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 its’s 1-1/4 miles dirt oval.
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. The day is being branded as Colonial Downs’ Festival of Racing. 2023 is also 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 are available to purchase at colonialdowns.com — whether it be in the grandstand, third floor Jockey Club level or fourth floor 1609 restaurant along with the Sky Suites. General admission is free most days! Keep track of Colonial Downs on social media for updates throughout the season.
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.
