HORSE RACING TO RETURN TO COLONIAL DOWNS FOR 2020 SEASON!
Posted on July 9th, 2020
Season Will Open July 27; Spectator Attendance Will be Limited Pursuant to Commonwealth Policies at Time of Races; Track Will Utilize Numerous Health and Safety Measures for Fans; General Admission to all Races is Free
*** Season Will Feature New Monday through Wednesday Evening Schedule***
NEW KENT, Va. (July 9, 2020) – Following the incredibly successful return of world class horse racing to Virginia in 2019, the Colonial Downs Group is pleased to announce that live horse racing will be back for another season at its New Kent County track beginning on Monday, July 27, with provisions in place for a limited number of spectators in attendance over the course of the 18-day race schedule based upon Commonwealth policies at the time of each race. General admission to all races is free.
This year’s live horse races will be conducted on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, with the first post time at 5:30 p.m. ET. The Virginia Derby will take place Tuesday, September 1, and the final race of the season is Wednesday, September 2.
Under conditions established in Virginia’s Phase 3 reopening plan, which currently allows outdoor venues to cap attendance at 1,000 spectators, Colonial Downs is planning to implement the following protocols at the track:
- Up to 1,000 spectators will be admitted to the outdoor areas of the grandstand and the track apron.
- A 6-foot social distancing policy will be enforced.
- Guests will be required to wear masks indoors and encouraged outdoors.
Should Virginia regulations regarding attendance at outdoor sporting events change, Colonial Downs will adjust accordingly. Health and safety protocols may also evolve leading up to and during the race meeting as directed by government officials.
“Last year we were honored to bring horse racing back to Colonial Downs and the Commonwealth. Now, with the advancement into Phase 3 of Virginia’s reopening plan, and guidance from state and local health authorities, we are excited to announce that horse racing will return for another action packed season this summer!”, said John Marshall, Colonial Downs’ Executive Vice President of Operations. “We will implement the latest in safety and health measures to ensure the well-being of our guests, and limit attendance in accordance with Virginia regulations governing outdoor events. As we continue to monitor the effects of Covid-19, our top priority will always be protecting the health and safety of our guests, team and racing participants.”
General admission apron access is free and allows up to 1,000 guests on a first come, first serve basis. Ticketed online reservations are available for limited indoor seating at www.colonialdowns.com. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. on race days. Concessions will be available daily featuring the paddock bar and a food truck rally. The Rosie’s Gaming Emporium at Colonial Downs will continue to be open during the racing season, without comingled access to the racetrack, and will continue to adhere to all state policies regarding visitor capacity.
