Colonial Downs hosts record-breaking racing day with Festival of Racing

NEW KENT COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Colonial Downs held its biggest day of horse racing in Virginia history on Saturday with the Festival of Racing.

The Festival of Racing was held on Saturday, Aug. 9, featuring horses, jockeys and race teams from around the globe — as well as $2.8 million in prize money and $10.46 million from all sources, according to a release.

The day also included Colonial Downs' first Kentucky Derby winner, Mystik Dan, on the track, as well as the last three Kentucky Derby winning jockeys.

“With a record amount of prize money, a record amount of wagers from around the world, high-profile jockeys, horses, and trainers, and thousands of excited race fans from near and far, the 2025 Festival of Racing was truly the biggest day of racing in Virginia history,” said Frank Hopf, Senior Director of Racing at Colonial Downs. “The Festival of Racing kicks off the second half of our summer race season, so we hope new and returning fans will come out to experience the thrill of live racing in the weeks ahead.”

The $1 million Arlington Million was first won by Fort Washington with jockey Junior Alvarado, the winner of this year's Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, for trainer Claude McGaughey III and owners Magic Cap Stables.

(Photo: Coady Media)

(Photo: Coady Media)

(Photo: Coady Media)

“I wanted to make sure he got comfortable. He's a tricky horse to ride sometimes. When he’s at his best, you know it right away,” said Alvarado of his winning horse Fort Washington. “Today I felt that going into the first turn. I wanted to make sure I saved enough ground so that I had a big punch at the end. When I swung out in the clearing he finished up very strong. My horse has a powerful turn of foot.”

Per a release, the Festival of Racing included a special on stage recognition to Virginia's veterns and military families.

Churchill Downs Incorporated made a $25,000 donation to the Virginia Veterans Foundation, with music from "American Idol" contestant and New Kent's very own, Grayson Torrence.

The live racing season continues every Wednesday through Saturday until Saturday, September 13 with a special race card on Labor Day and free admission nearly every day. Remaining Premium Racing Events include Wiener Dog Races (August 23) and Old Dominion Derby Day (September 6) with General Admission tickets available for just $5.

The live racing season continues every Wednesday through Saturday until Saturday, Sept. 13, with a special race card on Labor Day and free admission daily.

Remaining premium racing events -- which are $5 per ticket -- include Wiener Dog Races on Aug. 23, and Old Dominion Derby Day on Sept. 6.