~ Rosie’s around the state and The Rose Gaming Resort help drive the growth of Virginia’s $2+ billion equine industry; Support hundreds of jobs and millions in state and local tax revenue ~

From Monday, April 21 – Saturday, April 26, Virginia racing and gaming fans will celebrate “R-Week” to mark the six-year anniversary of horse racing’s revival in Virginia and the opening of the first Rosie’s Gaming Emporium in Virginia. Each day during R-Week, all Rosie’s locations and The Rose Gaming Resort will offer new and returning guests special player promotions, live entertainment, prizes and giveaways including free play credits, and special surprises, as well as the largest jackpots in Virginia.

In 2019, Colonial Downs Racetrack in New Kent County re-opened after a five year closure, along with the first Rosie’s Gaming Emporium which provides additional resources to support worldclass racing, Virginia’s $2 billion equine industry, and the local communities in which Rosie’s now operate.

“We can’t wait to welcome new guests and old friends to Rosie’s and The Rose Gaming Resort in Northern Virginia to celebrate six years of fun and excitement, as well as the revival of Virginia’s legendary thoroughbred racing industry,” said Nate Mize, Sr. Director of Marketing for Colonial Downs and Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums.“When guests visit Rosie’s and The Rose they’ll find exciting gaming, great food and drink, and fun with friends and neighbors, all while supporting the growth and success of Virginia’s $2 billion equine industry. We’re so proud of the partnerships we’ve built with communities around the state over the last six years, and our contributions to the incredible rebirth of live racing at Colonial Downs Racetrack.”

Since 2019, Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums have allowed live race days at Colonial Downs Racetrack to increase from fifteen to forty-four, while average daily purses at Virginia’s premiere thoroughbred racetrack have risen to nearly $700,000. Rosie’s have now opened in New Kent, Richmond, Hampton, Vinton, Collinsville, and Emporia, along with The Rose Gaming Resort in Dumfries, funding competitive purses that attract racing talent to Virginia, employing 1,700 team members, and generating tens of millions in state and local tax revenue.

Earlier this year, Colonial Downs hosted the Commonwealth’s first Kentucky Derby qualifying race—the 2025 Virginia Derby—which was held before a sell-out crowd at Colonial Downs Racetrack on March 15, 2025. The track also hosts multiple “graded stakes races,” considered the highest level of competition in racing, including the Arlington Million, Beverly D, Secretariat Stakes, and Old Dominion Derby.

The Colonial Downs summer racing season will begin Wednesday, July 9 with live racing every Wednesday through Saturday until Saturday, September 16 and a special day of Monday racing on Labor Day.

By the Numbers

The eight Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums around Virginia:

• Support forty-four days of live racing in 2025
• Have helped increase the average purse at Colonial Downs to nearly $700,000
• Have generated more than $200 million in state and local tax revenue since 2019, including:
  • More than $115 million for the Commonwealth of Virginia
  • More than $48 million for New Kent County
  • More than $29.3 million for the City of Richmond
  • More than $21.9 million for the City of Hampton
  • More than $6.8 million for the Town of Dumfries
  • More than $10 million for the Town of Vinton
  • More than $1 million for the City of Emporia
  • More than $1.6 million for Collinsville

Source: Staff Presentation to Joint Workgroup on Historic Horse Racing 9/17/24

• Employ more than 1,700 team members across Virginia
• Pay more than $30 million in annual salaries, wages, and benefits
• Have contributed more than $5 million  to local charities and non-profits through the Rosie’s Gives Back program
• Support the broader equine community with dedicated revenue, including:
  • More than $4.4 million to the Virginia Breeders Fund
  • More than $4.4 million to the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech
  • More than $4.4 million to the Virginia Horse Center Foundation
  • More than $4.4 million to the Virginia Horse Industry Board

Source: Staff Presentation to Joint Workgroup on Historic Horse Racing 9/17/24

~ Prince William County non-profit supports recovering servicemembers and their families with cost-free getaways, education, and recreation activities; Contribution part of $100,000 in charitable contributions to commemorate historic Virginia Derby ~

NEW KENT, Va. (March 11, 2025)—To commemorate the historic 2025 Virginia Derby, and in furtherance of its commitment to community partnership throughout Virginia, Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI), owner and operator of Colonial Downs Racetrack, today announced that it has made a $30,000 contribution to Prince William-based Willing Warriors to support its mission of care and healing for veterans and their families.

To further recognize Willing Warriors and its contributions to the Commonwealth, Race 3 of Virginia Derby Day on March 15, 2025 has been named in the organization’s honor.

“The 2025 Virginia Derby is going to be a celebration of the Commonwealth of Virginia, its people, and its communities,” said Aaron Palmer, Director of Virginia Government Relations. “Churchill Downs Incorporated is proud to support Willing Warriors and its important work with this contribution and can’t wait to welcome them to the track for this exciting day of racing and camaraderie.”

“The mental health of our service members and Veterans is impacted by the strength and resiliency of the entire family,” said Shirley Dominick, Co-founder and Board President of Willing Warriors.“Proceeds raised from the Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs will support cost-free respite stays for wounded, ill, and injured Warriors and their family members at the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run. Willing Warriors is grateful to partner with Churchill Downs Incorporated to provide a place for Warrior families to relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect in a ‘Home Away From Home’ setting.”

“I appreciate Churchill Downs’ generous support of Willing Warriors through their 2025 Virginia Derby and its ongoing commitment to community-based charities and nonprofits,” said Del. Luke Torian (24th District, Prince William). “This contribution will help Willing Warriors continue its vital work, supporting thousands of veterans, military families, and service members who proudly call Prince William County home.”

“As a Marine combat veteran, I know how important it is to support recovering service members during their healing process,” said Del. Josh Thomas (21^st District—Prince William). “Over the last ten years, Willing Warriors has helped over 2,600 wounded and ill service members and their families at the beautiful Warrior Retreat at Bull Run and I’m so pleased to see our community rally behind their important work. I’m deeply grateful to Churchill Downs Incorporated for their generous donation to such an incredible organization right here in the 21st District.”

Willing Warriors is a privately-funded 501 (c)(3) charitable organization based in Prince William County that offers cost-free getaways from the hospital environment where Warriors and their families can come to relax, spend quality time together, and reconnect.  Its programs include more than 40 cost-free educational and recreational activities, including seminars that address the issues of dealing with PTS and TBI. The intended outcome of these retreat stays is the Warrior and their family members return to the routine of rebuilding their lives feeling refreshed and inspired.

Willing Warriors owns and operates “Warrior Retreat at Bull Run” in Haymarket, Virginia, a temporary “home away from home” for recovering servicemembers and their families.

As part of the 2025 Virginia Derby, CDI is contributing a total of $100,000 to nonprofit partners around the state. In addition to Willing Warriors, charitable contributions are being made to Feeding Southwest Virginia, James River Horse Foundation, and the American Gold Star Mothers, Hampton Roads Chapter.

CDI upholds a long tradition of corporate social responsibility with an emphasis on supporting the growth and sustainability of the equine industry and supporting meaningful health and human services. It prioritizes contributions to initiatives that enhance community well-being and shape the unique identity of the communities where it operates. In Virginia, the company has made monetary and in-kind donations totaling $5.4 million to Virginia non-profits through its Rosie’s Gives Backprogram.

The 2025 Virginia Derby will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at Colonial Downs Racetrack in New Kent, Virginia. For the first time ever, the race will serve as a qualifying race on The Road to the Kentucky Derby with the winning horse securing a spot in the field for the 151^st Kentucky Derby.

For more information about Willing Warriors, please visit www.willingwarriors.org.

For tickets or more information about the 2025 Virginia Derby, please visit www.colonialdowns.com.

New Kent, Va (Feb. 24, 2025) – Nominations for the $500,000 Virginia Derby, the first-ever Kentucky Derby qualifying race at Colonial Downs, close on Wednesday, Feb. 26. The centerpiece of a special three-day meet beginning Thursday, March 13, the 1 1/8-miles Virginia Derby will be held on Saturday, March 15 seven weeks prior to the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve. The local derby will reward its top five finishers with 50-25-15-10-5 points, respectively, towards the “Run for the Roses,” allowing connections time to run back in the final round of prep races if needed.

Since saddling Mandaloun, the 2021 Derby winner, no trainer has been able to navigate the Road to the Kentucky Derby better than Brad Cox, who leads the sport with 11 3-year-olds making a “Run for the Roses” over the last four years.

“Timing wise, everybody is different in their theories about how to get to the (Kentucky) Derby,” Cox said. “You could look at the (G3) Lexington (at Keeneland April 12) or maybe come back in three weeks in the (G1) Blue Grass (at Keeneland April 5). It would depend on the horse, how they win, how they come out of it.”

The new three-day spring meet also will include the 1 1/16-miles $250,000 Virginia Oaks. The winning horse will receive 50 points to the Grade 1 Longines Kentucky Oaks. The second- through fifth-place finishers will earn 25-15-10-5 points on a sliding scale.

Having won the “Run for the Lilies” in 2018 with Monomoy Girl and 2020 with Shedaresthedevil, Cox currently has eight fillies with qualifying points towards the 151st Kentucky Oaks.

“We’re not sure what we are doing in the derby or the oaks,” Cox added. “Rapture is a horse we have mentioned we may take (to the Virginia Derby). It’s a mile and an eighth and the further the better for him. With the big purses, we’re going to try to have some runners for the big week at Colonial.”

The stakes action begins on Friday, March 14 with two Virginia-restricted events for older horses. Nominations for both the seven-furlong $150,000 Boston Handicap and the six-furlong $150,000 Stellar Wind Handicap for fillies and mares also close on Wednesday, Feb. 26. All Virginia-restricted races are open to Virginia-bred, -sired, and -certified horses.

The expanded 2025 racing season will continue with 41 days of live racing each Wednesday through Saturday from July 9 through September 13.

Entries for the Virginia Derby and Virginia Oaks will be drawn one week out on March 8.

~ Electrifying 80s tribute band to provide live entertainment during Virginia’s first-ever Kentucky Derby qualifying race ~

NEW KENT, Va. (February 21, 2025)—Colonial Downs Racetrack today announced that The Deloreans, one of the most beloved 80s tribute acts in America, will perform live on Saturday, March 15 as part of Virginia Derby Day. For the first time this year, the Virginia Derby will serve as a qualifier race on The Road to the Kentucky Derby, and Virginia’s premiere thoroughbred racetrack is pulling out all the stops to make this an unforgettable day for new and returning race fans.

“Virginia Derby Day 2025 will feature a historic Kentucky Derby qualifying race along with great entertainment and experiences for seasoned race fans and those looking to experience the thrill of live racing for the first time,” said Frank Hopf, Senior Director of Racing Operations at Colonial Downs. “Tickets are limited and selling fast, so get yours today to experience this incredible day at the track.”

Since 2007, Virginia-based The Deloreans have captivated audiences up and down the East Coast with a 10-hour repertoire of classics and deep cuts from one of music’s most energetic and outrageous decades. With their neon lights, big hair, authentic 80s costumes, unstoppable energy, and hits from every genre, The Deloreans are sure to add energy and excitement to a tremendous day of live horse racing and entertainment.

The Deloreans and all the Virginia Derby Day’s great entertainment are included with purchase of a raceday ticket. A limited number of $5 General Admission tickets are still available and selling fast, while reserved seats are now sold out.

To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.colonialdowns.com.

In the weeks ahead, Colonial Downs will be announcing a series of promotions, experiences, and special guests that will make Virginia Derby Day a one-of-a-kind sporting experience in Virginia.

~ Fourth Quarter contributions totaling $23,000 to support Vinton Historical Society, Vinton Breakfast Lions Club, Feeding Southwest Virginia, William Byrd Middle School PTO, Blue Ridge Literacy, and Roanoke Valley SPCA ~

In the fourth quarter of 2024, Rosie’s Vinton contributed a total of $23,000 through its Rosie’s Gives Back program to support trusted community partners serving public education, child development, and community food needs.

Recipients of contributions include:

• $5,000 to Vinton Historical Society – A local museum dedicated to researching and documenting items of historical relevance.
• $5,000 to Vinton Breakfast Lions Club – This donation will help with construction of a park shelter at the Vinton War Memorial and the construction of a playground.
• $4,000 to Feeding Southwest Virginia – Distributing food to neighbors experiencing food insecurity throughout the Roanoke Valley
• $4,000 to William Byrd Middle School PTO – This donation will help provide food to students on weekends that may need the additional support.
• $3,000 to Blue Ridge Literacy – Helping adults achieve life goals through literacy skills.
• $2,000 to Roanoke Valley SPCA – This donation will help with multiple fundraising and adoption events throughout the year for this local animal shelter.

“Our team at Rosie’s Vinton is proud to support these excellent organizations that are meeting a variety of needs through Vinton, Roanoke, and across Southwest Virginia,” said Todd Lear, General Manager of Rosie’s Vinton. “Each organization is doing extraordinary work to care for those in need and build stronger communities in our area.”

Community nonprofit organizations can request financial, volunteer, in-kind, or other support through the Rosie’s Gives Back program by submitting an online request form.

Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums in Vinton and around the state contribute to local organizations and causes through the “Rosie’s Gives Back” program which has made more than $5 million in direct donations and in-kind contributions, and donated thousands of hours of volunteer service. The program supports a range of nonprofits and causes around Virginia including groups providing services in education, workforce development, and support for veterans and law enforcement. The goal of the Rosie’s Gives Back program is to meaningfully improve the quality of life in the communities where team members live and work. The company also partners with statewide programs for the broadest impact possible.

~ Fourth Quarter contributions totaling $29,000 to support Henrico CASA, The Bryant Bolling Foundation, Miracles in Motion, Nia Community Development Corporation, Children’s Museum of Richmond and RVA Podium ~

In the fourth quarter of 2024, Rosie’s Richmond contributed a total of $29,000 through its Rosie’s Gives Back program to support trusted community partners serving Victims of child abuse, literacy, food insecurities, special education, etc.

Recipients of contributions include:

• $5,000 to Henrico (CASA) — Providing service to victims of child abuse and neglect.
• $5,000 to The Bryant Bolling Foundation — Supporting children who have lost a parent due to violence.
• $5,000 to Miracles in Motion — This program works with and supports dancers with special needs.
• $10,000 to Nia Community Development Corporation — Providing meals to families experiencing food insecurities.
• $2,500 to Children’s Museum of Richmond – Supporting the “playful learner experience” for children and families from low-income households.
• $1,500 to RVA Podium – Transforming lives through literacy

“Our team at Rosie’s Richmond is proud to support Nia Community Development Corporation, which provided Thanksgiving meals to more than 2,000 families experiencing food insecurity in the Greater Richmond area, and our other charitable partners throughout the Richmond region,” said Vincent Jordan, General Manager of Rosie’s Richmond.

Community nonprofit organizations can request financial, volunteer, in-kind, or other support through the Rosie’s Gives Back program by submitting an online request form.

Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums in Richmond and around the state contribute to local organizations and causes through the “Rosie’s Gives Back” program which has made more than $5 million in direct donations and in-kind contributions, and donated thousands of hours of volunteer service. The program supports a range of nonprofits and causes around Virginia including groups providing services in education, workforce development, and support for veterans and law enforcement. The goal of the Rosie’s Gives Back program is to meaningfully improve the quality of life in the communities where team members live and work. The company also partners with statewide programs for the broadest impact possible.

About Colonial Downs Racetrack and Rosie’s Gaming Emporium

Colonial Downs Racetrack (“Colonial Downs”) and Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums (“Rosie’s”) employ over 1,500 team members in the Commonwealth of Virginia, paying over $30 million in annual salaries, wages and benefits. The Rose Gaming Resort in Dumfries as well as Rosie’s in Dumfries, Emporia, Hampton, New Kent, Richmond and Vinton offer innovative Historical Racing Machines (HRMs) and full card simulcasting. Rosie’s Game Room in Collinsville features a limited selection of some of the best HRM titles. Colonial Downs in New Kent hosts live Thoroughbred racing on two nationally-renowned surfaces – the Secretariat Turf Course, the widest turf course in North America and a 11/4-mile dirt track. www.rosiesgaming.com.

~ Fourth Quarter contributions totaling $20,000 to support Envision Lead Grow, Reck League, RESET Inc. and Outpouring Love Outreach Sister 2 Sister. ~

In the fourth quarter of 2024, Rosie’s Hampton contributed a total of $20,000 through its Rosie’s Gives Back program to support trusted community partners serving young women interested in business, community support for youth and young adults in under-resourced communities, education, social development and empowering women.

Recipients of contributions include:

• $5,000 to Envision Lead Grow, an organization that provides economic empowerment services for women and girls from historically excluded communities through programs that increase equity, ownership, entrepreneurship, scholarship and investment.
• $5,000 to RESET Inc. whose mission is to break barriers that exist in education, social development, and economics.
• $5,000 to Reck League, an organization that is committed to developing innovative programs and holistic community support for youth and young adults in under-resourced communities.
• $5,000 to Outpouring of Love Sister 2 Sister, a faith-based organization whose mission is to impact, encourage and inspire women.

“Our team at Rosie’s Hampton is so proud to support organizations like Envision Lead Grow, RESET Inc, Reck League, and Outpouring of Love which are truly making a difference in the lives of our friends and neighbors here in Hampton Roads,” said Mary Harper, General Manager of Hampton Rosie’s.

Community nonprofit organizations can request financial, volunteer, in-kind, or other support through the Rosie’s Gives Back program by submitting an online request form.

Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums in Hampton and around the state contribute to local organizations and causes through the “Rosie’s Gives Back” program which has made more than $5 million in direct donations and in-kind contributions, and donated thousands of hours of volunteer service. The program supports a range of nonprofits and causes around Virginia including groups providing services in education, workforce development, and support for veterans and law enforcement. The goal of the Rosie’s Gives Back program is to meaningfully improve the quality of life in the communities where team members live and work. The company also partners with statewide programs for the broadest impact possible.

About Colonial Downs Racetrack and Rosie’s Gaming Emporium

Colonial Downs Racetrack (“Colonial Downs”) and Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums (“Rosie’s”) employ over 1,500 team members in the Commonwealth of Virginia, paying over $30 million in annual salaries, wages and benefits. Rosie’s in Dumfries, Emporia, Hampton, New Kent, Richmond and Vinton offer innovative Historical Racing Machines (HRMs) and full card simulcasting. Rosie’s Game Room in Collinsville features a limited selection of some of the best HRM titles. Colonial Downs in New Kent hosts live Thoroughbred racing on two nationally-renowned surfaces – the Secretariat Turf Course, the widest turf course in North America and a 11/4-mile dirt track. www.rosiesgaming.com.

~ Fourth quarter contributions totaling $27,000 to support Central Virginia Educational Resource Program, My Sister’s Hope, New Kent Education Foundation, New Kent Elementary School PTO, and The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County ~

In the fourth quarter of 2024, Rosie’s New Kent contributed a total of $27,000 through its Rosie’s Gives Back program to:

• $10,000 to the New Kent Educational Foundation, whose mission is to promote and enhance educational opportunities for the students and staff of New Kent County Schools.
• $7,500 to My Sister’s Hope which is dedicated to providing resources and support to single mothers, teens, families, and veterans in New Kent County and surrounding areas.
• $5,000 to the Central Virginia Educational Resource Programs (CVERP) which provides educational, supportive, and outreach services to underrepresented and underserved children and families.
• $2,000 to the New Kent Elementary School PTO who provides programming and educational needs as well as supports the students and staff of New Kent Elementary School.
• $2,500 to The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County to support its Just One scholarship fund.

“Our team here at Rosie’s New Kent couldn’t be more grateful for the chance to give back to these incredible foundations,” said Dan Cuic, General Manager of Rosie’s New Kent. “It means so much to us to support their work in enhancing education, offering crucial resources, and creating opportunities for people right here in our community.”

Community nonprofit organizations can request financial, volunteer, in-kind, or other support through the Rosie’s Gives Back program by submitting an online request form.

Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums in New Kent, VA and around the state contribute to local organizations and causes through the “Rosie’s Gives Back” program which has made more than $5 million in direct donations and in-kind contributions, and donated thousands of hours of volunteer service. The program supports a range of nonprofits and causes around Virginia including groups providing services in education, workforce development, and support for veterans and law enforcement. The goal of the Rosie’s Gives Back program is to meaningfully improve the quality of life in the communities where team members live and work. The company also partners with statewide programs for the broadest impact possible.

About Colonial Downs Racetrack and Rosie’s Gaming Emporium

Colonial Downs Racetrack (“Colonial Downs”) and Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums (“Rosie’s”) employ over 1,500 team members in the Commonwealth of Virginia, paying over $30 million in annual salaries, wages and benefits. The Rose Gaming Resort in Dumfries as well as Rosie’s in Dumfries, Emporia, Hampton, New Kent, Richmond and Vinton offer innovative Historical Racing Machines (HRMs) and full card simulcasting. Rosie’s Game Room in Collinsville features a limited selection of some of the best HRM titles. Colonial Downs in New Kent hosts live Thoroughbred racing on two nationally-renowned surfaces – the Secretariat Turf Course, the widest turf course in North America and a 11/4-mile dirt track. www.rosiesgaming.com.