Colonial To Add Spring Dates, VA Derby To Become Derby Points Race

NEW KENT COUNTY, VA — Prior to the running of Sunday's third race on the Colonial Downs 'Festival of Racing' program, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that the track, which has run summer dates since its return to the racing calendar five years ago, would be conducting a 'spring' meeting at the New Kent County track. Youngkin also told the crowd on hand that the Virginia Derby, previously held on the turf, would be contested during the new meeting and that it is to become a points-earning race on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.

“Churchill Downs has worked with partners throughout the Commonwealth to reinvigorate Virginia's proud legacy of Thoroughbred racing and secure our place as a world-class destination for racing fans and equine talent from around the world,” said Governor Youngkin. “The future for Thoroughbred racing in Virginia has never been brighter and this opportunity will allow us to shine on horse racing's biggest stage.”

This year's Virginia Derby will be held as scheduled on turf on Sept. 7. In 2025, as part of a 50-point race on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, the Virginia Derby will be held Mar. 15 on the dirt track and will anchor a new four-day spring meet at Colonial Downs.

“We are thankful for the investment of Churchill Downs in the Virginia horse racing industry. In 2025, Colonial Downs will race 47 days, which is up from 27 days in 2022, the last race meet before Churchill Downs acquired Colonial Downs,” said Secretary of Agriculture Matthew Lohr, who joined the Governor for the announcement. “Besides adding prestigious and lucrative races for horsemen, more race days drives significant economic impact throughout Virginia's entire agricultural sector leading to a healthy breeding industry, stronger equine infrastructure, and more employment opportunities across the Commonwealth.”

Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstanjen also addressed the crowd, voicing his satisfaction with the progress made at Colonial Downs on the occasion of the second Festival of Racing since Churchill purchased the track in November 2022.

Dates for the Colonial Downs spring meet are contingent on approval of the Virginia Racing Commission.