Colonial Downs Offering Veterans Free Admission to Festival of Racing as Part of Salute to Service

~ Biggest day of racing in Virginia history will feature special recognition of Virginia’s veterans and military families; Churchill Downs Incorporated to donate $25,000 to support Virginia VFW ~

NEW KENT, Va. (August 07, 2025)—Colonial Downs is proud to announce that it will honor our nation’s fallen service members, veterans, and active-duty military personnel and families during the biggest day of racing in Virginia history this Saturday, August 9.

As part of this special recognition, all veterans and active-duty military personnel who present a valid veteran or military ID at the gate will receive one free general admission ticket for themselves.

For all other race fans, covered and indoor seats for the 2025 Festival of Racing are close to selling out, but General Admission tickets are still available for just $5 (children five and under free) and limited tables remain for dining-included admission in the Colonial Downs banquet room. All tickets can be purchased at www.ColonialDowns.com for this premium racing day.

“The 2025 Festival of Racing will be the biggest day of racing ever held at Colonial Downs, and we couldn’t think of a more fitting way to mark the occasion than to bring our military heroes to the forefront,” said Frank Hopf, Senior Director of Racing at Colonial Downs. “Their service and sacrifice deserve to be recognized and celebrated on our biggest stage.”

The day’s tribute will include a solemn moment of silence before the ninth race to honor America’s fallen heroes. Veterans and active service members will be asked to gather at the winner’s circle where they will receive a special on-stage recognition in front of thousands of race fans.

Army Staff Sargent Josh Price will be the bugler on the day for the call to post, and American Idol standout and New Kent native Grayson Torrence will deliver a heartfelt rendition of the National Anthem.

In honor of Virginia’s veteran and military communities, Churchill Downs Incorporated will be making a $25,000 contribution during the Festival of Racing to the Virginia Veterans Foundation which supports the VFW Department of Virginia.

About the 2025 Festival of Racing
The 2025 Festival of Racing will be the biggest day of racing in Virginia history with horses, jockeys, and race teams from around the world, including 2024 Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan and the three most recent Kentucky Derby winning jockeys, gathering in New Kent County to compete for more than $2.8 million in prize money over twelve races including the Arlington Million with its $1 million purse, the Beverly D. and Secretariat Stakes with $500,00 purses, and other six figure races.

Because The Race is Just the Start, the 2025 Festival of Racing will also feature:

• special tributes to Virginia’s veteran and military communities; including free general admission to retired and active military (must present ID);
• live music from American Idol contestant and New Kent native Grayson Torrence during the race card;
• a classic race day hat contest where the winner receives a table for four to the 2026 Virginia Derby;
• commemorative tumbler giveaway (while supplies last);
• 15 lucky ticket purchasers will receive a free $100 Win bet (Must purchase tickets by 10:00am on Friday, August 8) to qualify; and family friendly activities including local food trucks, a petting zoo, facepainting, and more!

Entrants for the day’s biggest races include horses with multiple graded stakes victories on their resumes, including 2024 Kentucky Derby champion Mystik Dan who will make his turf debut with jockey Brian Hernandez, Jr. who rode him to victory in that signature race. 2023 Virginia Derby winner Integration will return to Colonial Downs seeking the $1 million Arlington Million purse. Irish import Cairo will make his American debut after strong showings in Europe and Asia, while 2025 Kentucky Derby winning jockey Junior Alvarado will ride in both the Arlington Million and Secretariat Stakes.