NEW KENT — Colonial Downs is hiring seasonal workers ahead of its expanded summer thoroughbred racing season, with positions starting at $15 an hour.
The hiring push comes as the New Kent racetrack prepares for its largest racing schedule in track history. Colonial Downs will host 48 race days in 2026, including a 45-day summer meet from June 25 through Sept. 7, with racing held Thursday through Sunday. The expanded slate follows a sold-out Virginia Derby in March that drew more than 8,000 fans.
The racetrack is holding in-person job fairs every Tuesday and Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. through June 18, along with another hiring event from noon to 3 p.m. May 30 at the track in New Kent County. Available positions include security staff, saddling paddock team members, turf track crew workers, mutuel tellers, guest ambassadors and housekeeping staff.
Colonial Downs officials said qualified applicants may receive job offers during the hiring events. Applicants also can apply online through Colonial Downs.
The summer racing season begins June 25 and runs Thursdays through Sundays through Labor Day on Sept. 7. The 2026 meet will mark the most live racing days in the track’s nearly 30-year history.
The expanded schedule builds on recent momentum at the track, including strong attendance and wagering totals in recent meets, as well as continued growth of marquee events such as the Virginia Derby.
Colonial Downs hosted a three-day spring meet earlier this year highlighted by the Virginia Derby, Virginia’s Kentucky Derby qualifying race, which has helped elevate the track’s national profile.
