hosts live Thoroughbred racing on two nationally renowned surfaces – the Secretariat Turf Course, the widest turf course in North America at 180 feet wide and on a 1 1/4-mile dirt track. The Colonial Downs Group, which is owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN), also operates Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums^® throughout the Commonwealth, which offer innovative historic horseracing (HHR) gaming and full-card simulcasting as well as Rosie’s Game Room in Collinsville, Roseshire Gaming Parlor in Henrico, and The Rose Gaming Resort^® in Dumfries which offers 1,650 HHR gaming terminals, full-card simulcasting, eight bars and restaurants and more than 100 hotel rooms.

NEW KENT, VA. (March 14, 2026) —

Jimmy Barnes, assistant trainer to Bob Baffert, representing winner Bottle of Rouge

“She’s been a lot of fun to travel with. She ran well at Sunland and came here and won. I wasn’t sure how the race would set up because there was a lot of speed, but we were able to settle her. She rated well, and Flavien (jockey Prat) was patient and found a hole to get through. She did the rest. One of the question marks was how she would handle the progression — stretching out in distance and facing classier fillies — but she handled it well. We have two really nice fillies with her and Explora, and we’re looking forward to getting to Churchill.”

Flavien Prat, jockey of winner Bottle of Rouge

“I thought it was a good run. She’s improving race after race and continues to show she can handle more distance.”

Jevian Toledo, jockey of second-place finisher Dazzling Dame

“I really wanted a slower pace, but the other horse chased us the entire way, so I couldn’t give her a breather. She ran really hard and tried her best. She acted more mature today — before she used to be very nervous in the gate, but she relaxed today.”

Cristian Torres, jockey of fourth-place finisher Hit Parade

“We were moving nicely on the backside. Coming into the turn, she started making a nice move on her own — I never had to ask her. She was traveling well, but by the quarter pole, the leaders ran away, and she just stayed there.”

About Colonial Downs

Colonial Downs Racetrack, in New Kent, Virginia, hosts live Thoroughbred racing on two nationally renowned surfaces – the Secretariat Turf Course, the widest turf course in North America at 180 feet wide and on a 1 1/4-mile dirt track. The Colonial Downs Group, which is owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN), also operates Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums^® throughout the Commonwealth, which offer innovative historic horseracing (HHR) gaming and full-card simulcasting as well as Rosie’s Game Room in Collinsville, Roseshire Gaming Parlor in Henrico, and The Rose Gaming Resort^® in Dumfries which offers 1,650 HHR gaming terminals, full-card simulcasting, eight bars and restaurants and more than 100 hotel rooms.

~ Sellout crowd of 9,700+ watch Incredibolt secure spot in 152^ndKentucky Derby by winning Virginia’s only Kentucky Derby qualifier race; Bottle of Rouge claims Virginia Oaks; Record $7.8 million wagered on Derby Day races ~

NEW KENT, Va. (March 14, 2026)—On a perfect spring day for racing at Virginia’s premier thoroughbred racetrack, a sellout crowd of more than 9,700 Virginia race fans watched Incredibolt win the $500,000 Virginia Derby by four lengths with a time of 1:47.76 for the 1 1/8 mile race at Colonial Downs Racetrack in New Kent County. The three-year old colt, who went off with 6-1 odds, is trained by Riley Mott, owned by Pin Oak Stud, LLC, and was piloted to victory by jockey Jaime A. Torres. Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Katie Frazier presented the winning race team with the Virginia Derby trophy and led the sellout crowd in the traditional champagne toast to the winners.

Thanks to his victory in the 2026 Virginia Derby, Incredibolt has earned 50 points on The Road to the Kentucky Derby, securing himself a spot in the field for the 152^nd running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 2, 2025.

“Congratulations to the connections of Incredibolt on today’s win in the Virginia Derby,” said Bill Mudd, President and COO of Churchill Downs Incorporated, owner and operator of Colonial Downs Racetrack. “We are so proud to celebrate the resurgence of racing in Virginia with this one-of-a-kind event. Churchill Downs Incorporated is grateful for our partners across the Commonwealth who continue to support the growth and revitalization of Virginia’s racing and equine industries.”

“It was very impressive. He sat right in the pocket behind a hot pace and was surrounded by horses most of the way. He took Jaime right up into a hole on the rail turning for home and then just blasted off and was pulling away at the end,” said Virginia Derby winning trainer Riley Mott. “In his morning workouts and races, he’s always galloped out really well. He’s bred to do it and he’s shown us he can finish races going long, so we’re optimistic and hopeful we can make it to the first Saturday in May. I’m happy for the horse and our staff, and especially happy for the Pin Oak team and the Bernhard family. We’re missing a very important member today in Mr. Jim Bernhard, but I know he’s looking down on us.”

“He’s really matured and has a lot more confidence now. That showed today,” said Virginia Derby winning jockey Jaime Torres. “I felt like I had plenty of horse around the half-mile, and I thought the horses in front were starting to slow down a little. I was just waiting for the right spot. This is a dream come true.”

In another thrilling race in the day’s race program, Bottle of Rouge claimed the 2026 Virginia Oaks win with a time of 1:41.41 for the 1 1/16 mile race. The three-year old filly, who earned 37.5 points on The Road to the Kentucky Oaks, is trained by Bob Baffert, owned by Natalie J. Baffert, and was piloted to victory by jockey Flavien Prat who won five of the day’s ten races.

Wagering from all sources on the Virginia Derby Day program totaled a new Virginia Derby Day record of $7,799,881, eclipsing last year’s record handle of $6,540,489. The sellout crowd of 9,762 guests eclipsed last year’s inaugural Virginia Derby attendance of more than 8,000.

Virginia’s only Kentucky Derby qualifier race brought top horses, trainers, and jockeys to Colonial Downs for this special spring meet. This included horses trained by marquee names of the sport like Bob Baffert, Todd Pletcher, and Brad Cox, among others.

Virginia Derby Day celebrated the character and communities of the Commonwealth with a special tribute to nonprofits that serve our fellow Virginians. Churchill Downs Incorporated, owner and operator of Colonial Downs Racetrack, held special trackside recognition ceremonies and made a total of $60,000 in charitable contributions to:

• Peter Paul RVA— Since its founding by Richmond activist John Coleman more than forty years ago, Peter Paul RVA has worked to support the residents of Richmond’s East End community and educate its children, equipping them to serve as positive contributors to their family, community, and society. Its mission is to educate the child, engage the family, and empower the community through educational and cultural programs.
• Dream Catchers— Founded in 1993, Dream Catchers is a charitable organization in Charles City County that provides a wide range of equine assisted services (EAS). Its participants represent a diverse community of people with special needs, at-risk youth, and veterans, from Richmond to Hampton, the Middle Peninsula, and the Northern Neck. Dream Catchers’ therapeutic interventions and educational programs help develop healthier, more productive citizens and create a positive impact for the community today and in the future.
• My Sister’s Hope— My Sister’s Hope started in New Kent County during the beginning of COVID with a conversation between two sisters about supporting single mothers experiencing homelessness. The organization focuses on providing stability and resources to vulnerable people, especially single mothers facing food or housing insecurity, through a variety of programs in and around New Kent County.
• Henry County Public Schools Foundation— The Henry County Public Schools Foundation is a transformative initiative dedicated to advancing educational excellence and opportunity across the school division. By building strong partnerships with individuals, businesses, and the broader community, the Foundation provides resources that go beyond traditional funding, helping to create exceptional learning experiences and open new doors for student success.
• Patriots for Disabled Divers—This Prince William County organization helps disabled veterans enjoy and share the healing experience of scuba diving. Since becoming a nonprofit in 2013, the program has expanded to affiliated dive shops across the country. To date more than 1,500 wounded military veterans suffering from PTSD, TBI, amputations and other injuries have benefitted from PfDD’s scuba program.
• The Cohen Clinic at The Up Center— Cohen Veterans Network (CVN) started in 2016 to bring mental health help to veterans and families. In 2019, CVN and The Up Center teamed up to open a clinic in Virginia Beach. The clinic is part of South Hampton Roads’ oldest human services agency. The Choen Clinic at The Up Center offers personalized, confidential mental health care for post 9/11 veterans, active-duty service members, and their families on issues like depression, anxiety, PTSD, adjustment, grief, anger, and family stress.

With the conclusion of this special three-day Virginia Derby meet, preparations now begin for a record setting summer season at Colonial Downs with days of live racing, the most in the track’s history. The racing season will continue with another 45 days of live racing each Thursday through Sunday from June 25 through a special day of racing on Labor Day, Monday, September 7.

For more information on the upcoming summer season, or to purchase individual day or season tickets. visit www.colonialdowns.com.

~ All available tickets have been sold; More than 8,000 guests and race fans expected to attend Virginia’s only Kentucky Derby qualifier race on Saturday, March 14 ~

NEW KENT, Va. (March 13, 2026)—Colonial Downs Racetrack today announced that the 2026 Virginia Derby on Saturday, March 14, 2026 is officially a sellout! More than 8,000 guests and race fans are expected for this historic day of thoroughbred racing.

No more General Admission or Reserved tickets are available and tickets will not be sold at the gate. Fans interested in resale tickets should only utilize the official Ticketmaster market through www.ColonialDowns.com.

“It is absolutely incredible to have a second straight sellout for the Virginia Derby,” said Frank Hopf, Senior Director of Racing Operations for Colonial Downs Racetrack. “Virginia race fans are turning out for the worldclass racing we offer at Colonial Downs and the entire sport is taking notice.”

Saturday’s Virginia Derby will be the Commonwealth’s only qualifying race on The Road to the Kentucky Derby with the winning horse securing a spot in the field for the 152^nd Kentucky Derby at historic Churchill Downs Racetrack on Saturday, May 2, 2026.

Virginia Derby Day will feature a full day of thrilling races, plus live entertainment, music, and more. The day’s festivities will feature live performances by The Brasswind Band, American Idol contestant Cari Lacey, and local country singer Sheila Sullivan, as well as a special recognition ceremony for Virginia charities and community partners, a military honor guard and flyover, and an aerial ballet from The Bullseye Formation Team.

This special three-day Virginia Derby meet is the start of a record-setting season in which Colonial Downs will host 48 days of live racing, the most in the track’s history. Following the March meet, the racing season will continue with another 45 days of live racing each Thursday through Sunday from June 25 through a special day of racing on Labor Day, Monday, September 7.

For more information on the Virginia Derby or the upcoming summer race season, visit www.colonialdowns.com.

# # #

NEW KENT, Va. (Aug. 9, 2025) –Magic Cap Stables’ Fort Washington saved his best for last, unleashing a powerful late kick and seizing the lead in the last jumps of the Grade 1 Arlington Million on Festival of Racing Day at Colonial Downs.

Trained by Shug McCaughey, Fort Washington outfinished Grand Sonata by half a length, while his stablemate Integration, who was in the mix until the final stages, finished third. Ridden by jockey Junior Alvarado, Fort Washington stopped the clock in 1:59.58 for the 1¼ miles over a firm turf course.

Settling in the rear of the field of seven, Fort Washington waited patiently as Time Song led the way, speeding through sharp opening calls of :23.94 and :48.36. Mystik Dan and Runaway Storm rated in second and third until entering the far turn when Integration began advancing on their outside and both had to quicken. As Grand Sonata hugged the rail to rally, Fort Washington built his momentum widest of all down the stretch. Integration and Grand Sonata emerged in front with a furlong to go, but Fort Washington outkicked the duo home. Mystik Dan stayed on for fourth.

“I wanted to make sure he got comfortable,” Alvarado said. “He’s a tricky horse to ride sometimes. When he’s at his best, you know it right away. Today I felt that going into the first turn. I wanted to make sure I saved enough ground so that I had a big punch at the end. When I swung out in the clearing he finished up very strong. My horse has a powerful turn of foot.”

Sent off at 5-1, Fort Washington paid $13.40, $6.00, and $3.00. A newly minted millionaire, Fort Washington’s lifetime earnings now total $1,352,182 from a career record of 28-7-3-8 that now includes four graded stakes wins.

The 6-year-old horse by War Front was bred in Kentucky by Joseph Allen, LLC & White Birch Farm, Inc.

Additional Quotes

John Velazquez, jockey of third-place finisher Integration: “I think the track was a little bit hard for him. I think he likes a little more give to it. He didn’t have it today.”

Brian Hernandez Jr., jockey of fourth-place finisher Mystik Dan: “He was in a great spot turning for home, they just outpunched him. Turning for home I had Integration right there and I thought we could get it done. He quickened but with grass horses like he ran against today, it’s a different turn of foot. He handled the grass fine but he just didn’t travel in my hands like I’d like him to on the backside today.”

Ben Curtis, jockey of fifth-place finisher Cairo: “I couldn’t be happier with the horse. He was only beaten a couple of lengths. I thought at the top of the lane, we’d win. Sometimes it takes a race to acclimatize to American racing. The tracks are different. His next stop is Kentucky Downs and he’ll love it there. When everyone quickened out of the gates, he didn’t have that initial kick. I was planning on being in front of Integration. But he was in a perfect spot so I wasn’t going to swap it. His first run in America, he ran fantastic. He’s going to take a step forward from it and he’s going to prefer the track next time.”

About Colonial Downs
Colonial Downs Racetrack, in New Kent, Virginia, hosts live thoroughbred racing on two nationally renowned surfaces – the Secretariat Turf Course, the widest turf course in North America at 180 feet wide and on a 1 1/4-mile dirt track. The Colonial Downs Group, which is owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN), also operates Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums® throughout the commonwealth, which offer innovative historic horseracing (HHR) gaming and full card simulcasting as well as Rosie’s Game Room in Collinsville, and The Rose Gaming Resort® in Dumfries which offers 1,650 HHR gaming terminals, full-card simulcasting, eight bars and restaurants and more than 100 hotel rooms.