Horse Racing: Virginia Derby, in 2025, will be a Kentucky Derby qualifier

The 2025 Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs in New Kent County will be a qualifier for the Kentucky Derby.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced the news on Sunday, as Colonial Downs officials rolled out an expanded schedule for 2025, which will see the racing calendar expand from 27 days to 45 days.

“The future for thoroughbred racing in Virginia is bright, and this opportunity will allow us to shine on horse racing’s biggest stage,” Youngkin said. “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 and in our own backyard.”  

The Virginia Derby will be held next year on March 15, 2025, contingent on formal approval of the Virginia Racing Commission. The winner of the Virginia Derby will be awarded 50 qualifying points, which has historically secured a post position in the starting gate for the Kentucky Derby, the first race in the Triple Crown season.

The 151st Kentucky Derby will take place on May 3, 2025.

“Our company is proud to fulfill our promise to invest in the horse-racing industry in Virginia, and we are thrilled to deepen that interest with an expanded race schedule at Colonial Downs and by placing the Commonwealth’s signature race, the Virginia Derby, on the prestigious Road to the Kentucky Derby,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Inc. “We are thankful for the support of the community and elected officials, and we look forward to many years of continued collaboration as we work to grow this sport and industry throughout Virginia.”