Colonial Downs - Virginia's Horse Racing Hub
For anyone who loves the thrill of a good race, or just enjoys a day out filled with excitement, there’s a spot in Virginia that really stands out. We're talking about Colonial Downs, a place where the pounding of hooves on the track creates a truly special kind of energy. It’s a location that, you know, brings together people from all walks of life, all looking for that unique experience only live horse racing can offer.
This spot, tucked away in New Kent, Virginia, is more than just a place where horses run. It’s where history meets modern-day fun, offering up a full plate of activities, from the actual races to other ways to enjoy the day. You can, for instance, find yourself cheering on a thoroughbred or watching the unique pacing and trotting of harness horses, which is pretty cool.
Whether you're someone who follows every race or you’re just curious to see what it's all about, Colonial Downs has something for you. It’s a pretty big deal, actually, for the area, drawing folks in with its lively atmosphere and the promise of a memorable time. So, if you're ever in the neighborhood, it's definitely worth checking out what's happening there.
Table of Contents
- What Makes Colonial Downs Special?
- When Can You Catch the Action at Colonial Downs?
- Beyond the Races - What Else Happens at Colonial Downs?
- Who's Behind the Scenes at Colonial Downs?
What Makes Colonial Downs Special?
You might wonder what sets this particular racetrack apart from others, and there are, you know, a few things that really make Colonial Downs stand out. It’s not just the races themselves, but the whole setup and the kind of events they put on that give it its own special feel.
One of the big draws is the variety of racing you can see there. They have thoroughbred flat racing, which is what most people picture when they think of horse racing. But they also have standardbred harness racing, where the horses pull a driver in a two-wheeled cart, which is a different kind of spectacle altogether.
This blend of racing types means there's always something new to see, depending on when you visit. It's, like, a pretty neat way to experience the sport in a couple of different forms, offering more options for everyone who comes by.
Plus, the place has a bit of a story to it. It first opened its doors in September of 1997, running races for a good while until 2013. Then, you know, there was a quiet period for about five years.
But it got a fresh start in 2019 with a new owner, and since then, it’s really taken off, doing better than ever. It's almost like it had a second chance, and it's making the most of it, which is pretty cool to see.
A Look at the Colonial Downs Tracks
When you talk about what makes Colonial Downs unique, you really have to mention the tracks themselves. They are, quite frankly, a big part of what makes the racing here so interesting and, you know, distinct.
There's a turf course, which is a grass track, called the Secretariat Turf Course. It’s pretty wide, coming in at 180 feet across, making it the widest grass surface of any track in North America. That’s a pretty impressive detail, actually, when you think about it.
This wide-open space on the grass means the horses have plenty of room, and it can make for some really exciting races. Over 80 percent of the summer thoroughbred races are held on this very course, which shows how important it is to the whole setup at Colonial Downs.
Then there's the dirt track. This one measures in at 1¼ miles, and it’s the second largest dirt track in the country, right after Belmont Park. So, you know, it’s a pretty substantial piece of ground for the horses to compete on.
And for the pacers and trotters in the harness races, they get to compete on the nation's only one-turn mile racetrack. That's a rather specific feature that, you know, sets Colonial Downs apart from other places. It offers a different kind of challenge for those horses.
So, between the super-wide grass track and the big dirt track, plus that unique one-turn mile for harness racing, the track layouts themselves contribute a lot to the special feel of Colonial Downs. It’s clear a lot of thought went into making these racing surfaces stand out.
When Can You Catch the Action at Colonial Downs?
If you're thinking about planning a visit to Colonial Downs, you're probably wondering when the best time to go is, or, you know, when all the action really happens. The good news is that they have quite a bit going on throughout the year.
For instance, the 2021 live racing season was a big deal, and they had a schedule ready for everyone to see. This included not just the live races, but also simulcast racing, where you can bet on races happening at other tracks, which is pretty neat.
Looking ahead to 2025, Colonial Downs is planning a record number of live racing days. They're set to hold 44 days of live racing, which is a significant amount for any track, honestly.
This extended season means more chances for people to come out and enjoy the sport. It shows a real commitment to bringing horse racing to the people of Virginia and beyond, which is, you know, something to appreciate.
And for those who are really into the sport, they've got all the details covered. You can find the latest entries and results for the races, check out the prize money, see how long each race is, and even get expert picks and tips for every day of racing. It’s, like, everything you’d need to follow along closely.
The Busy Calendar for Colonial Downs
The calendar at Colonial Downs is, in some respects, quite full, especially when you look at the upcoming seasons. They really pack in the events, which means there's almost always something exciting on the horizon.
For example, the 2025 season is shaping up to be quite historic. It’s going to include Virginia’s very first Kentucky Derby qualifier race, set for March 15. That’s a pretty big milestone for the track and for horse racing in the state, actually.
This qualifier race means that a horse winning at Colonial Downs could potentially go on to compete in one of the most famous races in the world. It adds a whole new level of prestige and excitement to the local racing scene, you know.
Beyond the live racing, they also have specific events like the Festival of Racing, which was slated for August 9. These festivals typically bring together a lot of races and activities, making for a very full day of entertainment.
The summer 2025 stakes program is also something to look forward to, highlighted by a quartet of special races. These stakes races are usually the ones with higher prize money and more competitive fields, so they’re always a big draw for horse owners and fans alike.
For those involved with the horses, like trainers and owners, Colonial Downs makes sure they have all the information they need. This includes condition books, stakes schedules, entries and results, and various forms. It’s, you know, a pretty comprehensive support system for the horsemen.
And if you can't make it to the track in person, there are options to keep up with the action. Colonial Downs offers live streaming and TV schedules, so you can watch the matches, see live scores, results, tables, statistics, and all the news from wherever you are. It’s a pretty convenient way to stay connected to the races.
Beyond the Races - What Else Happens at Colonial Downs?
While the horse racing is, of course, the main event at Colonial Downs, the place offers more than just the thundering hooves. They really try to make it a spot where there’s something extra for everyone, creating a more rounded experience.
For instance, they have Rosie's Gaming Emporium, which is connected to Colonial Downs. This means you can enjoy a different kind of gaming experience right there, which is a nice addition for those who enjoy that sort of thing.
It’s about making the whole visit more than just a quick trip to see a race. It’s, like, a place where you can spend a good chunk of your day, with various activities to keep you entertained, which is quite thoughtful.
They also have promotions and different ticket options for their historic seasons, giving people choices for how they want to experience the track. It’s about making it accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of visitors, you know.
The track boasts a rich history of live horse racing, and they also provide resources like news, schedules, handicapping products, betting tips, and picks. So, if you're into the betting side of things, they’ve got you pretty well covered.
It’s clear that Colonial Downs aims to be a full entertainment destination, not just a place for horses to run around. They want you to have a memorable time, whether you're a seasoned racing fan or just looking for something different to do.
The Fun Side of Colonial Downs
The summer meet at Colonial Downs often brings with it some truly unique and, you know, rather unexpected events. They really know how to add a bit of quirky fun to the racing calendar, which is quite charming.
For example, in July, they've been known to welcome some very unusual competitors to the racetrack to help celebrate the first weekend of their summer season. This isn't your typical horse race, by any means.
On Friday, July 11, which was the first Friday of the 2025 summer meet, Colonial Downs was set to host camels, ostriches, and zebras in live races. Can you imagine that? It’s, like, a truly wild sight to behold.
Central Virginia personalities were even slated to race these exotic animals, adding another layer of entertainment. It sounds like a pretty memorable spectacle, honestly, something you wouldn't see just anywhere.
And for the younger visitors and other guests, there's an opportunity to meet and even pet these animals before they race. That’s a pretty cool experience, especially for kids, giving them a chance to get up close with creatures they might only have seen in books or on TV.
These kinds of special events really show that Colonial Downs is about more than just serious competition. They're about creating a lively, family-friendly atmosphere where everyone can have a good time, which is very much appreciated by visitors.
It’s these little touches, these moments of unexpected fun, that really help to make Colonial Downs a place that stands out. They understand that a day at the races can be about more than just betting; it can be about making lasting memories.
Who's Behind the Scenes at Colonial Downs?
It’s often interesting to know who is, you know, pulling the strings, so to speak, behind a big operation like Colonial Downs. Knowing who owns and runs the place can give you a better sense of its direction and goals.
Colonial Downs is located in New Kent County, Virginia, right next to Interstate 64, which puts it pretty much halfway between Richmond and Williamsburg. That’s a fairly convenient spot for visitors coming from either city, honestly.
The track originally opened in September 1997 and kept running continuously through 2013. After a break of five years, a new owner, Peninsula Pacific, purchased the track and brought it back to life in 2019. It’s, like, a real comeback story for the place.
And since that reopening, it’s been flourishing, doing better than it ever has before. This revival speaks volumes about the vision and efforts of the new management to really make Colonial Downs a success once again.
To complement the excellent races, the facilities at Colonial Downs are, you know, pretty brilliant, and they also offer simulcasting. This means they've invested in making the whole experience enjoyable, both on and off the track.
The Ownership of Colonial Downs
Currently, Colonial Downs is owned and operated by Churchill Downs, Inc. That’s a pretty big name in the world of horse racing, actually, known for some of the most famous races out there.
Having Churchill Downs, Inc. at the helm means Colonial Downs is part of a larger, well-established family of racing venues. This connection can, you know, bring a lot of expertise and resources to the track in Virginia.
It certainly lends a certain level of credibility and professionalism to the operations at Colonial Downs. Knowing they are backed by such a prominent organization can give visitors and horsemen a lot of confidence in the track.
The track has both thoroughbred and harness racing seasons, offering a good mix of action for fans. While it was founded in 1997, making it relatively new compared to some older tracks, it has become, you know, extremely popular.
This popularity, you could argue, is due in part to the quality of the racing, the facilities, and the overall management that has helped it grow. It’s a testament to how a well-run operation can really capture the public's interest.
So, the people behind Colonial Downs have clearly put a lot of thought and effort into making it a premier spot for horse racing and entertainment in Virginia. They’ve managed to create a place that feels welcoming and exciting, whether you're there for a big race or just a casual afternoon out.
Georgian Colonial House Style
How Colonial America Was Governed — Americana Corner
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/american-colonial-style-architecture-5094947-hero-cf7de7e2627c4e07895a964cc0e6dc10.jpg)
Top 17+ Colonial Houses: Discover the Best
