~ 2024 Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan and other high-profile horses will compete for more than $2.5 million in prize money over twelve races during 2025 Festival of Racing; Festival day to feature live music and family-friendly activities because The Race is Just the Start ~
NEW KENT, Va. (August 4, 2025)—Colonial Downs Racetrack is gearing for this Saturday’s 2025 Festival of Racing presented by New Kent County which will be the biggest day of thoroughbred racing in Virginia history. Horses, jockeys, and race teams from around the world, including 2024 Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan, will gather in New Kent County to compete for more than $2.5 million in prize money over twelve races including the Arlington Million with its $1 million purse, the Beverly D. and Secretariat Stakes with $500,00 purses, and other six figure races.
The day’s notable entrants include 2024 Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan making his turf debut with jockey Brian Hernandez, Jr., 2023 Virginia Derby winner Integration, Irish import Cairo making his American debut, and 2025 Kentucky Derby winning jockey Junior Alvarado riding in both the Arlington Million and Secretariat Stakes.
Post time for Saturday’s slate of can’t-miss racing is 12:00pm.
Because The Race is Just the Start, the 2025 Festival of Racing will also feature:
- special tributes to Virginia’s veteran and military communities; including free general admission to retired and active military (must present ID);
- live music from American Idol contestant and New Kent native Grayson Torrence during the race card;
- a classic race day hat contest where the winner receives a table for four to the 2026 Virginia Derby;
- commemorative tumbler giveaway (while supplies last);
- 15 lucky ticket purchasers will receive a free $100 Win bet (Must purchase tickets by 10:00am on Friday, August 8) to qualify; and
- family friendly activities including local food trucks, a petting zoo, facepainting, and more!
Covered and indoor seats are close to selling out, but General Admission tickets are still available for just $5 (children five and under free) and limited tables remain for dining-included admission in the Colonial Downs banquet room. All tickets can be purchased at www.ColonialDowns.com for this premium racing day.
“Virginia is quickly becoming a global destination for thoroughbred horse racing thanks to our rich purses, tremendous racing facility, and of course the thousands of fans who pack the stands for our marquee races,” said Frank Hopf, Senior Director of Racing at Colonial Downs. “The Virginia Derby in March was an historic moment as 8,000 fans watched American Promise punch his ticket to the 151st Kentucky Derby. We’re making history again this Saturday with the biggest and richest day of racing in Virginia history. New and returning fans of all ages will find fun and excitement on and off the track because The Race is Just the Start.”
Entrants for the day’s biggest races include horses with multiple graded stakes victories on their resumes, including 2024 Kentucky Derby champion Mystik Dan who will make his turf debut with jockey Brian Hernandez, Jr. who rode him to victory in that signature race. 2023 Virginia Derby winner Integration will return to Colonial Downs seeking the $1 million Arlington Million purse. Irish import Cairo will make his American debut after strong showings in Europe and Asia, while 2025 Kentucky Derby winning jockey Junior Alvarado will ride in both the Arlington Million and Secretariat Stakes.
