Colonial Downs Racetrack begins its 41-day summer meet this week with several notable items for members of the media, including a media day on Thursday and a rare opportunity to actually mount up and ride on the track this Friday!

• Wednesday, July 9 (12:30 p.m. post time)—Opening Day features eight thoroughbred races starting at 12:30 p.m.

• Thursday July 10 (10:45 a.m. steeplechase racing; 12:30 p.m. thoroughbred racing)—Media Day at Colonial Downs begins at 11:45am with racing beginning at 12:30 p.m. Senior leadership from the track will be available for interviews, as well as jockey, trainer, and race team representatives. Camels will also be on site for previews of Friday’s exotic animal races.

• Friday, July 11 (4:00pm post time)—First Friday will feature the return of camel, zebra, and ostrich races between thoroughbred races that begin at 4p.m! This is a premium racing event that requires tickets for fans, and general admission tickets are available for just $5 with free general admission for children five and under.