AMERICAN PROMISE WINS 2025 VIRGINIA DERBY ON HISTORIC DAY FOR VIRGINIA RACING
Posted on March 17th, 2025
~ Sellout crowd of 8,000+ watch American Promise secure spot in field for 151st Kentucky Derby by winning Virginia’s first-ever Kentucky Derby qualifier race at Colonial Downs Racetrack; Fondly secures spot in Kentucky Oaks with victory in Virginia Oaks ~
NEW KENT, Va. (March 15, 2025)—On a historic day in Virginia sports, American Promise won the 2025 Virginia Derby in dominant fashion by 7 ¾ lengths with a track record time of 1:46.41 for the 1 1/8 mile race at Colonial Downs Racetrack in New Kent County. The three-year old colt is trained by D. Wayne Lukas, owned by BC Stables, and was piloted to victory by jockey Nik Juarez. Virginia Governor Glenn A. Youngkin presented the winning race team with the Virginia Derby trophy and led a sellout crowd of more than 8,000 guests and race fans in the traditional champagne toast to the winners.
Thanks to his victory in the 2025 Virginia Derby, American Promise has been awarded 50 points on The Road to the Kentucky Derby, securing himself a spot in the field for the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
“Congratulations to the connections of American Promise on today’s win in the Virginia Derby,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Incorporated, owner and operator of Colonial Downs Racetrack. “We are proud to celebrate this historic day in Virginia sports which is a testament to the resurgence of racing in the Virginia. Our investment in this revitalization would not be possible without partners across the Commonwealth who continue to support Virginia’s racing and equine industries.”
“The Road to the Kentucky Derby runs through Virginia. The Virginia Derby and Virginia Oaks are both premier races for our Commonwealth, and now key qualifiers for the most prestigious races in the sport,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Virginia stands tall in the national racing landscape, bringing world class competition to Colonial Downs and strengthening our equine industry and economy. We look forward to seeing these talented horses compete under the Twin Spires this May.”
“Virginia’s equestrian heritage is a proud tradition that continues to inspire and uplift communities,” said First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin. “The bond between horses and people is powerful and we deeply appreciate Churchill Downs’ contributions to the betterment of both.”
“This is a momentous day for Virginia sports as the Commonwealth is now officially a destination on the Road to the Kentucky Derby,” said Delegate Don Scott, Speaker of the House of Delegates. “This milestone marks a new chapter for Virginia, bringing world-class events to our state, creating good-paying jobs, and offering an unforgettable experience for Virginians and visitors alike. Today, we celebrate the growing influence of Virginia in the world of sports and the bright future ahead.”
“The Virginia Derby is a crucial event, not only showcasing some of the best equine talent but also playing a vital role in growing Virginia’s equine industry,” said Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matt Lohr. “By attracting top-tier horses and riders, it highlights our state’s commitment to supporting the industry, creating new opportunities, and fostering the continued growth of Virginia’s equine community.”
“Churchill Downs has taken racing at Colonial Downs to unprecedented heights with the historic Kentucky Derby qualifier right here in New Kent County,” said Sen. Ryan McDougle (26th District.) “The racetrack is a tremendous asset for the county and the commonwealth. It is gratifying to see CDI’s investments in live racing paying off in such a meaningful way.”
“Colonial Downs is one of the jewels of the 71st District and was shining on the national stage today,” said Del. Amanda Batten (71st District). “I congratulate New Kent County, Churchill Downs Incorporated, and all the trainers, teams, jockeys, and race fans who set a new standard for racing in Virginia with this historic Virginia Derby.”
“The Road to the Kentucky Derby now runs through Colonial Downs Racetrack here in New Kent County,” said Thomas W. Evelyn, Chairman of the New Kent County Board of Supervisors. “We are so proud to host Virginia’s premier thoroughbred racetrack and appreciate the investments that Churchill Downs Incorporated has made to create jobs, deliver top-notch racing, and bring visitors from around the country here to New Kent. We could not have asked for a better partner or a better day of racing.”
In another thrilling race in the program, Fondly claimed the 2025 Virginia Oaks win by ½ a length with a time of 1:42.51 for the 1 1/16 mile race. The three-year old filly is trained by Graham Motion, owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, and was piloted to victory by jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. First Lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin presented the Virginia Oaks trophy to the winning team in the winner’s circle at Colonial Downs.
Wagering from all sources on the Virginia Derby Day program totaled a new Virginia Derby Day record of $6,540,489, while a sellout crowd of 8,000 guests at Colonial Downs enjoyed world class racing, special food and beverage offerings including the Woodford Reserve Classic Mint Julep, The Oaks Lily, and Virginia Derby Sangria, and live music from Virginia favorites The Deloreans.
Virginia’s first-ever Kentucky Derby qualifier race brought top horses, trainers, and jockeys to Colonial Downs for this first-of-its-kind spring meet. This included horses trained by Bob Baffert, D. Wayne Lukas, Kenneth McPeek, Brad Cox, and Tom Amoss, among others, and Triple Crown race winning jockeys.
The field included a Virginia-born colt, Omaha Omaha, trained by Michael Gorham and owned by On Your Left Racing. The three-year old horse, which was born at Chance Farm in Gordonsville, Virginia, finished third.
Virginia Derby Day celebrated the character and communities of the Commonwealth with a special Salute to Service including stunning performances of the National Anthem and America the Beautiful by talented gospel singer Ashley Bell of Portsmouth.
Community partners were also recognized for their contributions to the Commonwealth on Virginia Derby Day. Churchill Downs Incorporated, owner and operator of Colonial Downs Racetrack, held special trackside recognition ceremonies and made a total of $100,000 in charitable contributions to:
- Willing Warriors—a nonprofit based in Prince William County, Virginia that offers veterans and military families cost-free getaways to relax, reconnect, heal, and grow together. Their “Warrior Retreat at Bull Run” offers recovering servicemembers and their families a temporary “home away from home” to support their recovery journey.
- Feeding Southwest Virginia—For more than 40 years, Feeding Southwest Virginia has helped meet the needs of neighbors experiencing food insecurity. The organization distributed more than 21 million pounds of food last year across a twenty-six county, nine city region.
- James River Horse Foundation—For nearly twenty years, the James River Horse Foundation has provided humane care, safe sanctuary and second careers for retired thoroughbred racehorses. The organization partners with the Virginia State Farm Work Center in Goochland on a unique program to provide non-violent incarcerated individuals with training in equine care and management that can prepare them for careers upon release.
- American Gold Star Mothers – Hampton Roads Chapter—The American Gold Star Mothers – Hampton Roads Chapter provides needed support for veterans, active duty servicemembers, and Gold Star families throughout Hampton Roads. These courageous Virginians honor the memories of their loved ones through their continued service to our Commonwealth and our country.
With the conclusion of this special three-day spring meet, Colonial Downs now commences preparations for its traditional summer racing season with live racing every Wednesday through Saturday from July 9 through September 13. In total, Colonial Downs will host 44 days of live racing in 2025, a new record number of race days since the track reopened in 2019.
For more information on the Virginia Derby or the upcoming summer race season, visit www.colonialdowns.com.
