COLONIAL DOWNS SETS SCHEDULE FOR HISTORIC 2025 RACE SEASON
Posted on December 3rd, 2024
~ Virginia’s premier thoroughbred racetrack will hold 44 days of live racing throughout the year including its first Kentucky Derby qualifier race on March 15 ~
NEW KENT, Va. (December 3, 2024)—Today the Virginia Racing Commission approved an expanded 44-day live racing season for Colonial Downs in 2025. This will be a record number of race days since the track reopened in 2019 and is an increase of 17 race days over the 2024 schedule. The approved schedule includes a special three-day Virginia Derby meet in March, anchored by the $500,000 Virginia Derby on March 15 which will be Virginia’s first-ever Kentucky Derby qualifier race with the winning horse securing a spot in the field for the 151st Kentucky Derby at historic Churchill Downs.
“We’re excited to bring a Kentucky Derby qualifying race to Virginia for the first time in 2025,” Senior Director of Operations Frank Hopf said. “We look forward to an outstanding 2025 season with participation from horsemen not only from Virginia but also from throughout the Mid-Atlantic as we expand our summer dates.”
The live race season will kickoff with a new three-day meet on March 13-15 anchored by the Virginia Derby on Saturday, March 15. Additional ticket options for the Virginia Derby will be announced and go on sale to the public in the coming weeks, including a limited number of general admission tickets at family-friendly prices.
The racing season will continue with 41 days of live racing each Wednesday through Saturday from July 9 through September 13 with a special day of racing on Labor Day, Monday, September 1. This will include the annual Colonial Downs Festival of Racing on Saturday, August 9 featuring a slate of high-profile graded stakes races.
Throughout the season guests will find a variety of promotions, giveaways, and food and drink specials for racing enthusiasts, new fans, and families.
