Here’s a slice of the big time for Colonial Downs and Virginia horse racing bettors: The New Kent facility, owned by Churchill Downs, will become a springboard to racing’s famed Kentucky Derby next year.
Its turf showcase, the Virginia Derby, will switch to dirt and be used as a major March 15 qualifying race for the $5 million Run for the Roses on May 3 at Churchill Downs.
This is a leap in prominence for Colonial Downs and a big win for Virginia horse race betting enthusiasts. They get to witness a likely Kentucky Derby starter and enjoy a special four-day spring meet anchored by the Virginia Derby.
It’s bonus time, baby.
Churchill Downs ownership bolsters Colonial Downs
This is an example of powerful connections helping the horse racing industry and its bettors.
After Churchill Downs purchased Colonial Downs and six Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums in Virginia for $2.75 billion in 2022, it has fortified the Virginia racing circuit.
Churchill Downs’ influence reigned this month with the $1 million Arlington Million and two supporting races, the $500,000 Secretariat and the $500,000 Beverly, lifting Colonial to an industry-best $2,836,250 in purses. The heralded Arlington Million made history as horse racing’s first-ever $1 million race in 1981.
Churchill Downs, which owns the land for the defunct Arlington Park in Illinois, moved the big race to Colonial Downs last year. It is also responsible for bringing the Virginia Derby into Kentucky Derby prominence now.
Bettors can still see one more classic Virginia Derby on turf on the Sept. 7 closing day at Colonial Downs. Bettors interested in making wagers remotely have FanDuel Racing to make those advanced deposit wagers.
After September, the race will gain a substantial new identity. It fits perfectly into the high-profile Road to the Kentucky Derby campaign.
Virginia Derby to be a key stop for Kentucky Derby hopefuls
Bettors love the Road to the Kentucky Derby, a monthslong campaign prep for the big race. Events at various tracks produce 20 top point-getters, who comprise the Kentucky Derby invitation list. Last year, the 20th Derby contender had 37 qualifying points and, after scratches, horses below the top 20 often get in.
Fifty points for the Virginia Derby win, therefore, is an all but embossed Kentucky Derby invitation. Even second place, 25 points, gets a horse most of the way there.
The race is perfectly placed right in the heart of the Kentucky Derby qualifying campaign, which unveils the top contenders to the public.
Kentucky Derby qualifying picks up in February
The qualifying road picks up steam in February, when the 50-point awards for the winning horse begin. March provides one more batch of 50-pointers before the 100-point events kick in.
The Virginia Derby will be in the same prized company as the Gotham Stakes, San Felipe Stakes, and Tampa Bay Derby. All are prominent Kentucky Derby preps that dominate the national racing landscape in March.
The Virginia Derby is expected to attract an exceptional field as trainers of the top horses look for places to earn qualifying points. When the 2025 schedule becomes official, this may be the last of the 50-point races.
This event will provide a handicapping challenge to bettors. The field is likely to be big, and deep in talent. Many gamblers will have already seen these 3-year-olds in previous races and thus have significant assessment tools.
Cultivating allies pays off for Colonial Downs
Colonial Downs has made some powerful friends.
Its potent allies include Virginia governor Glenn Youngkin. He announced the landmark event for Virginia horse racing from the winner’s circle at Colonial Downs.
Having friends in high executive places is important for any race track. There may come a time when a government subsidy is needed to preserve a racing schedule. There may come a time when legislation can prove helpful.
Churchill Downs and Colonial Downs appear to be making the right moves.
Not only does Churchill Downs host racing’s most highly visible event, dubbed the most exciting two minutes in sports, but the organization places qualifying events at specific tracks to elevate them. This helps ensure Colonial Downs’ financial health and cachet among high-profile bettors.
