COLONIAL DOWNS

10515 Colonial Downs Parkway
New Kent, Virginia 23124
(804) 966-RACE
http://www.colonialdowns.com

Colonial Downs Racing Dates
June 15 – August 11

Racetrack Information
Main track (dirt): 1 1/4 mile, oval
Length of stretch from last turn to finish line: 1,290.5 feet
Inner turf course: 7 1/2 furlongs, oval
Outer turf course: 1/18 mile, oval

Track History and Fun Facts: Colonial Downs commenced its inaugural season on September 1, 1997. It is the first Virginia track to conduct extended race meets since the Jamestown Jockey Club, which operated in Norfolk from 1908-1914. A typical visit to the track can be described as an intriguing experience. The track's façade, 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. 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.