WITH TEN DAYS TO LIVE RACING, COLONIAL DOWNS STABLES FILL AND TRAINING COMMENCES

(Photos courtesy of the Virginia Equine Alliance)

~ More than 100 horses have already arrived, with approximately 900 expected to stable at the New Kent racetrack throughout race season; Racing beings in 10 days on June 25 and continues each Thursday-Sunday until Labor Day ~

NEW KENT, Va. (June 16, 2026)— Following an historic March meet in which a sold-out crowd of 9,700+ fans watched the Incredibolt win the 2026 Virginia Derby and secure his spot in the 152nd Kentucky Derby, live racing will return to Colonial Downs on Thursday, June 25 with an expanded schedule, new weekend racing, more affordable tickets, unique entertainment and promotions, and high-stakes thoroughbred racing.

The stables at Colonial Downs Racetrack are now filling with thoroughbred horses that will compete over eleven weeks of racing each Thursday through Sunday from June 25 to a special Labor Day race card on Monday, September 7. This will be the most days of live racing in the nearly thirty-year history of Colonial Downs Racetrack.

More than 100 horses have already arrived, with approximately 900 horses expected to stable at the track during race season. Daily training has also commenced, with top racehorses, trainers, and jockeys putting in work on Colonial Downs’ dirt track and its world class Secretariat Turf Course.

This year’s backstretch reflects continued momentum for the Virginia racing program, with a blend of nationally prominent newcomers, returning race teams, and local trainers and owners that have become fixtures at Colonial Downs.

“Colonial Downs is a great experience from a horseman’s perspective,” said Whit Beckman, trainer of Ocelli who finished third in the Kentucky Derby and fourth in the Preakness Stakes after a sixth place finish in the Virginia Derby. “I liked the Colonial Downs experience so much that I applied and got stalls for this coming summer meet so we’re bringing a group over there to utilize the facility for the summer. The track offers great purse money and just a great racing environment.”

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.
For more information on tickets, dining, and pricing, visit www.ColonialDowns.com.