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Virginia Derby Now a Kentucky Derby Qualifier
Virginia Derby Now a Kentucky Derby Qualifier
The 2025 Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs Racetrack has earned the distinction as a “win and you’re in” qualifying race on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Governor Glenn Youngkin recently announced the landmark event for Virginia horse racing from the winner’s circle at Colonial Downs alongside First Lady Suzanne Youngkin, Secretary of Agriculture Matthew Lohr, Delegate Amanda Batten, Churchill Downs Incorporated (“Churchill Downs”) CEO Bill Carstanjen and Churchill Downs Board Chairman Alex Rankin.
“Churchill Downs has worked with partners throughout the Commonwealth to reinvigorate Virginia’s proud legacy of thoroughbred racing and secure our place as a world class destination for racing fans and equine talent from around the world,” said Governor Youngkin. “The future for thoroughbred racing in Virginia has never been brighter and this opportunity will allow us to shine on horse racing’s biggest stage.”
The Virginia Derby has traditionally been a turf race that signified the culmination of the summer racing season. As part of a 50-point race on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, the Virginia Derby will transition to the dirt track and be held on March 15, anchoring a new four-day spring meet at Colonial Downs. The winning horse will be guaranteed a post position in the starting gate for the 151st Kentucky Derby on May 3 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
Speaker of the House Don Scott shared his enthusiasm for the announcement, saying, “It’s exciting that the Road to the Kentucky Derby will now run through Virginia. Churchill Downs has elevated the stature and economic impact of thoroughbred racing in the Commonwealth while creating jobs, generating significant tax revenue in communities around the state, and offering race fans a memorable experience at the track.”
Said Secretary Lohr, “We are thankful for the investment of Churchill Downs in the Virginia horse racing industry. In 2025, Colonial Downs will race 47 days which is up from 27 days in 2022, the last race meet before Churchill Downs acquired Colonial Downs.
“Besides adding prestigious and lucrative races for horsemen, more race days drives significant economic impact throughout Virginia’s entire agricultural sector leading to a healthy breeding industry, stronger equine infrastructure, and more employment opportunities across the Commonwealth.”
