NEW KENT — Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Sunday that the 2025 Virginia Derby will be a “win and you’re in” qualifying race on the Road to the Kentucky Derby during Colonial Downs Racetrack’s annual Festival of Racing.
Youngkin made the announcement from the winner’s circle at Colonial Downs alongside First Lady Suzanne Youngkin, Secretary of Agriculture Matthew Lohr, Delegate Amanda Batten, Churchill Downs Incorporated CEO Bill Carstanjen and Churchill Downs Board Chairman Alex Rankin.
“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 Youngkin. “The future for thoroughbred racing in Virginia has never been brighter and this opportunity will allow us to shine on horseracing’s biggest stage.”
Traditionally a turf race at the end of the summer racing season, this year’s Virginia Derby turf race will be held on Sept. 7. Next year, as part of a 50-point race on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, the Virginia Derby will transition to the dirt track and be held on March 15, anchoring a new four-day spring meet at Colonial Downs, according to the racetrack. The winning horse will be guaranteed a post position in the starting gate for the 151st Kentucky Derby on May 3 at legendary Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky.
Lohr noted that in 2025, Colonial Downs will race 47 days — up from 27 days in 2022, the last race meet before Churchill Downs acquired Colonial Downs.
“Today’s announcement is not only exciting for tourism in our district,” said Batten, “but also demonstrates a commitment to horse racing that will ensure Colonial Downs is a premier destination for generations to come.”
Dates for the Colonial Downs spring meet are contingent on approval of the Virginia Racing Commission.
This weekend marked the racetrack’s biggest weekend of the season, which will run through Tuesday thanks to rescheduling due to Tropical Storm Debby. More than $3 million in purses are at stake. The weekend is anchored by Colonial Downs’ annual Festival of Racing on Sunday which featured the $1 million “Arlington Million,” $500,000 “Beverly D” and $500,000 “Secretariat Stakes.” The three “graded stakes races” are high-profile contests that attract the world’s most talented and promising horses and jockeys, according to the racetrack.
