After closing the 2020 racing season early due to COVID-19, Colonial Downs Racetrack is announcing 21 live racing dates running from July 19. Premium tickets go on sale on Monday, but general admission and parking are free.
“As we enter our third year of racing, Colonial Downs looks forward to once again hosting top horses and horsemen from across the country with daily purses offered amongst the highest during the summer months,” Vice President of Racing Operations at Colonial Downs Group Jill Byrne said in a press release. “The past year of the pandemic has been so challenging for everyone, we can’t wait to see our wonderful fans and supporters safely enjoying the excitement of live horse racing.”
Although it’s still unclear what COVID-19 restrictions will be in place this summer, Governor Ralph Northam has been gradually relaxing restrictions on outdoor entertainment and recreation.
“We will only operate in a manner that is safe for our fans, visitors and racing participants,” spokesman Mark Hubbard told The Virginia Star. “We will adhere to all state guidelines on attendance applicable at the time of each race date. We will be monitoring and planning in the coming months as we prepare for the July 19 opening day.”
The events will run through September 1, with races every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Post time each day at 1:45 p.m. Colonial Downs is announcing approximately $500,000 in daily purses with over $2.75 million in total stakes. Opening week will feature over $400,000 in Virginia bred and restricted stakes races. Closing week will feature the Virginia Derby and the Virginia Oaks races with over $1.2 million in stakes.
“I think we are all ready to put some fun back in our lives,” Executive Vice President of Operations at Colonial Downs Group John Marshall. “With a variety of ticketing and dining options as well as free general admission, Colonial Downs makes for an entertaining afternoon and evening out for everyone.”
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Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Colonial Downs” by twnewsbadge. CC BY 2.0.
