If you’ve ever stood near the rail at Colonial Downs when a pack of Thoroughbreds thunders past, you know it’s not just about the betting. It’s the vibration in your chest. It’s the smell of kicked-up turf. Honestly, for a long time, this track in New Kent was a bit of a "best-kept secret" for Virginians. But 2026 is changing that. Fast.
The schedule is blowing up. We’re talking about the biggest racing calendar in the track's history—48 days of live racing. That is a massive jump. Whether you’re a serious handicapper or just someone who wants to wear a big hat and drink something cold in the sun, you need to know what's coming.
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The Spring Sprint: Colonial Downs Upcoming Events in March
Most people think horse racing in Virginia is a summer-only affair. Wrong. The action actually kicks off with a high-stakes three-day "Spring Meet" in mid-March. This isn't just a warm-up; it’s basically the center of the horse racing universe for 72 hours.
The dates you need to circle are March 12 through March 14, 2026.
Thursday starts things off with the $100,000 Golden Horseshoe Handicap, a grueling 1 3/8-mile marathon. Friday keeps the momentum going with the $150,000 Boston, which usually brings out some seriously fast older horses. But Saturday? Saturday is the big one.
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The Virginia Derby: A Literal Life-Changer
On Saturday, March 14, 2026, Colonial Downs hosts the Virginia Derby. This race has become a "win and you’re in" qualifier for the Kentucky Derby. That means the winner gets 50 qualifying points, which is basically a golden ticket to the 152nd Run for the Roses in May.
It’s a $500,000 race. The energy is electric. Last year, the place was a total sell-out with over 8,000 fans. If you want to go, you've gotta move. Reserved seats usually vanish months in advance, though you can often snag General Admission for around $5 if you’re quick.
Also on the card that Saturday:
- The Virginia Oaks: A $250,000 race for the best three-year-old fillies.
- The Sandy Bottom Stakes: A $100,000 sprint for fillies and mares.
- The Royal New Kent: An open stakes race that usually draws a competitive field.
The Long Summer Grind (June to September)
Once the spring madness settles, the track takes a breather before the massive Summer Meet. This year, it runs from June 25 to September 7, 2026.
They’ve shifted the schedule to make it more "family-friendly," which basically means more weekend racing. You’re looking at a Thursday through Sunday schedule. Most days, the first race (the "post time") is at 12:30 p.m. It’s the perfect excuse to duck out of work early on a Friday or spend a lazy Sunday on the apron.
The Festival of Racing
Sometime in August—the exact date usually gets finalized closer to the season—Colonial Downs holds its "Festival of Racing." This is where the heavy hitters come out. We’re talking about the Arlington Million, the Beverly D., and the Secretariat Stakes. These are Graded Stakes races, which in horse racing terms, is the equivalent of the playoffs.
Why the Secretariat Turf Course Matters
You’ll hear people brag about the "Secretariat Turf Course." It’s not just a fancy name. It’s one of the widest grass courses in North America. Because it's so wide, the jockeys have more room to maneuver, which leads to fewer "traffic jams" and more honest results. It makes for great betting, but it’s also just beautiful to watch.
What to Actually Do When You Get There
If you’ve never been to Colonial Downs, it’s not as intimidating as a casino or a massive stadium. It’s got a very "Virginia" vibe—relaxed but professional.
- The Paddock: Go here first. You can stand right against the fence and see the horses being saddled. You get to see their temperament. Is the horse sweating? Is it calm? It’s the best way to pick a winner if you don't know how to read a racing program.
- The Apron: This is the paved area right next to the track. It’s free (usually) and puts you closer to the action than anywhere else.
- Rosie’s Gaming Emporium: If the horses aren't running or you need some A/C, the casino area has Historical Horse Racing (HHR) machines. They look like slots but are actually based on past horse races.
- The Food: Don't expect Michelin stars, but the track food is solid. Local food trucks often show up for the big weekend events, and the Jockey Club (on the 3rd floor) offers a buffet if you want to get fancy.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Parking is free. That’s a rare win these days. But if you’re going for the Virginia Derby or the Arlington Million, the traffic on I-64 can get pretty gnarly. Aim to arrive at least 90 minutes before the first race.
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If you’re bringing kids, look for the "Family Fun Days" usually held on Sundays during the summer meet. They often have petting zoos, face painting, and "weiner dog races" which, honestly, are sometimes more entertaining than the actual Thoroughbreds.
A quick reality check on tickets: General Admission is often free or very cheap ($5) for the summer meet, but for the "Big Three" (Derby, Million, Oaks), you must buy in advance. The Jockey Club and Box Seats for the 2026 Virginia Derby are likely already gone or very close to it.
Your Next Steps for Colonial Downs 2026
If you want to be part of the 2026 season, don't wait until June.
- Check the official calendar: Head to the Colonial Downs website and sync their schedule to your phone.
- Book the Derby: If you missed reserved seats for March 14, grab those $5 General Admission tickets now before they're gone.
- Join the Rewards Club: If you plan on hitting Rosie’s or betting on the races, the "FastTrack" rewards program actually gives you decent perks and food discounts.
The 2026 season is going to be a record-breaker for Virginia. Whether you're there for the $500,000 purses or just a $2 hot dog and the breeze, the Secretariat Turf Course is the place to be this year.
Actionable Takeaways
- Spring Meet: March 12–14 (Virginia Derby on the 14th).
- Summer Meet: June 25–September 7 (Thursday–Sunday).
- Strategy: Buy big event tickets 3–4 months out; casual summer days are usually fine for walk-ins.
- Arrival: Get there by 11:00 a.m. for the 12:30 p.m. post time to secure a good spot on the rail.