Colonial Downs Dates Approved for 2021

Dates for the 2021 Thoroughbred racing season at Colonial Downs were approved Dec. 17 by the Virginia Racing Commission at its quarterly meeting, which was held virtually. 

The seven-week campaign of 21 dates will run from July 19-Sept. 1, on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. The track will open its stable area and surface for training July 5 and will close Sept. 8. The stakes schedule will be announced in the New Year.

"Purses are projected to average at least $500,000 per day, absent any unforeseen events like an increase of the pandemic beyond its current intensity," said Frank Petramalo, executive director of the Virginia Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association. 

"Colonial Downs in conjunction with the VHBPA and all the stakeholders in the Virginia thoroughbred industry look forward to welcoming horsemen back to our beautiful facility in 2021 for 21 days of racing over its two fantastic surfaces including our world-famous Secretariat turf course," said Jill Byrne, vice president of racing operations. "As a member of the Mid-Atlantic racing jurisdiction, which has been a leader in adopting some of the strongest safety, health, medication and welfare regulations in the country, Colonial Downs is committed to always putting our equine and human athletes first. We are proud to continue to support the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and the integrity of the entire Thoroughbred industry."