TICKETS FOR COLONIAL DOWNS SUMMER MEET NOW ON SALE

~ Record-setting season will feature reduced ticket prices, new Sunday racing with family activities, the return of Wiener Dog racing, and the addition of Corgi races on opening weekend ~

NEW KENT, Va. (May 3, 2026) – Coming off a historic Kentucky Derby that saw Virginia Derby runner Ocelli finish third and Virginia Derby champion Incredibolt finish sixth, now is the time to buy single day and season tickets for the 2026 Colonial Downs summer racing season at www.ColonialDowns.com.
Building on the momentum of an incredible three-day spring meet that featured a record crowd of 9,700+ fans for the sold out 2026 Virginia Derby, Colonial Downs will host another 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.
This season’s expanded and adjusted schedule will add an additional day of weekend racing every Sunday to allow more fans and families to experience the thrill of live thoroughbred racing and all that a Colonial Downs race day has to offer. Each Sunday will feature family friendly entertainment like a petting zoo for young guests.

“March’s sold-out Virginia Derby set the stage for a record-breaking year of live racing at Virginia’s premier Thoroughbred racetrack,” said Frank Hopf, Senior Director of Racing Operations at Colonial Downs. “We’re thrilled to see the continued growth of the sport with the largest race schedule in Colonial Downs history and Virginia Derby horses delivering incredible performances in the iconic Kentucky Derby last weekend. We’re especially excited to introduce Sunday racing this season, giving even more fans and families across Virginia the chance to experience the track. All summer long, guests can enjoy great entertainment both on and off the track including food and drink specials, family fun on Sundays, and even some friendly competition featuring the Commonwealth’s Corgis and Wiener dogs. We invite everyone to make plans to join us this summer.”

Experiencing live racing is more affordable than ever with new reduced-price ticket options at Colonial Downs in 2026. General admission is FREE nearly every race day, with General Admission for three Premium Racing Events available at the fan-friendly price of just $5 and free admission for children five and under. For an elevated experience on any race day, Colonial Downs offers covered seating in the Reserved Grandstand Seats and Grandstand Box Seats, as well as indoor and dining options at the Jockey Club and the 1609 Restaurant.

The 2026 Premium Racing Events that will require a ticket include:

• Saturday, June 27—Opening Saturday will feature the all new Corgi Race with a fun competition between some of Virginia’s most adorable amateur athletes. Registration details will be forthcoming.
• Saturday, August 1—The annual Colonial Downs Festival of Racing will feature the season’s biggest races and purses including the Grade 1 Arlington Million with its $1 million purse, along with the Grade 2 Beverly D., and Grade 2 Secretariat Stakes.
• Saturday, August 15—Wiener Dog Racing returns to Colonial Downs as mighty little athletes race down the track on tiny legs. Registration details will be forthcoming.

The standard post time for the 2026 season will be 12:30pm on all race days except the Festival of Racing and Old Dominion Derby which will begin at noon.
Throughout the summer Colonial Downs will offer a variety of exciting promotions that will be unveiled in the weeks ahead.
For more information on ticketing, dining, and pricing, visit www.colonialdowns.com.