Colonial Downs Racing presented by Woodford Reserve, which kicks off its 27-day “More Racing, More Money and More Fun” Thoroughbred racing season July 11, has unveiled a $3.5-million stakes schedule highlighted by the 19th running of the GIII Virginia Derby.
In all, 24 stakes will be contested over the nine-week campaign, 20 of which are scheduled for the Secretariat Turf Course, the widest grass racing surface in the country. Purses for the 2022 stakes program will increase by $850,000 over 2021 totaling over $3.5 million in stakes dollars up for grabs. Racing will take place every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. (EDT) through Sep. 7.
Daily average purse monies will rise to $600,000 for the summer from $522,000 in 2021. Maiden special weight races will carry a $60,000 purse. The highly successful 2021 meet awarded a total of $10.4 million in purse monies and average field size was a healthy 8.36 starters per race.
“With increased purses, an expanded stakes schedule and more race days, we are looking forward to hosting horsemen and women, players and patrons from across the country again this season,” said Jill Byrne, Vice President Racing Operations. “Colonial Downs offers a fantastic facility for horses and staff and two of the best surfaces known for safety and sound returns to the barn.”
The $300,000 Virginia Derby headlines a showcase day on Tuesday, Sept. 6 which also includes four undercard turf stakes. The Mid Atlantic Thoroughbred Championship (MATCH) Series returns for a second straight year Aug. 16 with a quartet of stakes worth a combined $600,000.
“Our horsemen are chomping at the bit for more summer racing with great purses at Colonial,” said Frank Petramalo, Virginia HBPA Executive Director. “To help horsemen get good stable help, the VHBPA is sponsoring formal training programs for hot walkers and grooms. The VHBPA will also offer its usual benevolence programs, including medical/dental benefits, recreational programs, and our chaplaincy.”
The complete stakes schedule, along with stall applications for the upcoming meet, can be found at www.colonialdowns.com/horsemen.
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