Colonial Downs Racetrack Horse Racing

About Colonial Downs Racetrack

New Kent, Virginia, is home to Colonial Downs, Virginia's only major track. With 607.46 acres of land, and two infield ponds, Colonial Downs is truly impressive. A typical visit to the track can be described as an intriguing experience. The track's fa�ade, all red brick, is built to look like a big colonial manor, giving the outside of the track a unique look. As you enter the track, a quaint Dixieland band greets you. The main floor features escalators and elevators that lead to the clubhouse and turf club, with banks of TVs lining the main floor for visitors to sit and watch simulcasts. As one passes through the main floor, sounds of betting seminars can be heard for novice bettors, and the sounds of betting machines as eager race fans place bets for the next run.

Up front at the track are courtyard patios, the "Home Stretch" and "Trotter's Tavern". Both have bars where patrons can sit and enjoy lunch in the shade while watching the races. The Apron, a sloped concrete model, is also an excellent place to watch the races. The track's paddock, though small, is also an interesting area to visit and view the horses before the race. The track itself is quite amazing in size, with the 180-foot Secretariat Turf, being the widest in the nation. Surrounding this track is an even larger dirt course, though not as wide as the turf course. The infield includes ponds with hedges and flowerbeds.

Colonial Downs is also home to the $750,000 Virginia Derby, the track's marquee event. The Derby is for three-year-olds and is contested at a mile and quarter over the Secretariat Turf course. The Derby is supported by the $200,000 All Along Stakes and the $200,000 Virginia Oaks. The three stakes form the "Virginia Million," a celebration of high-class racing.