NEW KENT — The Virginia Racing Commission on Monday approved an expanded and adjusted 48-day live racing season for Colonial Downs Racetrack in 2026.
The racetrack said 2026 will feature the most live racing days ever held in one season at Colonial Downs in its nearly thirty-year history.
To make live racing more accessible to Virginia race fans and families, Colonial Downs said each race week throughout the summer will feature an additional day of weekend racing, with a new Thursday through Sunday schedule. Standard post time for race days will be 12:30 p.m.
The season will begin with a special three-day Virginia Derby meet March 12-14, anchored by the $500,000 Virginia Derby. The Saturday, March 14 event will again serve as Virginia’s only Kentucky Derby qualifier race, with the winning horse securing a spot in the field for the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. The 2025 race was a sellout, drawing more than 8,000 race fans, according to Colonial Downs.
Nearly all reserved tickets for the Virginia Derby are sold out and $5 General Admission tickets are selling fast, according to the racetrack. Fans are encouraged to buy their tickets today at ColonialDowns.com.
“With a Kentucky Derby qualifier, new weekend race days, and the biggest racing schedule in the track’s history, 2026 promises to be an unforgettable season at Colonial Downs,” said Frank Hopf, Senior Director of Racing Operations. “We cannot wait to welcome race fans and horsemen from around the country to Virginia for another season of excitement, fun, and competition at Virginia’s premier thoroughbred racetrack.”
Following the March meet, the racing season will continue with 45 days of live racing each Thursday through Sunday from June 25 through Labor Day, Monday, September 7. The summer meet will include the annual Colonial Downs Festival of Racing with the iconic Arlington Million, the Old Dominion Derby, and additional high-profile graded stakes races throughout the summer, according to the facility.
Throughout the season, guests will find a variety of promotions, giveaways, and food and drink specials for racing enthusiasts, new fans and families, it added.
