Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs to once again be Kentucky Derby qualifier for 2026

NEW KENT COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- The 2026 Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs Racetrack in New Kent County will once again serve as an official qualifier to the Kentucky Derby.

On Friday, Sept. 12, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced that the 2026 Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs Racetrack will serve as an official qualifier -- the premier series of races that determines entries for the world's most famous horse race: the Kentucky Derby.

The 2026 Virginia Derby will take place at Colonial Downs in New Kent County on Saturday, March 14, and will award 50 qualifying points to its winner, "virtually guaranteeing" a spot in the starting gate for the 152nd Kentucky Derby on May 2 at Churchill Downs in Kentucky, according to Youngkin's office.

“Virginia has a proud and growing tradition in horse racing, and the Virginia Derby is quickly becoming one of the premier races on the Road to the Kentucky Derby,” Youngkin said. “To see our Commonwealth once again on the national stage, with the chance for a Virginia champion to compete in the Run for the Roses at the 152nd Kentucky Derby is an incredible honor and a testament to the investment, energy, and passion driving Virginia’s equine industry forward.” 

This marks the second consecutive year that the Virginia Derby has been part of the Kentucky Derby qualifying series, following a record-setting, sold-out 2025 race that drew more than 8,000 fans to Colonial Downs.

Last year’s Virginia Derby winner, American Promise, went on to compete in the Kentucky Derby, alongside runner-up Render Judgment. 

Tickets for the 2026 Virginia Derby will reportedly go on sale in the coming weeks on Colonial Downs' website. According to the governor's office, fans are encouraged to purchase tickets early due to the event's anticipated high demand.