NEW KENT — Colonial Downs wrapped up what organizers called “an historic and record-setting” race season on Saturday.
The season featured the New Kent County horseracing track’s first-ever Kentucky Derby qualifying race, the first ever Kentucky Derby winner to run at the track, and new record highs for race days, number of races, guests in attendance, horses in competition, handle and purse money, according to a news release from Colonial Downs.
“This season was an unbelievable success by any measure,” Frank Hopf, senior director of racing at Colonial Downs, said in a statement. “We are so grateful for all the new and returning race fans and horsemen that brought energy and excitement to the track during the Virginia Derby spring meet and our ten-week summer race season.
“Colonial Downs is proud to be a key part of Virginia’s growing and thriving equine industry, which supports thousands of jobs and billions of dollars of economic impact all around the state. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the track in March for the Virginia Derby to see which Virginia champion will earn a spot in the iconic Kentucky Derby.”
The race season, which included 44 race days and 397 total races, saw $27.3 million in purse money. More than 70,000 guests attended over the season, which began July 9.
The season kicked off with a special three-day meet in March, when the Virginia Derby served as a Kentucky Derby qualifier for the first time. Winner American Promise went on to run in the 151st Kentucky Derby.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin recently announced that the 2026 Virginia Derby will again serve as a Kentucky Derby qualifier on March 14, 2026, subject to approval by the Virginia Racing Commission. Tickets will go on sale at colonialdowns.com in the coming weeks.
The season’s Festival of Racing event set a new record for largest wagering handle in Virginia history and featured Mystik Dan, the track’s first Kentucky Derby winner in competition.
https://www.pilotonline.com/2025/09/15/colonial-downs-wraps-up-historic-2025-race-season/
