Colonial Downs will host an expanded 48-day live racing season in 2026 after the Virginia Racing Commission approved the upcoming season's schedule on Monday.
The increase in days will be the most live racing days ever held in one season at Colonial Downs in its nearly 30-year history.
Additionally, the upcoming season will shift to a Thursday through Sunday schedule, with post time set for 12:30 p.m.
The season will kick off with a special three-day Virginia Derby meet on Mar. 12-14, anchored by the $500,000 Virginia Derby on Saturday, Mar. 14. After a sold-out 2025 race that drew more than 8,000 race fans to Colonial Downs, the Virginia Derby will again serve as Virginia's only Kentucky Derby qualifier race with the winning horse securing a spot in the field for the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
“With a Kentucky Derby qualifier, new weekend race days, and the biggest racing schedule in the track's history, 2026 promises to be an unforgettable season at Colonial Downs,” said Frank Hopf, Senior Director of Racing Operations. “We cannot wait to welcome race fans and horsemen from around the country to Virginia for another season of excitement, fun, and competition at Virginia's premier thoroughbred racetrack.”
Following the March meet, the racing season will continue with 45 days of live racing each Thursday through Sunday from June 25 through a special day of racing on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7. The summer meet will include the annual Colonial Downs Festival of Racing with the Arlington Million and the Old Dominion Derby.
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