NEW KENT — After several delays and reschedulings, Colonial Downs completed its annual turf burn Monday afternoon ahead of its 2024 racing season.
The annual burn of the turf course helps prepare and nurture the country’s widest grass racing surface for a full season of live racing, according to Colonial Downs.
“At Colonial Downs, the turf burn means spring has arrived and live racing is right around the corner,” said Frank Hopf, Senior Director of Racing Operations at Colonial Downs. “We had a record-setting season in 2023 and we’re excited to build on that momentum as we welcome race fans back this summer.”
The burn takes dead “cover” off the turf in a rapid manner and allows it to grow back more plush, green, and safe within weeks, and sometimes days. A controlled burn drives more nutrients back into the soil and grass than standard cutting or trimming, according to Colonial Downs.
The burn was conducted safely and without incident in conjunction with partners from the New Kent Fire Department and Virginia Department of Forestry, the track said.
The 2024 racing season will include 27 days of live racing over nine weeks from Thursday, July 11 through Saturday, Sept. 7. The New Kent racetrack will race three days per week, Thursday through Saturday.
Colonial Downs said it will announce additional promotions, events, and details about the upcoming 2024 race season in the coming weeks. The 2023 race season saw a record number of races, race days, visitors, horses in competition, live bets, and off-track bets.
