NEW KENT— With just days remaining before the 2026 Virginia Derby meet, Colonial Downs Racetrack is preparing for Virginia’s only qualifying race for the Kentucky Derby, set for Saturday, March 14. A limited number of general admission tickets remain available at ColonialDowns.com for the event, which is expected to draw more than 8,000 fans to Virginia’s premier thoroughbred racetrack in New Kent County.
In the final days before live racing resumes, track officials are installing additional food, beverage and wagering equipment, setting up special seating areas and fan zones, preparing the racing surface for the horses and jockeys who will compete during the meet, and installing signage featuring Colonial Downs’ new branding and logo.
“We could not be more excited to welcome fans from near and far for this one-of-a-kind Virginia sporting event,” said Frank Hopf, senior director of racing at Colonial Downs Racetrack. “Last year we saw two horses from the Virginia Derby go on to compete for racing’s biggest prize at the Kentucky Derby. We only have a few tickets remaining, so get yours today to see the stars of the sport and be a part of Virginia racing history.”
The three-day Virginia Derby meet begins with live racing Thursday and Friday starting at 12:30 p.m., featuring daily food and drink specials. Friday’s race day will include an early St. Patrick’s Day celebration with drink specials and holiday-themed giveaways, including party beads and glasses. General admission is free Thursday and Friday, with reserved and indoor seating available for purchase.
The meet culminates with the Virginia Derby — the commonwealth’s only Kentucky Derby qualifying race — on Saturday, March 14, with a noon post time. A limited number of $5 general admission tickets and $75 “loaded” general admission tickets — which include two food tickets and four drink tickets — are still available but selling quickly. Children 5 and younger are admitted free with a paid adult.
In addition to the racing action, Virginia Derby Day will feature several entertainment elements, including:
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A flyover by the 41st Flying Training Squadron, also known as “The Flying Buzzsaws,” based at Columbus Air Force Base.
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A synchronized air show by the Bullseye Formation Team, a group of volunteer pilots performing formation aerobatics in propeller aircraft.
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The national anthem performed by Cari Lacey, a Virginia-based contestant on American Idol.
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Pre-Derby and pre-Oaks performances by local country singer Sheila Sullivan, with live music throughout the day by The Brass Wind Band.
The 2025 Virginia Derby drew a record sellout crowd of more than 8,000 fans for Virginia’s first Kentucky Derby qualifying race. The 2025 Virginia Derby winner, American Promise, trained by D. Wayne Lukas, and runner-up Render Judgement both went on to compete in the 2025 Kentucky Derby.
For more information on the Virginia Derby, visit rosiesgaming.com/virginia-derby-2026.