Virginia Derby Day to Feature $1 Million in Purses on August 31

Top Turf Horses in the Country to Compete during Day of Family Fun

Featuring horses from nationally prominent trainers, Colonial Downs Group is pleased to announce large crowds are expected for the $250,000 Virginia Derby Day on Tuesday, August 31. The nation’s top three-year-old turf horses will compete on the widest turf course in North America. Post time is 1:45 p.m. with the feature race, the 2021 New Kent County VA Derby, expected later in the afternoon. A total of $1 million dollars will be up for grabs on Virginia Derby Day.

Parking and general admission are both free for the biggest horse race in Virginia! Plenty of family friendly entertainment will be strolling the grounds with a variety of food trucks on-site. Free general admission includes an air-conditioned Homestretch Hospitality tented space, apron access with track and paddock-side viewing, covered bench seating and access to the Paddock Bar. Drink specials to highlight the occasion will be offered. Additionally, Colonial Downs will offer other options including clubhouse dining, clubhouse boxes, turf club dining and turf club suites.

The event highlights the third successful season of thoroughbred horse racing at Colonial Downs since the track was revitalized and re-opened. “We have enjoyed a fantastic run since bringing thoroughbred horse racing back to Virginia. It is great to see so many families and fans enjoying a fun outdoor activity that is also helping boost Virginia’s economy,” said Aaron Gomes, chief operating officer for Colonial Downs Group.

Media are encouraged to visit Colonial Downs for Derby Day preview stories during the early morning hours Monday and Tuesday August 30 and August 31 when horses are on the track conducting warm-ups and training. Vice-president of racing operations at Colonial Downs Jill Byrne stated, “Our team has done an amazing job bringing this facility back to one of the best in the country. We hear every day how much our horse owners, trainers, jockeys and fans appreciate the high caliber of racing we are offering.”

For fans who can’t make it out to the track on August 31, all the excitement can be viewed live, and wagers can be made online. For more information on 2021 Colonial Downs Racing presented by Woodford Reserve go to: www.colonialdowns.com.