Virginia is ready for its Derby closeup at Colonial Downs

New Kent, Va.

Horses have been a part of the Virginia experience for more than 400 years, and a new chapter in that storied history will be written Saturday when Colonial Downs plays host to the first-ever Kentucky Derby prep race in the commonwealth.

Colonial has been the scene of many distinguished turf events since it opened in 1997, but this year's Virginia Derby unquestionably will be the biggest dirt race in the history of a state that also has several prestigious steeplechase meetings on grass each year.

The Virginia Derby previously was a turf event at the end of Colonial's summer season. Now it is 1 1/8 miles on dirt and worth 50 points to the winner on the road to the Kentucky Derby, which makes it a de-facto win-and-you're-in for Kentucky Derby 2025 on May 3 at Churchill Downs.

"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," Virginia governor Glenn Youngkin said. "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 race attracted 10 entrants with nine expected to start in the race at 5:10 p.m. EDT. Among them is morning-line favorite Getaway Car from the barn of Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, a six-time Kentucky Derby winner who to date has started only one horse at Colonial, Señor Swinger for a fourth-place finish in the 2002 Virginia Derby on turf.

"The more Derby prep races the better," Baffert said. "These types of events are good for racing. We'd rather see tracks open than close, and people get excited for these types of races."

Colonial expects a sellout crowd of about 8,000 with 5,000 of them being general-admission patrons who will be on the expansive open air apron. Churchill Downs Inc. senior vice president Tony Petrillo, a sort of big-event guru with the company from his experience running Arlington Park and its many big events such as the Million, is on hand and expects a championship experience for dignitaries and first-time visitors alike. Local gospel singer Ashley Brooke Bell will the national anthem.

"We're so pumped that the Derby trail makes a new stop in our area this year," said racing fan, frequent Colonial visitor and Mechanicsville, Va., resident Michael Podd. "The community is excited to welcome the best jockeys and turf writers to a sold-out Colonial Downs, which will be buzzing for the Virginia Derby."

The Virginia Derby is the ninth of 10 races Saturday with the eighth race being the Virginia Oaks, a 50-points-to-the-winner prep for the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks on May 2 at Churchill.

In addition to Youngkin, Colonial expects 120 legislators, political appointees and their guests as well as Churchill Downs Inc. chairman Alex Rankin, CEO Bill Carstanjen, chief operating officer Bill Mudd and vice president of racing Gary Palmisano Jr.