LIVE RACING RETURNS TO COLONIAL DOWNS THIS WEEK

~ Thursday kicks off eleven weeks of live racing every Thursday through Sunday; Fans will enjoy lower prices, more race days, additional weekend race days, and great entertainment on and off the track ~

NEW KENT, Va. (June 22, 2026)— Colonial Downs Racetrack kicks off a record-setting season of live thoroughbred racing this Thursday, June 25 at 12:30 p.m. The 2026 race season at Virginia’s premier thoroughbred race track will feature the most race days in track history, a new Sunday race card each week, lower ticket prices, and great entertainment both on and off the track.

Live racing will be held every Thursday through Sunday until the season concludes with a special day of Monday racing on Labor Day, September 7. The track will also host a special day of steeplechase racing this Monday, June 29. Standard post time will be 12:30pm.

For the 2026 summer racing season at Colonial Downs, fans can expect:

• 45 days of live thoroughbred racing
• Nearly 400 individual races
• Over 3,000 horses in competition
• Approximately $30 million in purses up for grabs
• 18 steeplechase races
• High-profile graded stakes races including:
  • Arlington Million (GI): $1,000,000
  • Beverly D. (GII): $500,000
  • Secretariat Stakes (GII): $500,000
  • Old Dominion Derby (GIII): $500,000

“After a great Virginia Derby in March, we are so excited to welcome new and returning fans back to Colonial Downs for a record-setting summer of racing and family-friendly fun,” said Frank Hopf, Senior Director of Racing Operations. “With world-class racing, great entertainment, and a new day of Sunday racing each week, there’s never been a better time to plan an unforgettable day at the races!”

In addition to great racing, fans can enjoy a variety of great promotions and entertainment throughout the season including family fun every Sunday with special experiences for the youngest racing fans. Notable race dates that should not be missed are:

• Thursday, June 25: Opening Day
• Saturday, June 27: Corgi Races**
• Monday, June 29: Steeplechase “Triple Tiara” Day
• Sunday, July 19: Military Appreciation Day
• Saturday, July 25: VCU Day and Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) Day
• Saturday, August 1: Colonial Downs Festival of Racing**
• Sunday, August 2: Teacher Appreciation Day
• Saturday, August 15: Wiener Dog Races**
• Sunday, August 16: Princess/Tractor Day
• Saturday, August 22: Claiming Crown Preview Day
• Sunday, August 30: First Responder Day
• Saturday, September 5: College Day
• Monday, September 7: Old Dominion Derby Day/Closing Day

** Indicates Premium Racing Day that requires purchase of a ticket.

Three premium racing days—Corgi Races, the Festival of Racing, and Wiener Dog Races—will require a ticket with General Admission available for the fan-friendly price of just $5. General admission and convenient guest parking are free all other race days. 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.