Live racing returns to Colonial Downs in just one week with an expanded schedule, larger purses, high-stakes thoroughbred racing, and unique entertainment and promotions, including the return of camel, zebra, and ostrich races on Friday, July 11.

The stables at Colonial Downs Racetrack are now filling with thoroughbred horses that will compete over ten weeks of racing each Wednesday through Saturday from July 9 to September 13. More than 200 horses have already arrived, with approximately 800 horses expected to stable at the track during race season. Daily training has also commenced, with top tier racehorses, trainers, and jockeys putting in work on Colonial Downs’ dirt track and its world class Secretariat Turf Course.

“With just one week to racing, the stables are filling and the track is coming to life as some of the nation’s top horses, trainers, and jockeys getting ready for Colonial Downs’ biggest season to date,” said Frank Hopf, Senior Director of Racing Operations at Colonial Downs. “With family friendly activities, great food and beverage specials, and high stakes racing, Colonial Downs is ready to welcome new and returning fans to Virginia’s premier thoroughbred racetrack to experience the excitement of live racing all summer long.”

In 2025, Colonial Downs hosts a 44-day live racing season. This will be a record number of race days since the track reopened in 2019 and is an increase of 17 race days over the 2024 schedule. The summer 2025 stakes program, highlighted by a quartet of graded races, includes 31 races worth a total of $5.85 million.

The 2025 season began with an historic three-day March meet in which a sold-out crowd of 8,000 fans watched the Virginia Derby serve as the state’s first-ever Kentucky Derby qualifier race.

Steeplechase horse racing, a spectacular Virginia tradition and a fan favorite, will be a regular feature at Colonial Downs nearly every Thursday beginning at 10:45 AM.

FREE general admission will be offered nearly every race day, with General Admission for four Premium Racing Events available at the fan-friendly price of just $5 and free general admission for children five and under. For an elevated guest experience on any race day, Colonial Downs offers reserved Grandstand Seats and Grandstand Box Seats, as well as indoor seating and dining options at the Jockey Club and the 1609 Restaurant.

The 2025 Premium Racing Events that will require a ticket include:

• Friday, July 11—Opening Friday will feature the return of the fan-favorite camel, ostrich, and zebra races, which will be held between thoroughbred racing.
• Saturday, August 9—The annual Colonial Downs Festival of Racing will feature the season’s biggest races and purses including the Grade 1 Arlington Million, Grade 2 Beverly D., and Grade 2 Secretariat Stakes.
• Saturday, August 23—Weiner Dog Racing returns to Colonial Downs as mighty little athletes race down the track on tiny legs. To register your dog, visit: www.rosiesgaming.com/wiener-dog-racing.
• Saturday, September 6—Old Dominion Day will feature live music from Virginia favorites The Deloreans as well as the Grade 3 $500,000 Old Dominion Derby and the $250,000 Old Dominion Oaks.

Post times for the 2025 season are as follows:

• Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays* at 12:30 p.m.
• Fridays will feature twilight racing beginning at 4 p.m.
• Special early post times of 12:00 p.m. are scheduled for both Festival of Racing (August 9) and Old Dominion Day (September 6).

For more information on tickets, dining, and pricing, visit Colonial Downs on the web at www.colonialdowns.com