NEW KENT — American Promise won the 2025 Virginia Derby by 7 ¾ lengths with a track record time of 1:46.41 for the 1 1/8 mile race at Colonial Downs Racetrack in New Kent County Saturday to earn a spot in the Kentucky Derby.
A sellout crowd of more than 8,000 turned out to watch the three-year-old colt win Virginia’s first-ever Kentucky Derby qualifier race at Colonial Downs Racetrack. With the win, American Promise has secured himself a spot in the field for the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 3.
“Congratulations to the connections of American Promise on today’s win in the Virginia Derby,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Incorporated, owner and operator of Colonial Downs Racetrack. “We are proud to celebrate this historic day in Virginia sports which is a testament to the resurgence of racing in the Virginia. Our investment in this revitalization would not be possible without partners across the Commonwealth who continue to support Virginia’s racing and equine industries.”
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin presented the winning race team with the Virginia Derby trophy and led the sellout crowd in the traditional champagne toast to the winners.
“The Road to the Kentucky Derby runs through Virginia. The Virginia Derby and Virginia Oaks are both premier races for our Commonwealth, and now key qualifiers for the most prestigious races in the sport,” said Youngkin. “Virginia stands tall in the national racing landscape, bringing world class competition to Colonial Downs and strengthening our equine industry and economy. We look forward to seeing these talented horses compete under the Twin Spires this May.”
Fondly claimed the 2025 Virginia Oaks win by ½ a length with a time of 1:42.51 for the 1 1/16 mile race. First Lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin presented the Virginia Oaks trophy to the winning team in the winner’s circle.
Wagering from all sources on the Virginia Derby Day program totaled a new Virginia Derby Day record of $6,540,489, according to Colonial Downs.
Virginia’s first-ever Kentucky Derby qualifier race brought top horses, trainers, and jockeys for the first-of-its-kind spring meet, according to Colonial Downs. The field included a Virginia-born colt, Omaha Omaha, finishing third.
“Churchill Downs has taken racing at Colonial Downs to unprecedented heights with the historic Kentucky Derby qualifier right here in New Kent County,” said Sen. Ryan McDougle. “The racetrack is a tremendous asset for the county and the commonwealth. It is gratifying to see CDI’s investments in live racing paying off in such a meaningful way.”
Community partners were also recognized for their contributions to the Commonwealth on Virginia Derby Day, and Churchill Downs Incorporated, owner and operator of Colonial Downs Racetrack, held special trackside recognition ceremonies and made a total of $100,000 in charitable contributions to Willing Warriors, Feeding Southwest Virginia, James River Horse Foundation and American Gold Star Mothers — Hampton Roads Chapter.
“Colonial Downs is one of the jewels of the 71st District and was shining on the national stage today,” said Del. Amanda Batten. “I congratulate New Kent County, Churchill Downs Incorporated, and all the trainers, teams, jockeys, and race fans who set a new standard for racing in Virginia with this historic Virginia Derby.”
For more information on the Virginia Derby or the upcoming summer race season, visit colonialdowns.com.
