VIRGINIA DERBY AND OAKS RACES ATTRACT TOP HORSES

Governor Northam to Present Derby Trophy and Ag Secretary Ring to Present Oaks Trophy at Special Day of Racing on Saturday, August 31

Featuring horses from nationally prominent trainers, Colonial Downs Group is pleased to announce record crowds are expected for the $250,000 New Kent County Virginia Derby and the $150,000 Fasig-Tipton Virginia Oaks races on Saturday, August 31. Post time is 5:00 p.m. with the feature races expected later in the evening. (The Oaks is scheduled to start at 8:15 p.m. with the Derby on tap for 9:00 p.m.) Virginia Governor Ralph S. Northam will be on hand to present the Virginia Derby Trophy and Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Bettina Ring will be trackside to present the Virginia Oaks Trophy.

Gates will open early at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday to feature some family friendly and fun activities at the track. Kids will have an opportunity to meet jockeys in the paddock area. There will also be foot races on the track and a coloring book station. For fans of all kinds of racing, Richmond Raceway will have its race simulator at Colonial Downs on Saturday. Free general admission will be open to everyone along with other options. General admission will provide apron access with track and paddock-side viewing, covered bench seating and access to the Paddock Bar and Homestretch Hospitality tent. Additionally, Colonial Downs will offer clubhouse dining, clubhouse boxes, turf club dining and turf club suites.

Through the investment of the Colonial Downs Group, a subsidiary of Peninsula Pacific Entertainment, Colonial Downs has spurred a racing revival for the 2019 season after a six-year hiatus. The track is offering average daily purses of $500,000, which comprises an approximate $7.5 million in total purses allocated for the 15-day racing program from August 8 through September 7.

“We have enjoyed a fantastic run since bringing thoroughbred racing back to Virginia just a few short weeks ago. Fun loving and diverse crowds have been coming out to Colonial Downs to see the racing traditions we are maintaining along with what’s new and different,” said Aaron Gomes, chief operating officer for Colonial Downs Group. “We will have generated over 1,000 new jobs by the end of this year along with significant tax revenues for the Commonwealth of Virginia and its localities, both at the track and through our new Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums which feature Historic Horse Racing as well as live simulcast racing. We are extremely proud of our partnership with Virginia.”

Media are encouraged to visit Colonial Downs for Derby Day preview stories during the early morning hours Thursday, Friday and Saturday when horses are on the track conducting warm-ups and training. The band Firehouse, which has a strong local following, will be performing at the track following the races Friday evening, August 30. Tickets are also still available for the Academy of Country Music group of the year Old Dominion concert at Colonial Downs on Sunday, September 1.