🐎 Colonial Downs: Virginia’s Thoroughbred Comeback Story (And Why You Should Care)

Feb 22 '26 February 20, 2026

If you’ve lived in Williamsburg for any length of time, you’ve probably driven right past one of Virginia’s biggest hidden gems and never even realized it.

Just off Interstate 64 in New Kent County — less than 30 minutes from Williamsburg — sits Colonial Downs, a thoroughbred racetrack that’s quietly reemerged as a major player in the Mid-Atlantic racing scene.

And if you haven’t been lately? It’s time.

A Major Rebrand & A Bigger Vision

Colonial Downs is now owned and operated by Churchill Downs Incorporated, the same powerhouse behind the legendary Kentucky Derby.

That affiliation alone tells you something important:

This isn’t a sleepy regional track anymore.

It’s part of a national racing network with serious investment, upgraded facilities, enhanced purses, and growing prestige. The ownership change has injected new life, energy, and long-term stability into Virginia racing.

🏆 The Virginia Derby Is Back in the Spotlight

The Virginia Derby has become one of the premier racing events in the region.

With national attention, competitive fields, and increased purse money, it’s drawing serious talent — and serious spectators.

For horse racing fans, it’s a big deal.

For locals? It’s a world-class event in our backyard.

The Race Schedule: More Action Than You Think

The modern Colonial Downs meet now features expanded live racing dates, stronger purses, and turf racing that attracts quality stables up and down the East Coast.

And here’s what I love about it:

It feels accessible.

You can grab friends, dress up (or not), enjoy the paddock, place a few bets, and spend a full afternoon outside without fighting massive crowds like you would at bigger national venues.

It’s one of those “why don’t we do this more often?” experiences.

Find out more about Colonial Downs here

Real Estate Angle (Because You Knew That Was Coming 😉)

Colonial Downs sits adjacent to the Brickshire neighborhood — a golf-course community that many Williamsburg and Richmond buyers are discovering.

It’s also just minutes from:

New Kent Winery
Viniterra
Brickshire

So if you’re someone who likes:

Golf
Wine
Horses
Easy access to I-64
And being centrally located between Richmond and Williamsburg

…this corridor deserves a serious look.

I’ve helped buyers from the North Carolina border all the way west of Richmond and throughout Hampton Roads — and New Kent is one of those “quiet opportunity” areas that’s steadily gaining momentum.

Why Most People Don’t Realize It’s There

And here’s the funny part:

A lot of people in Williamsburg don’t even realize we have a legitimate thoroughbred racetrack 25–30 minutes away.

It’s tucked back just enough off I-64 that if you’re not intentionally going, you might miss it entirely.

But once you go once?

You’ll be back.

My Take

I love when Virginia leans into what it does well — outdoor events, history, horses, riverfront settings, and community-driven experiences.

Colonial Downs checks all those boxes.

Whether you’re a racing fan, curious about the Virginia Derby, exploring New Kent neighborhoods, or just looking for something different to do on a Saturday — put it on your calendar.

And if you ever want to talk about living near the track, investing in the New Kent corridor, or exploring communities like Brickshire or Viniterra — you know where to find me.

—
John Womeldorf
Mr. Williamsburg