NEW KENT — Colonial Downs’ racing season will run for 48 days next year, the New Kent racetrack announced.
It will be the most live racing days held in one season at the racetrack in its nearly 30-year history. The Virginia Racing Commission approved the expanded schedule on Monday.
From June 25 through Sept. 7, there will be an additional day of racing each week with a new Thursday through Sunday schedule, according to the racetrack. Standard post time for race days will be 12:30 p.m.
As was the case this year, there will be a special three-day Virginia Derby meet — held March 12-14 — ahead of the summer season. This year’s Virginia Derby race sold out, drawing more than 8,000 race fans. The race will again serve as a Kentucky Derby qualifier race with the winning horse securing a spot in the field for the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
Nearly all reserved tickets for the Virginia Derby are sold out, Colonial Downs said Monday. Fans are encouraged to buy $5 general admission tickets early at colonialdowns.com “to be a part of this iconic day in Virginia sports,” a news release said.
“With a Kentucky Derby qualifier, new weekend race days, and the biggest racing schedule in the track’s history, 2026 promises to be an unforgettable season at Colonial Downs,” Frank Hopf, senior director of racing operations, said in the release. “We cannot wait to welcome race fans and horsemen from around the country to Virginia for another season of excitement, fun, and competition at Virginia’s premier thoroughbred racetrack.”
This year’s race season included 44 race days and 397 total races, with $27.3 million in purse money. More than 70,000 guests attended over the season.
The 2026 season will include the annual Colonial Downs Festival of Racing with the Arlington Million, the Old Dominion Derby and additional high-profile graded stakes races throughout the summer, according to the racetrack.
Kim O’Brien Root, kimberly.root@virginiamedia.com
https://www.pilotonline.com/2025/12/16/colonial-downs-announces-more-days-of-racing-in-2026/

