The Colonial Downs stable area opened June 23rd and training will begin two days later on Wednesday June 25 as preparations continue for a ten-week thoroughbred meet in New Kent — the longest in years — which begins July 9 and continues thru September 13. A four-day race week will be in place this meet with cards scheduled every Wednesday thru Saturday at 12:30 except Fridays when a twilight program begins at 4 PM. Steeplechase races will be sprinkled in on seven different Thursdays beginning at 10:45 AM — on July 10, 17 & 31, August 7 & 21, and September 4 & 11. A trio of jump events will be carded before the flat portion begins at 12:30 PM. On-track wagering will be offered on the steeplechase events.
Given the length of the meet, attractive daily purse offering, enhanced $5.8 million stakes schedule, and a reinvigorated partnership with neighboring Maryland, the barn area is expected to be full. Mike Trombetta, 2024’s leading trainer, and Ben Curtis, last year’s top jockey, are returning to defend their respective titles where they will face a mix of returning conditioners and jockeys as well as plenty of new faces.
A new $1.9 million dormitory will debut which provides additional space for grooms — which in turn has helped attract more trainers. Additional investments were made in turf course irrigation equipment, plus 5,000 cubic yards of material were applied to the dirt track. Colonial also hired Ron Smith, who has 50 years of experience working on tracks, to serve as a seasonal dirt track superintendent to complement Director of Track Operations Leif Dickenson.
From a racing standpoint, a minimum of eight races are expected to be carded on weekdays and a minimum of nine on Saturdays. Stakes races will be carded every Saturday during the meet including six total for Maryland/Virginia-bred/sired horses at $125,000 each, six $100,000 stakes/handicaps for Virginia-restricted horses, and four $125,000 stakes for Virginia-bred/sired horses. Any weather-related cancellations will be made up on Sunday afternoon of that same week.