Governor Spanberger Announces Virginia Derby Retains Status as Official Kentucky Derby Qualifier for 2027 Season

RICHMOND, VA - Governor Abigail Spanberger announced today that the Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs Racetrack has retained its designation as an official qualifying race on the Road to the Kentucky Derby for the 2027 season.

The 2027 Virginia Derby will be run on March 13, 2027, and will award 50 qualifying points to its winner, securing a path to the starting gate for the 153rd running of the Kentucky Derby at historic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

"Virginia has a proud and growing tradition in horse racing, and the Virginia Derby has earned its place as an essential stop on the Road to the Kentucky Derby," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. "Retaining this status reflects the strength of our equine industry, the high caliber of competition at Colonial Downs, and the tremendous crowds that continue to turn out from across the Commonwealth. Previous qualifiers on this path have gone on to compete at the highest levels, including Ocelli's third-place finish in the 2026 Kentucky Derby, and we are proud to see Virginia remain front and center on the national stage."

"We are thrilled to see the Virginia Derby back as a major qualifying race for the Kentucky Derby," said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Incorporated. "We look forward to building on the momentum and enthusiasm of Virginia Thoroughbred racing fans as the field for the 2027 Kentucky Derby is set."

The 2027 Virginia Derby on March 13, 2027, will anchor three days of live racing during a special spring meet from March 11-13. Last year's Virginia Derby was the highlight of a historic season that saw continuing growth and new track records, including:

• 48 days of live racing
• 428 total races
• 3,350 horses in competition
• $29 million in total purse money
• $122 million in all-sources handle
• Nearly 10,000 attendees for Virginia Derby Day, alongside tens of thousands of spectators throughout the full season

Tickets for the 2027 Virginia Derby will go on sale November 10 at noon. Additional ticketing and schedule details for the upcoming meet will be announced in the coming weeks at www.ColonialDowns.com. The continued expansion of the racing calendar has driven tangible economic growth for Virginia's agricultural and tourism sectors, supporting regional jobs and drawing visitors from across the country.

"The sustained momentum at Colonial Downs is a major asset for Virginia's rural economy," said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Katie Frazier. "From the farms that breed, raise and train these elite equine athletes to the operations here in New Kent, this industry showcases the strength and economic importance of Virginia's agribusiness sector. With growing crowds, record race days, and a 200% increase in mares bred, every sector of this industry is moving in the right direction with direct ties and impacts to farms across the Commonwealth."

"The Virginia Derby has become one of the Commonwealth's great sporting traditions, bringing families together, supporting good jobs, and showcasing Virginia on a national stage," said Speaker of the House of Delegates Don Scott. "Keeping its place on the Road to the Kentucky Derby is a win for New Kent and the entire Commonwealth, and I cannot wait to see the next generation of contenders take the track at Colonial Downs."

"The growing crowds at Colonial Downs show just how much enthusiasm there is for racing in Virginia," said Senate Minority Leader Ryan T. McDougle. "For New Kent, retaining the Virginia Derby's place on the Road to the Kentucky Derby gives us a chance to keep building on that growth and welcome even more people to our community."

"Long after the crowds leave the grandstands, the true legacy of Colonial Downs' success is felt right here in our local communities through the steady jobs, small business growth, and infrastructure investments it brings to the region," said Delegate Jessica L. Anderson. "Having a direct gateway to the Kentucky Derby right in our backyard is a massive point of pride for New Kent County and the 71st District, proving that world-class entertainment and historic sporting traditions can thrive outside of major metropolitan centers."

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