Jockey into position at this year’s live summer racing at Colonial Downs Racetrack and experience thoroughbred racing like never before.
This year the track will be hosting a record-setting 45-day summer season, June 25 through Sept. 7, featuring a new weekly Thursday to Sunday format. The summer meet will include the annual Colonial Downs Festival of Racing with the iconic Arlington Million (Grade 1), Beverly D. Stakes and Secretariat Stakes (both Grade 2) on Aug. 1, the Old Dominion Derby Labor Day finale (Sept. 7) and additional high-profile graded stakes races. Live racing will begin at 12:30 p.m. each race day. Gates typically open an hour prior to the first race.
Located off Interstate 64 between Richmond and Williamsburg, Colonial Downs’ two state-of-the-art racing surfaces are second to none. The Secretariat Turf Course is the widest grass racing surface in North America and has played host to champion horses over the last two decades in prestigious races like the New Kent County Virginia Derby. The dirt track is the country’s second largest and offers equine athletes a safe and sprawling oval to compete over.
In addition to the world-class thoroughbred racing, the facility features over 450 games, simulcast wagering and a variety of food and bar concession options to entertain guests.
“We’re proud to offer a meet that blends world-class racing with fan friendly promotions,” said Frank Hopf, senior director of racing operations at Colonial Downs. “Our expanded season and new schedule with Sunday racing makes the experience more accessible to race fans and families this summer.” Hopf adds that fans can expect eight to nine races each race day over a roughly four-hour period Thursday to Sunday.
In addition to the live racing on Family Day Sundays, guests can enjoy other activities including the Junior Jockey Club and petting zoo. Other season highlights include corgi (June 27) and wiener (Aug. 15) dog races, where the furry friends will compete in heats between the professional thoroughbred horse races. Individuals can register their dogs on the racetrack’s website. Sixty-four in each category will race, with the winner receiving tickets to the 2027 Virginia Derby race.
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For first time visitors, Hopf encourages all fans to check out the horses in the saddling paddock before the races. The area is located near the grandstand entrance, adjacent to the wagering areas, and includes a walking ring and gazebos for interactions. “It’s an ideal viewing experience, giving fans an opportunity to get really close-up views of the jockeys and the thoroughbreds as they are saddled, right before they head out to the racetrack,” Hopf said.
General admission is free on most standard race days, though a small number of high-profile dates, known as premium racing events, require a $5 ticket. Children age 5 and younger can attend for free, even on premium days. Tickets are available at Colonial Downs or via rosiesgaming.com/racing. On-site parking is free.
