Virginia Derby to Become Kentucky Derby Qualifier in 2025

In an exciting development for horse racing enthusiasts, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced today that the Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs racetrack will become a qualifying race for the prestigious Kentucky Derby starting in 2025. This marks a significant milestone in the Commonwealth’s horse racing history, elevating Virginia’s status in the world of thoroughbred racing.

“The future for thoroughbred racing in Virginia is bright, and this opportunity will allow us to shine on horse racing’s biggest stage,” Governor 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, set for March 15, 2025, will now offer 50 qualifying points to its winner, nearly guaranteeing a spot in the starting gate at the 151st Kentucky Derby. The change, still pending formal approval by the Virginia Racing Commission, underscores Virginia’s growing influence in the horse racing industry.

Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI), the company behind the legendary Kentucky Derby, expressed their excitement about the new collaboration. Bill Carstanjen, CEO of CDI, highlighted the significance of this step for Virginia’s racing community.

“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,” Carstanjen stated. “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.”

This new development positions the Virginia Derby as a significant event on its own and as a critical step on the path to the most famous horse race in the world, the Kentucky Derby. Racing fans and participants alike are eagerly anticipating the 2025 Virginia Derby, which promises to bring heightened competition and attention to the Commonwealth’s horse racing industry.

As Virginia continues to build its reputation in the world of thoroughbred racing, the inclusion of the Virginia Derby in the Road to the Kentucky Derby is a testament to the state’s dedication to the sport and its future as a key player on the national stage.