NEW KENT — Colonial Downs Racetrack is touting Saturday’s 2025 Festival of Racing presented by New Kent County as the biggest day of thoroughbred racing in Virginia history.
Horses, jockeys, and race teams from around the world, including 2024 Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan, will gather in New Kent County to compete for more than $2.5 million in prize money over twelve races including the Arlington Million with its $1 million purse, the Beverly D. and Secretariat Stakes with $500,000 purses, and other six figure races, according to the track.
“Virginia is quickly becoming a global destination for thoroughbred horse racing thanks to our rich purses, tremendous racing facility, and of course the thousands of fans who pack the stands for our marquee races,” said Frank Hopf, Senior Director of Racing at Colonial Downs. “The Virginia Derby in March was an historic moment as 8,000 fans watched American Promise punch his ticket to the 151st Kentucky Derby. We’re making history again this Saturday with the biggest and richest day of racing in Virginia history. New and returning fans of all ages will find fun and excitement on and off the track because The Race is Just the Start.”
Notable entrants include Mystik Dan making his turf debut with jockey Brian Hernandez, Jr., 2023 Virginia Derby winner Integration, Irish import Cairo making his American debut, and 2025 Kentucky Derby winning jockey Junior Alvarado riding in both the Arlington Million and Secretariat Stakes.
Post time is noon.
New Kent County native Grayson Torrence, the 21-year-old pop singer/songwriter who was a Top 24 contestant in the most recent season of “American Idol,” will give a special performance at Colonial Downs Racetrack during the 2025 Festival of Racing.
Colonial Downs announced that it will also honor the nation’s fallen service members, veterans, and active-duty military personnel and families at the event. The day’s tribute will include a solemn moment of silence before the ninth race to honor America’s fallen heroes. Veterans and active service members will be asked to gather at the winner’s circle, where they will receive a special on-stage recognition in front of race fans.
Army staff sergeant Josh Price will be the bugler on the day for the call to post, and Torrence will deliver the National Anthem.
As part of the special recognition, all veterans and active-duty military personnel who present a valid veteran or military ID at the gate will receive one free general admission ticket for themselves.
“The 2025 Festival of Racing will be the biggest day of racing ever held at Colonial Downs, and we couldn’t think of a more fitting way to mark the occasion than to bring our military heroes to the forefront,” said Hopf. “Their service and sacrifice deserve to be recognized and celebrated on our biggest stage.”
In honor of Virginia’s veteran and military communities, Churchill Downs Incorporated will be making a $25,000 contribution during the Festival of Racing to the Virginia Veterans Foundation, which supports the VFW Department of Virginia, the facility said.
The 2025 Festival of Racing will also feature:
- A classic race day hat contest where the winner receives a table for four to the 2026 Virginia Derby
- Commemorative tumbler giveaway (while supplies last)
- 15 lucky ticket purchasers will receive a free $100 Win bet (Must purchase tickets by 10:00am on Friday, August 8) to qualify
- Family-friendly activities including local food trucks, a petting zoo, facepainting, and more
Covered and indoor seats are close to selling out. General Admission tickets are still available for $5. Children five and under free. Limited tables remain for dining-included admission in the Colonial Downs banquet room. All tickets can be purchased at ColonialDowns.com.
