VIRGINIA DERBY DRAWS 85 NOMINATIONS FROM HIGH PROFILE NATIONAL TRAINERS
Posted on March 4th, 2026
~ Tickets going fast for Virginia’s only Kentucky Derby qualifying race on March 14 at Colonial Downs Racetrack ~
NEW KENT, Va. (March 4, 2026)—With a $500,000 purse and a spot in the 2026 Kentucky Derby up for grabs, the 2026 Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs Racetrack has drawn a remarkable 85 nominations from some of thoroughbred racing’s most well-known and accomplished trainers and race teams. The nationwide interest in entering Virginia’s only Kentucky Derby qualifying race is a strong testament to the Commonwealth’s rising profile in thoroughbred racing.
“This strong slate of nominations shows that Colonial Downs is truly stepping into the sport’s national spotlight,” said Frank Hopf, Senior Director of Racing Operations. “We’re expecting a great day of worldclass racing so get your tickets today before they’re gone!”
The long list of nominations includes multiple horses from high-profile trainers who have won numerous Triple Crown races including Bob Baffert, Ken McPeek, Brad Cox, Todd Pletcher, and Bill Mott who trained 2025 Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty. Nominations are an expression of interest, not a guarantee of participation, and the starting field will be set in the coming days.
Limited General Admission tickets are still available for the March 14 race at www.ColonialDowns.com. Fans can purchase a $5 General Admission ticket or a $75 “Loaded General Admission” ticket that includes two food and four drink tickets.
The 2025 Virginia Derby drew a record-setting sold-out crowd of more than 8,000 Virginia race fans. 2025 Virginia Derby winner American Promise and runner-up Render Judgement both went on to run in the 2025 Kentucky Derby.
