COLONIAL DOWNS TO FEATURE EXCITING STEEPLECHASE PROGRAM DURING 2026 RACE SEASON
Posted on July 16th, 2026
NEW KENT, Va. (June 25, 2026) – Following a tremendous opening weekend that saw huge crowds, thrilling racing, and Colonial Downs’ first-ever Corgi Races, steeplechase horse racing will make its return to the track tomorrow for a special Monday racecard that will be Colonial Downs’ first full day of steeplechase racing in thirteen years.
Steeplechase racing is a fan favorite and a rich Virginia tradition thanks in large part to the legendary Strawberry Hill Races which were last run at Colonial Downs in 2011. Steeplechase racing will be a regular feature at Colonial Downs this season with the new “Triple Tiara” series of jump races in partnership with the National Steeplechase Association.
“Steeplechases are really fun, unique, and exciting races that showcase the athleticism and skill of these specialized horses, jockeys, and trainers,” said Frank Hopf, Colonial Downs Senior Director of Racing Operations. “We’re looking forward to kicking off the new Triple Tiara series of steeplechase racing with this Monday’s all-steeplechase card for the first time in more than a decade. The environment might be a little tamer than the old Strawberry Hill Races, but we promise the action on the track will be just as fun and exciting.”
Monday’s kickoff of the Triple Tiara steeplechase program will including nine races with gates opening at 10:15am and a post time of 10:45am. Reserved seating is available for purchase in the 1609 restaurant, while all other seating will be free and first-come, first-served.
The series will continue with steeplechase racing on Thursday, July 23, Thursday, August 13, and Thursday, September 3. The series will feature Grade II, $100,000 races for fillies and mares. The season-long series is expected to feature 18 total races and wagering will be offered on all races.
Richmond race fans still fondly recall the legendary Strawberry Hill Races, a mostly annual steeplechase contest held 79 times at locations around Central Virginia including at the old state fairgrounds next to Richmond International Raceway and at Colonial Downs. The last iteration was run in 2011, though Colonial Downs hosted a special one-day steeplechase card in 2013.
Following an historic and record-breaking March meet in which more than 9,700 fans watched Incredibolt win the 2026 Virginia Derby and secure his spot in the Kentucky Derby, live racing returned to Colonial Downs this week for the 2026 Summer Meet featuring a record setting schedule, 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.
General admission is free nearly every day and convenient guest parking is always free at Colonial Downs. For an elevated guest experience, Colonial Downs offers reserved Grandstand Seats and Grandstand Box Seats as well as dining options in the Jockey Club restaurant on the third floor and in the 1609 restaurant on the fourth floor.
For more information on tickets, dining, and pricing, visit Colonial Downs on the web at www.colonialdowns.com.
