ONE MONTH COUNTDOWN TO VIRGINIA DERBY AT COLONIAL DOWNS
Posted on February 16th, 2026
~ Only General Admission tickets remain for Virginia’s only qualifying race on The Road to the Kentucky Derby ~
NEW KENT, Va. (February 16, 2026)—In just one month, the Virginia Derby returns to Colonial Downs Racetrack as Virginia’s only qualifying race on The Road to the Kentucky Derby. The March 14 race will be just the second time ever that a Kentucky Derby qualifying race has been held in Virginia, with the winning horse securing a spot in the 152nd Kentucky Derby at historic Churchill Downs.
All reserved tickets are sold out, but a limited number of General Admission tickets remain available at www.ColonialDowns.com at the fan-friendly price of just $5 with free admission for children five and under, as well as $75 “loaded” General Admission tickets that include two food items and four drink tickets.
“Last year’s Virginia Derby was a record-setting sell out, and we expect the 2026 Virginia Derby to be the same,” said Frank Hopf, Senior Director of Racing Operations. “We’re expecting worldclass horses, jockeys, and trainers right here in Virginia racing for a spot in the Kentucky Derby starting gate. Get your tickets today to be part of this iconic Virginia event!”
The Virginia Derby on March 14, 2026 will anchor a special three-day spring meet at Colonial Downs and kickoff a record-setting year at Virginia’s premier thoroughbred racetrack. Racing will also be held on Thursday and Friday beginning at 12:30pm. General admission for Thursday and Friday is FREE for all fans, while reserved seats, including indoor seats, covered seats, and suites, are available for purchase at www.ColonialDowns.com.
Following the March meet, the racing season will continue with 45 days of live racing each Thursday through Sunday from June 25 through a special day of racing on Labor Day, Monday, September 7. The summer meet will include the annual Colonial Downs Festival of Racing with the iconic Arlington Million, the Old Dominion Derby, and additional high-profile graded stakes races throughout the summer.
