Officials at Colonial Downs have announced a $1.8-million stakes program for the track's first meeting since 2013, scheduled for Aug. 7 through Sept. 7. Through an investment from the Colonial Downs Group, the track will offer daily average purse money of at least $500,000, which will comprise an approximate $7.5 million in total purse money allocated towards the season.
“As a native Virginian, it is exciting to be part of a strong team effort bringing racing back to Colonial Downs,” said Jill Byrne, former on-track and on-camera personality who serves as Colonial Downs' Vice President of Racing Operations. “We are dedicated to the horse racing industry and making a positive impact in all aspects of it. We've received so much interest and support from horsemen, patrons, media and industry leaders and look forward to providing a fantastic racing experience for everyone.”
The stakes schedule is highlighted by the GIII Virginia Derby, a $250,000 event at nine furlongs on the turf and is the anchor of an Aug. 31 program that also features the $150,000 Virginia Oaks (Listed) and a pair of added-money heats for 2-year-old males and fillies.
The Colonial barn area is slated to open July 25 and the condition book and stall application are available at www.colonialdowns.com.
“We are excited to welcome back horsemen to race at Colonial Downs with a highly competitive daily purse structure and comprehensive stakes schedule,” said Colonial Downs Racing Secretary Allison De Luca. “We offer a strong turf racing program with the widest grass course in the country that holds up extremely well to all weather conditions along with our 1 1/4-mile main track allowing us to provide a broad base of race options.”
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