~ More than 130 members, friends, and family of the Autism Society of Central Virginia gathered for a day of fun and excitement at Virginia’s premier thoroughbred racetrack ~

NEW KENT, Va. (July 28, 2026)—On Sunday, July 26, Colonial Downs Racetrack and the Autism Society of Central Virginia (ASCV) teamed up for the first Summer Shindig at Colonial Downs, a special day at the track for more than 130 ASCV members, friends, and families. The day featured thoughtful accommodations to ensure a great day at the track including sensory friendly activities, a private space for ASCV guests, an on-track hobby horse race, and a Derby Hat contest for ASCV guests.

“This was such a special and joyful day for our team at Colonial Downs,” said Bella Hodge, Racing Marketing Manager. “We were thrilled to welcome so many new friends and fans to the track because this sport truly is for everyone.”

“Our ASCV families are so appreciative of the opportunity to visit the track and all the kindness we received from the Colonial Downs team,” said Katie Putnam, Community Events Coordinator for ASCV. “We had 130 members in attendance who enjoyed the races from the comfort of the Jockey Club. They also got to participate in a derby stick race on the track and take a picture in the winner’s circle. It was a great day for everyone at the races!”

Hosting ASCV’s Summer Shindig was a strong complement to Colonial Downs’ new partnership with Autism in Racing, a UK-based nonprofit working to improve access to the sport of thoroughbred horse racing for people with autism. The partnership with Colonial Downs is Autism in Racing’s first partnership with an American racetrack.

Colonial Downs welcomes all fans and guests to Virginia’s premier thoroughbred racetrack in New Kent, Va. If guests have questions about accessibility or wish to discuss an accommodation to make their day at the track more enjoyable, please contact [email protected].

Live thoroughbred racing at Colonial Downs continues every Thursday through Sunday until the Old Dominion Derby on Labor Day, Monday September 7.

General Admission is free nearly every day. Covered and indoor seating is available for purchase at www.ColonialDowns.com, as well as $5 General Admission tickets for the Festival of Racing on August 1 and the annual Wiener Dog races on August 15.

RICHMOND, Va. (July 16, 2026)—A lucky guest at Rosie’s Richmond recently won a life changing $894,547 jackpot with just a $5 wager. The jackpot is the second biggest in the history of Rosie’s Richmond and is believed to be one of the top five historical horse racing jackpots in American history. The largest jackpot in history is a $1,014,879 jackpot won in January 2026 at The Rose Gaming Resort on just a 25-cent wager.

The remarkable jackpot was won on July 11, 2026 by a North Chesterfield resident, William D., playing one of Rosie’s Ultimate Fire Link historical horse racing terminals in the all-new Fire Lounge. William said he is planning to use some of his winnings to take a cruise.

Rosie’s Richmond is one of Churchill Downs Incorporated’s eight historical horse racing venues in Virginia, along with The Rose Gaming Resort in Dumfries, Roseshire Gaming Parlor in Henrico, Rosie’s Game Room in Collinsville, and Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums in Hampton, New Kent, Vinton, and Emporia. Churchill Downs also owns and operates Colonial Downs Racetrack in New Kent County which is in the midst of a record setting season of live racing featuring 48 days of live racing, the most in track history.

NEW KENT, VA. (June 10, 2026) – The last time Nik Juarez rode at Colonial Downs, on March 15, 2025, it turned out to be very good day. The 32-year-old jockey scored aboard American Promise for the legendary Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas in the $500,000 Virginia Derby as well as tacking on a third-place finish in the $250,000 Virginia Oaks on Anonima for trainer Kenny McPeek.

As an official Kentucky Derby qualifying race, the 50 points earned by American Promise earned him a spot in the starting gate for the Kentucky Derby, presented by Woodford Reserve. It would be the first Derby mount for Juarez and though American Promise ran 16th, it was a memorable day nevertheless as he picked up a win on the undercard for Lukas.

“I started off the day (in the second race) aboard Lemon Muffin. She won (rallying) from last to first. That was a special feeling to win something on Derby Day. It was just a really special day to be a part of D. Wayne Lukas and his team. I had friends visiting from Maryland and it was cool to be able to have that moment with family and friends,” Juarez said.

A winner of more than 1,000 races in his 14-year career, Juarez has had the most success riding the mid-Atlantic racetracks. He won his first race with his first mount, Love Heart, for owner-trainer Calvin Barth at Laurel Park on Dec. 14, 2013.

“I grew up in the Mid-Atlantic,” Juarez said. “I started out at Laurel in Maryland and I am a 3rd generation horseman. My dad rode races in the Mid-Atlantic and on my mom’s side of the family my grandfather was a longtime outrider for the Maryland Jockey Club.”

Juarez has reunited with agent Jay Rushing for the upcoming season which starts on June 25 and runs through September 7.

“We started together 11 years ago (in) August of 2015 at Monmouth Park. Then I followed a horse (I had been riding)named Valid down to Gulfstream Park. We’ve always had success and, I feel like it’s a fresh start (for me) at Colonial Downs and with a push from (trainer) Saffie Joseph, Jr. it’s even a better opportunity.”

One other advantage to returning to Mid-Atlantic is that Juarez will be able to visit Valid who is stabled at his mother’s farm. Juarez, who won a pair of graded stakes races aboard the son of Medaglia d’Oro, purchased the horse from his then-owner Tom Thurman in 2017 who bought the horse at Keeneland in the fall of 2016.

“I reached out to Mr. Thurman and I spoke with him a few times at length. He said that if there ever came a time that he was done with his racing career (that) he would give me a call. About nine months later, I got the call from Tom Thurman. He was in Colorado. I was in New Jersey. He said, ‘Can you get a van out of here (Colorado) to come get him?’ (Trainer) Kelly Breen helped me organize that in New Jersey and we got a van to go pick up Valid

“We wanted to try to make him into a (stable) pony but he had too much racehorse in him and was still very competitive. After that, I ended up putting him out to my mother’s farm in Maryland. My mom still takes him out fox hunting and a lot of fun things for him to stay occupied. He’s still out there today so it would be cool to get up there to Virginia to be a bit closer to him.”

~ Bands and musical artists from around the region will compete for cash and the opportunity to perform live at Colonial Downs during Labor Day weekend ~

NEW KENT, Va. (June 1, 2026)—Colonial Downs is turning up the volume with a Battle of the Bands to celebrate our region’s incredible talent during live racing throughout Labor Day weekend. Bands and musical artists can enter now by submitting a performance video at www.ColonialDowns.com. Selected finalists will compete in a fan-voted social media contest, with the top three bands earning cash prizes and live performance opportunities at Colonial Downs.

“There is unbelievable talent in our region just waiting for a chance to shine,” said Bella Hodge, Racing Marketing Manager at Colonial Downs. “Whether your band plays country, rock, R&B, or anything in between, we want to give you the chance to take the stage in front of thousands of Virginia race fans. Entries are open now and fan voting will determine the winners, so get your fans ready to rock with you!”

Performance videos can be submitted until midnight on June 26 at www.ColonialDowns.com. Fan voting will be held from July 1 to July 20 with winners announced on July 30.

The winning band will win a $2,500 cash prize and a chance to perform at the Old Dominion Derby on Monday, September 7. Second place will earn a $1,000 cash prize and performance opportunity on Sunday, September 6, while third place will claim a $500 cash prize and a performance slot on Saturday, September 5.

For full rules and details, visit www.ColonialDowns.com.

Live racing will return to Colonial Downs on Thursday, June 25 with a record setting schedule, new affordable ticket options, 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.

Admission is free nearly every day with general admission tickets for three Premium Racing Events available at the fan-friendly price of just $5. Reserved and covered seating, as well as seats in Colonial Downs’ premium areas like 1609 and the Jockeys Club, can be purchased at www.ColonialDowns.com.

~ Exclusive seating options and experiences unveiled for Virginia’s only Kentucky Derby qualifying race including limited General Admission tickets at fan-friendly prices ~

NEW KENT, Va. (November 10, 2025)—Colonial Downs Racetrack today unveiled a series of special ticket and experience packages for the 2026 Virginia Derby on March 14, 2026, including a limited number of General Admission tickets available at the fan-friendly price of just $5.

Last year’s Virginia Derby was a complete sell out so fans are encouraged to buy their tickets today at www.ColonialDowns.com to make sure they are part of this iconic Virginia sporting event.

The 2026 Virginia Derby will again serve as a qualifying race on The Road to the Kentucky Derby with the winning horse securing a spot in the 152^nd Kentucky Derby. Last year, Virginia Derby winner American Promise and runner-up Render Judgment both went on to run in the 151^st Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

“We were absolutely blown away by the fan response to last year’s Virginia Derby and we’re thrilled to again be hosting a Kentucky Derby qualifier right here in Virginia,” said Frank Hopf, Senior Director of Racing at Colonial Downs Racetrack. “Last year’s Derby was a sell out, so get your tickets today to be part of Virginia’s Derby.”

For this special day of racing, a limited number of general admission tickets will be available for the fan-friendly price of just $5, with free admission for children under five.

Additional seating, ticket, and experience options have been created especially for this day of racing including special trackside seats and boxes, the Trackside Dining Pavilion and Lounge, the Homestretch Derby Party Tent, and an elevated experience in the elegant Colonial Downs Jockey Club. Options can be viewed here.

Quantities are extremely limited, so fans are encouraged to buy their tickets today.

For the 2026 race season, Colonial Downs will again host a special March meet with races on Thursday, March 12, Friday, March 13, and culminating with the Virginia Derby and Virginia Oaks on Saturday, March 14, pending Virginia Racing Commission approval.

RADFORD, Va. (November 7, 2025)—Today, Churchill Downs Incorporated and the Virginia Veterans Foundation announced a charitable contribution of $2,500 to VFW Post 776 (Radford-Montgomery) to help the Post recover from a recent break-in and act of vandalism that significantly damaged its facility.

On September 2nd, a break-in occurred at VFW Post 776 (Radford-Montgomery), causing thousands of dollars in damage. Windows, doors, and equipment were severely damaged, including a safe that stores the Post’s Honor Guard rifles. An historic World War I rifle was also removed from its display case and various items were taken.

Funds for the Post’s recovery come from the Colonial Downs VFW Post Home Improvement Grant program, which was created with a $25,000 charitable contribution made by Churchill Downs Incorporated as part of its Salute to Service during the 2025 Festival of Racing at Colonial Downs Racetrack. The grant from Churchill Downs and the Virginia Veterans Foundation will cover most of the cost to help the Post and recover from the break-in.

“Churchill Downs is proud to support VFW Post 776 in its time of need,” said Aaron Palmer, Director of Virginia Government Relations for Churchill Downs Incorporated, owner and operator of Colonial Downs Racetrack and Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums. “We were honored to provide the financial support that created the Post Home Improvement Grant and are gratified to see it being put to such good use.”

“For more than 80 years, VFW Post 776 has been a place where our community’s veterans have found support, camaraderie, and fellowship,” said VFW Post 776 Commander Nathan VanHoy. “The September break-in shook us, but it did not break us. Our Post is coming back even stronger because the support of our friends at Colonial Downs, the Virginia Veterans Foundation, and the entire New River Valley community.”

“Congratulations to Commander VanHoy and the veterans of Post 776 on the Post reopening and recovery after the September break in,” said VFW Virginia State Commander Doug Hoffman. “On behalf of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Virginia, I want to thank the good people at Colonial Downs in New Kent, and the entire Churchill Downs organization, for supporting the veterans in Radford and all Virginia veterans.”

“VFW Post 776 has been an important part of the Radford community since 1944,” said Senator Travis Hackworth. “The September break in was devastating to the entire Radford community, especially to our veterans.  I am grateful to the Virginia Veterans Foundation, and to Colonial Downs, for providing the emergency financial support that helped Radford’s VFW Post recover.”

“I was shocked and dismayed when I heard of the break-in at VFW Post 776 in Radford,” said Delegate Jason Ballad. “The people affected by this crime are Veterans who put their lives on the line for this Nation, and I was very pleased when I heard that the criminal responsible was apprehended.  I commend the resilience of Post 776 members and Post Commander Nathan VanHoy on quickly reopening after the September 2nd break-in, and I offer my deepest thanks to Colonial Downs and the Virginia Veterans Foundation for providing funds to ensure that this local resource for Veterans was able to re-open.”

Churchill Downs Incorporated, owner and operator of Colonial Downs Racetrack and Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums in Vinton and around the state, contributes to local organizations and causes through special programs like the Colonial Downs VFW Post Home Improvement Grant and its “Rosie’s Gives Back” program, which has made more than $5.4 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, healthcare, 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 Churchill Downs Incorporated, 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 Roseshire in Henrico and Rosie’s in 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 Racetrack 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.

About the Virginia Veterans Foundation
The Virginia Veterans Foundation is the official charitable foundation for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Department of Virginia. Its mission is to support the programs and operations of the Department and to support veterans, active-duty military, and their families. The VFW is one of the largest, and most charitable, veterans service organizations in Virginia. Virginia has 122 VFW posts and 36,000 members, including auxiliaries, in every region of the Commonwealth. All donations are tax deductible in accordance with the law. Reach us by phone 540-886-8112 or email [email protected].

~ $15,000 to support Vinton Breakfast Lions Club and the new Vinton Park ~

In the third quarter of 2025, Rosie’s Vinton contributed a total of $15,000 through its Rosie’s Gives Back program to support the Vinton Breakfast Lions Club and its efforts to create a new community park, as well as its programs to provide for those in need through humanitarian services and grants.

“We were so happy that we could give to the Lions Club to help support the town’s effort for the new Vinton Park,” said Todd Lear, General Manager of Rosie’s Vinton. “This multi-generational park will feature playgrounds, pickleball courts, a boulder wall, a picnic shelter and more.”

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 $5.4 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, healthcare, 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 Roseshire in Henrico and Rosie’s in 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 Racetrack 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.

~ Contributions totaling $15,000 to support Crossover Healthcare Ministry, Autism Society of Central Virginia, and Rx Partnership ~

To celebrate its grand opening, Roseshire Gaming Parlor, which has welcomed more than 30,000 guests since its opening, has contributed $15,000 through its Rosie’s Gives Back program to support trusted community partners in Henrico providing support services for Virginians with autism and healthcare services to those in need.

Recipients of contributions include:

• $5,000 to the Autism Society of Central Virginia which provides non-profit services, advocacy, and support to children, youth, and adults with autism, their families and the professionals who serve them.
• $5,000 to Crossover Healthcare Ministry, a Henrico-based non-profit organization that provides high-quality, compassionate healthcare to uninsured and Medicaid patients.
• $5,000 to RxPartnership, a Henrico-based non-profit that increases medication access for the vulnerable in Virginia and strengthens the health safety net.

“We are so grateful for the warm reception we have received from the Henrico community, and are proud to be a trusted partner for these tremendous organizations,” said Jeremy Callahan, General Manager of Roseshire. “Our team at Roseshire is committed to being engaged and productive members of the community we call home, and we thank the Autism Society, Crossover Healthcare Ministry, and RxPartnership for the great work they do to serve our neighbors in need.”

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.

Roseshire Gaming Parlor 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 $5.4 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, healthcare, 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 Roseshire in Henrico and Rosie’s in 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 Racetrack 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.