Virginia Derby Week Set for March 12-14 at Colonial Downs

Posted on by Darrell Wood

Strong Stakes Nominations

NEW KENT, VA. (March 2, 2026) — Buoyed by a sell-out crowd for its inaugural running one year ago, the countdown is on to Virginia Derby week at Colonial Downs, set for March 12-14, with a three-day slate of racing, including seven stakes, entertainment and special promotions leading up to Saturday’s marquee stakes program. First post is 12:30 p.m. ET on Thursday and Friday and noon ET Saturday. Gates open at 10 a.m. ET Saturday.

Reserved seating for Saturday is sold out but limited general admission tickets remain available for $5. Fans also can purchase a loaded general admission package for $75 that includes two food tickets and four drink tickets.

Thursday: Golden Horseshoe Debuts

Opening day Thursday features the inaugural $100,000 Golden Horseshoe Handicap, a new 1 3/8-mile stake for older horses that drew 41 nominations.

Outdoor concession specials include $6 domestic draft beer (16 oz.), $5 ready-to-drink wine and a $7 hot dog meal that includes a hot dog, chips and a soda.

American Promise won last year’s Virginia Derby and advanced to the Kentucky Derby starting gate (Coady Media).

Friday: Virginia-Bred Spotlight and St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

Friday’s program shines a spotlight on Virginia-restricted runners with the $150,000 Boston Handicap, which attracted 19 nominations, and the $150,000 Stellar Wind Handicap, which drew 15.

Fans can get an early start on St. Patrick’s Day with a themed celebration that includes bagpipers on site. Outdoor concession specials feature $4 green beer (12 oz.), $5 ready-to-drink wine, $6 Guiness and a $7 hot dog meal with chips and a soda.

Saturday: Virginia Derby Day Headlines

Saturday’s stakes-packed card is headlined by the $500,000 New Kent County Virginia Derby, which received 85 nominations, and the $250,000 New Kent County Virginia Oaks, which drew 51.

Two new stakes also join the program — the Royal New Kent (46 nominations) and the Fasig-Tipton Sandy Bottom (42).

2025 Virginia Derby winner American Promise competed — and won — in front of a sellout crowd (Coady Media).

The Virginia favorite BrassWind Band will perform on the apron throughout the day, with additional entertainment and activities planned.

General admission remains available for $5.