Headed by a quartet of graded races, Colonial Downs unveiled its 2024 stakes program consisting of 27 races worth $5.7 million for the 27-day season which runs from Thursday, July 11 through Saturday, Sept. 7. The Colonial Downs Festival of Racing, slated for Saturday, Aug. 10 is highlighted by the GI Arlington Million, the GII Beverly D. S. and the GII Secretariat S.
The Beverly D. returns as a 'Breeders' Cup Challenge Win and You're In' race for the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf to be held at Del Mar Nov. 2. For the complete stakes schedule, click here.
The 2024 Festival Day will also four additional stakes races-the one-mile Petramalo Mile for 3-year-olds and its sister race, the seven-furlong Penny Chenery S.; the 5 1/2-panel Van Clief S. for 3yo/up on the turf and its distaff equivalent, the Andy Guest S.
Opening weekend includes three new turf stakes–$125,000 Million Prep at 1 1/8 miles; $125,000 Beverly D. prep over 1 1/16 miles; and $125,000 Boston S. at one mile, which will serve as a prep for the Secretariat.
The $500,000 GIII New Kent County Virginia Derby will be held on closing day, Sept. 7. The 1-1/8 miles grass race headlines a $1.3 million card, including the $250,000 Virginia Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at 1-1/16 miles; the $150,000 Da Hoss S. for older horses at 5 1/2 furlongs; the $150,000 Colonial Cup a 1 1/2-mile test for 3yo/up; the $125,000 Rosie's S. for 2-year-olds going 5 1/2 furlongs and the $125,000 Kitten's Joy S. for 2-year-olds over a two-turn 1-1/16 miles on turf.
A pair of 2-year-old races for Virginia-restricted runners–the $150,000 Hickory Tree S. and the $150,000 Keswick S.–head the Saturday, Aug. 3 program. Both races have been lengthened to 5 1/2 furlongs on the dirt.
Condition books and stall applications are available online at www.colonialdowns.com. Stall applications are due Tuesday, May 21.
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