2025 Virginia Derby moved to dirt, added to Kentucky Derby trail

Colonial Downs, which is owned by Churchill Downs Inc., on Sunday announced it would host a four-day race meeting next March in addition to its regular summer season running from late July through early September.

The Virginia Derby, according to a press release, will be moved from its traditional September slot to March 15 and anchor the brief spring meeting while being changed from a turf race to a dirt contest that will be part of Churchill Downs’ Road to the Kentucky Derby. The race will reward the winner with 50 qualifying points and likely land the winner in the Derby starting gate.

Race dates for the spring stand have yet to be approved by the Virginia Racing Commission.

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