It’s going to be an exciting 2023 in New Kent, Virginia! The 9-week summer thoroughbred racing season at Colonial Downs — which runs from July 13 – September 9 — is more fan friendly for locals! Race programs will be scheduled every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 1:30 PM.
Fans can come out, wager, and cheer the horses on trackside as they charge down the stretch over Colonial’s famed Secretariat Turf Course or over its’s 1 1/4 miles dirt oval (shown here).
The impact of new owner, Churchill Downs Incorporated, will be felt immediately. Two long time Grade I Stakes — the Arlington Million and Beverly D — will be held at Colonial on Saturday August 12 along with the Grade 2 Secretariat Stakes. Even more intriguing, 2023 is the 50th anniversary of Secretariat’s winning Triple Crown campaign in 1973. How fitting that the Secretariat Stakes will be run over Colonial’s Secretariat Turf Course during the anniversary season!
Reserved seats for all race days will be available to purchase soon whether it be in the grandstand, third floor Jockey Club level or fourth floor 1609 restaurant along with the Sky Suites. Visit colonialdowns.com in the coming days and follow the track on social media to keep track of the timing of ticket sales.
Colonial Downs is located at Exit 214 off I-64 in New Kent, halfway between Richmond and Williamsburg.
New Kent is a charming rural community with 400 years of history and 23,000 current residents. 66% of the County is covered in pine and hardwood trees. Colonel George Washington was married to Martha Dandridge Curtis at St. Peter’s Church in New Kent. Other great nearby amenities include four golf courses, four wineries, and three rivers for boating and fishing.
