Colonial Downs Opens 2026 Summer Meet With Turf Showcase, Stakes Action and Deep Horsemen Colony
Posted on June 22nd, 2026
NEW KENT, Va. (June 22, 2026) — Colonial Downs launches its 2026 summer racing season Thursday, June 25, with 22 turf races during opening week on its acclaimed Secretariat Turf Course, a strong lineup of stakes races, a competitive jockey and trainer colony, and one of the most player-friendly wagering menus in North America.
The meet will be conducted Thursday through Sunday, with a first post of 12:30 p.m. ET. Opening weekend includes a pair of Virginia-restricted turf stakes on Saturday: the Brookmeade Stakes for fillies and mares and the Edward P. Evans Stakes for runners ages 3 and older, both contested at 1 1/16 miles.
An additional special all-steeplechase card will be held Monday, June 29, beginning at 10:45 a.m. The program features the Grade 2 Theodora A. Randolph Stakes, a 2 1/4-mile steeplechase for fillies and mares ages 4 and older that serves as the first leg of the National Steeplechase Association’s Triple Tiara series. Colonial Downs will host all three legs of the Triple Tiara in 2026, further cementing its position as one of the nation’s premier steeplechase venues.
A deep jockey colony returns to Colonial Downs for the summer. Leading rider Paco Lopez, who captured last year’s riding title, is back along with Mychel Sanchez, Jorge Ruiz, Sheldon Russell, Jevian Toledo and Daniel Centeno. Riders expected to have significant opportunities during opening week include Jareth Loveberry, Rajiv Maragh, Nik Juarez, Sonny Leon, Carlos Montalvo and Samuel Marin.
The trainer ranks are equally strong. Defending leading trainer Mike Trombetta returns alongside Brittany Russell, Mark Casse, Kenny McPeek, Mike Stidham, Robert Bailes, Saffie Joseph, Jr. and Whit Beckman. Among the newcomers expected to maintain a substantial presence this summer are Jose D’Angelo and Joe Orseno.
Colonial Downs’ expansive Secretariat Turf Course remains one of the track’s signature attractions and a major draw for horsemen and horseplayers alike. Measuring 180 feet wide and accommodating large fields, the course has earned a reputation for producing competitive racing and attractive wagering opportunities.
Horseplayers will again find an attractive wagering menu highlighted by low-takeout multi-race bets. Both the early and late 50-cent Pick 5 wagers feature a 12% takeout, while the 50-cent Old Dominion 6 carries a 15% takeout rate. Colonial Downs also offers rolling $1 Daily Doubles and $1 Pick 3s throughout the card, as well as early and late 50-cent Pick 4s.
New for 2026 is a $3 Late Pick 3 with a 15% takeout that covers the final three races on every card. The wager is designed to provide bettors with a compelling late-race betting opportunity while delivering strong value through a player-friendly takeout rate.
Beyond the racing action, Colonial Downs will offer a full calendar of special events throughout the summer. Fan favorites include Corgi Races on June 27 and Wiener Dog Racing on Aug. 15, while Family Fun Days return on multiple dates featuring Military Appreciation Day, Teacher Day, Princess and Tractor Day, Claiming Crown Preview Day and First Responder Day. The meet’s marquee racing events include the Festival of Racing on Aug. 1 and Old Dominion Derby Day on Sept. 7.
For more information, visit ColonialDowns.com.
