The first edition of the Virginia Derby was held in 1998 and has now been contested for more than a quarter-century, but the Colonial Downs feature race takes on a new look Saturday. Formerly a turf stakes for 3-year-olds in September, the Virginia Derby was moved to mid-March for 2025 and shifted to the dirt main track with Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve qualifying points on the line.

The 2025 Virginia Derby will be the state’s first-ever Road to the Kentucky Derby qualifier and the winner will bank the top prize of 50 points, which should wrap a starting spot in the run for the roses, while the second through fifth finishers will receive 25-15-10-5 points, respectively.

The shift of the Virginia Derby led Colonial Downs to introduce an exciting, new three-day spring meet for 2025 that runs from March 13-15 with an extensive wagering menu for the weekend, highlighted by two daily 50-cent Pick 5 wagers each with a fan-friendly 12% takeout.

Gary Palmisano Jr. (Coady Media)

Gary Palmisano Jr., vice president of racing for Churchill Downs Inc., chatted with America’s Best Racing about the significance of the Virginia Derby as a prep for the Kentucky Derby as well as what to expect for the new spring meet at Colonial.

How did the idea for a three-day spring meet at Colonial Downs come about?

Racing and Breeding have such a long and illustrious history in Virginia and this concept was born out of a want for CDI to deliver an event that the state can rally behind and support. We knew it would be a difficult operational feat, but we have a tremendous racing team and great partners in Virginia and knew we could deliver a product that Virginia could be proud of.

What’s the impact of bringing a Kentucky Derby prep race to Colonial Downs in the form of the Virginia Derby?

Hosting a Kentucky Derby prep race puts Colonial squarely in front of a national audience and shines the spotlight on the Virginia racing industry in such a meaningful and positive way. Colonial Downs and racing in Virginia are in a position of incredible growth and the ability to have this race only further stamps Virginia as a future leading state within the industry.

What can fans expect if they’re on site for the races this week?

There will be three days of live racing beginning on Thursday and culminating with Virginia Derby day on Saturday.

Saturday’s card will feature a number of entertainment elements throughout the day, including live music and different performances ongoing throughout the race day.

In what ways might the track or the grounds at Colonial look or feel different for this meet, compared with the traditional summer meet?

Colonial Downs dirt surface (Coady Media)

Our goal is to elevate the experience for this three-day racing season. We’ve added additional reserved seating options, a General Admission “party zone” and other exciting features for Virginia Derby day.

Is there a cost for tickets during the meet or on Saturday for Virginia Derby?

Reserved seating is sold out and there are limited General Admission tickets still available for $5.

As for the races themselves, how are they shaping up? Are there certain races or horses you’re especially excited about?

The races turned up well and we are very excited about the horses who are coming. Part of the calculus for choosing this particular week on the calendar was that there were no other prep races anywhere in the country, so we knew that would allow some of the biggest names in the sport the opportunity to compete in Virginia.

We are thrilled that plan came together when we see the likes of jockeys Irad Ortiz Jr., Flavien Prat, and 2024 Kentucky Derby winner Brian Hernandez Jr. all slated to ride that afternoon as well as the robust line-up of trainers that includes D. Wayne Lukas, Bob Baffert, and 2024 Kentucky Derby winner Kenny McPeek scheduled to have horses compete. 

Do you expect the races to play any differently than they normally might, given the difference in track conditions and weather this time of year as opposed to racing in the summer at Colonial Downs?

Our track team has been working since last fall to ready and prepare the racing surface. Any time you enter a new race meet there are unknowns related to how the track will play but our team has been diligently working the surface for weeks.

For people betting onsite, at home, or from another racing location, what are some of the highlights on the betting menu?

There are multiple wagering options from the standard win, place, show, exacta, and trifecta bets to numerous multi-race wagers for the betting public to indulge upon.

Where can people go for more information on all things Colonial Downs and Virginia Derby?

Visit Colonial Downs’ website.