Horse racing is returning to James City County’s neighboring locality, New Kent.
On Thursday, the Virginia Racing Commission approved a license for Colonial Downs to bring back live Thoroughbred horse racing in 2019, according to published reports.
The race track closed in 2014 after state regulators and Colonial Downs’ owner could not strike a deal on having fewer race days and a new horsemen’s association. Without the deal, the facility could not conduct raving or accept bets.
In 2019, the Colonial Downs flat race track will host 15 Thoroughbred race days. In 2020, the track will host 30 race days, according to reports.
The racing season will be Aug. 8 through Sept. 7.
In April, both historical horse racing machines and satellite wagering will open across North America for betting on live Colonial Downs races.
A 1,000-stall stable will open July 25.
Published reports say the Colonial Downs Group is making a $300 million investment to revive the race track and create about 800 new jobs by the end of 2019.
