It’s another sign that thoroughbred racing is about to return to Colonial Downs in New Kent! On Tuesday April 16th, a controlled burn took place over the track’s 1 1/8 miles Secretariat Turf Course. The fire, a spectacular site at times, took dead cover off the top all the way around in a several hour process. John Dale Thomas, the VEA Track Superintendent who oversaw the burn in conjunction with the New Kent Fire Department, said the bermuda grass surface will come back more green, lush and safe, especially with hot weather on the horizon. Thomas will mix crumb rubber into the course as well and come racing season in August, believes the track will be in its best condition ever.
The thoroughbred race season begins August 8th and will continue thru September 7th. Racing will take place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 5 PM with a special Labor Day matinee on Monday September 2nd at 1 PM. Virginia Derby Day is Saturday August 31st.
