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.

~ 4th Quarter contributions totaling $25,000 to support Emporia Greensville Police Department, Community in Schools of Virginia, Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Virginia, Southside Virginia Community College, Virginia Gifted Association, Emporia Virginia Southside RAM ~

In the 4th quarter of 2024, Rosie’s Emporia contributed a total of $25,000 through its Rosie’s Gives Back program to support trusted community partners serving kids and animals throughout the community and school systems.

Recipients of contributions include:

• $5,000 – Emporia Greensville Police Department (Holiday Family Sponsoring)
• $5,000 – Communities in Schools of Virginia
• $5,000 – Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Virginia
• $3,500 – Southside Virginia Community College
• $3,500 – Virginia Gifted Association
• $3,000 – Emporia Virginia Southside RAM

“Our team at Rosie’s Emporia is proud to sponsor and partner with all six of these foundations,” said Jeremy Callahan, General Manager of Rosie’s Emporia. “All these programs are in direct support of the community and the families that live here in the Emporia area.  It’s a pleasure to work with Emporia Greensville Police Department, Communities in Schools of Virginia, Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Virginia, Southside Virginia Community College, Virginia Gifted Association, Emporia Virginia Southside RAM to support families in the local 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.

The Rose and Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums 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 $26,000 to Childhelp, Kappa Foundation of Fredericksburg, Northern Virginia Food Rescue, Uniting US, Manassas Symphony Orchestra, Pattie Elementary PTCO, Covington Harper Elementary PTO ~

In the fourth quarter of 2024, The Rose Gaming Resort in Dumfries contributed a total of $26,000 through its Rosie’s Gives Back program to support trusted community partners serving youth, veterans, food rescue and victims of child abuse.

Recipients of contributions include:

• $7,500 to Childhelp – Support of the Shining Stars Gala to fund the Alice C. Tyler Village near Culpeper, VA, a residential treatment facility, which provides a safe and nurturing environment to severely abused and neglected children.
• $5,000 to Kappa Foundation of Fredericksburg—The mission of KFF is to help the youth of the Greater Fredericksburg area develop a positive sense of self, learn appropriate decision-making skills, and become moral, upstanding members of our larger community.
• $5,000 to Northern Virginia Food Rescue—Northern Virginia Food Rescue leverages technology to support a network of Food Rescue Programs throughout Northern Virginia ensuring food equity, local agriculture to expand healthy food options, educational opportunities to increase community health and advocacy to strengthen our food system.
• $5,000 to Uniting US—Uniting US, a nonprofit that empowers veterans, military, and their families to inspire communities to heal, find wellness and unite through art.
• $2,000 to Manassas Symphony Orchestra – The Manassas Symphony Orchestra is a community-service organization whose mission is to enrich, educate, and entertain its audiences and musicians alike with the highest quality concerts and enhance traditional performances with innovative programming.
• $1,000 to Pattie Elementary PTCO – A volunteer run organization that supports the school’s mission of Passion, Positivity, Pride, and Performance.
• $500 to Covington Harper PTO – A volunteer run organization to support the school’s vision to build relationships with each student and family in our diverse community in an effort to help students achieve excellence.

“Our team at the Rose is proud to support multiple organizations this quarter that support children in our community,” said Bobbi Sample, General Manager of The Rose Gaming Resort and Rosie’s Dumfries. “Our donations this quarter are for organizations that support children in a number of ways including food security, through the arts, through their schools, leadership development and therapeutic programs.”

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.

The Rose and Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums 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.