ON BIGGEST DAY OF HORSE RACING IN VIRGINIA HISTORY, BURNHAM SQUARE WINS ARLINGTON MILLION
Posted on August 3rd, 2026
Photo Credit: Coady Media
Photo Credit: Coady Media
Photo Credit: Coady Media
~ Burham Square takes Arlington Million crown while Cherie DeVaux trainee Supercharger wins Secretariat Stakes and South African horse Gimme A Nother claims Beverly D; Nearly $3 million in purses were won and the track shattered its all-time record with $10.7 million waged from all sources ~
NEW KENT, Va. (August 1, 2026)—Today’s 2026 Festival of Racing at Colonial Downs in New Kent featured nearly $3 million in prize money and $10.7 million wagered from all sources, both new one-day records for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Thousands of race fans enjoyed a twelve-race card that featured worldclass horses, jockeys, and trainers from the United States and abroad.
“The 2026 Festival of Racing was another new pinnacle for Virginia racing,” said Frank Hopf, Senior Director of Racing at Colonial Downs. “With record prize money, wagering, and world-class horses, jockeys, and trainers from around the globe, this is the kind of day that solidifies Virginia’s place in the sport. We have just five more weeks remaining in the record-setting 2026 racing season at Colonial Downs, so get your tickets today to come experience the excitement of live racing up close.”
In the day’s marquee race, the $1 million Arlington Million was won by Burnham Square in 2:00.08 over the 1 ¼ mile. He won as the favorite and bolstered his reputation as one of the top turf racers in the country. Jockey Brian Hernandez, Jr—winner of the 2024 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks—was in the irons for owners Whitham Thoroughbreds LLC and trainer Ian Wilkes.
“He’s made a great transition to turf,” Wilkes said. “He’s bred for turf, so that’s the biggest asset. And he’s got a great turn of foot. I knew this race would probably be my hardest to win of the other three (stakes he’s run so far this year), because the mile and a half is more his forte.”
The $500,000 Secretariat Stakes was won by Supercharger, a trainee of history-making trainer Cherie DeVaux who became the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby earlier this year before also claiming the Belmont Stakes with Golden Tempo. Jockey Manny Franco had the ride for owner C R K Stable.
“…he’s a horse with a lot of talent,” DeVaux said. “He’s taken some time to mentally figure it out, and he’s not a hundred percent there yet.”
The $500,000 Beverly D. was won by South African horse Gimme A Nother piloted by Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez for trainer Graham Motion and owner Newstead Stables LLC.
“She went 7-for-7 in South Africa before I had her,” Motion said. “It takes a while to adjust when they come over here. I thought at the end of last year she was really coming into herself, but she came up with a little injury and we missed the Breeders’ Cup. Hopefully we’re back on track. She’s a remarkable filly and just the kindest horse around the barn. Hopefully we get her back to the Breeders’ Cup.”
In addition to great racing action throughout the day’s twelve-race card, the 2026 Festival of Racing featured live music from the Jack Leon Band, family friendly fun including a petting zoo, a special recognition ceremony for the Festival’s winningest jockey, trainer, and stable, and much more.
Live thoroughbred racing at Colonial Downs continues every Thursday through Sunday until the Old Dominion Derby on Labor Day, Monday September 7.
General Admission is free nearly every day. Covered and indoor seating is available for purchase at www.ColonialDowns.com, as well as $5 General Admission tickets for the annual Wiener Dog races on August 15.
For more information on tickets, dining, and pricing, as well as any adjustments to post times, visit Colonial Downs on the web at www.colonialdowns.com.
