<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3PTmmt_1Go0kHOa00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3PTmmt_1Go0kHOa00" width="1200" height="600" >NEW KENT, Va. (WWBT) - The Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs will return as an official Kentucky Derby qualifying race in 2027, marking its third consecutive year as part of the road to Churchill Downs.Four horses that competed in the Virginia Derby over the past two years went on to race in the Kentucky Derby, including both Virginia Derby winners. The Virginia Derby dates back to Colonial Downs’ opening in 1997, but its addition to the Kentucky Derby qualifying circuit has brought new attention to the event.“A couple years ago when it got moved over to be a prep race for the Kentucky Derby, that kind of really changed the whole direction for the race,” said Frank Hopf, senior director of racing operations at Colonial Downs.The winning horse will receive 50 qualifying points toward the Kentucky Derby, an amount that is typically enough to earn a spot in the starting field.Colonial Downs also offers a distinctive racing configuration. The Virginia Derby is run at 1⅛ miles around a single turn, unlike many races at that distance that require two turns. That gives trainers another option when deciding where to race their 3-year-old horses ahead of the Kentucky Derby.“A lot of trainers are looking at it as a strong opportunity to get those points, come to a track that they know the surfaces are good and get those points to run at Churchill,” Hopf said.The race’s growing national profile has also attracted more fans. Nearly 10,000 people attended Virginia Derby Day in 2026, and organizers say demand for tickets continues to increase.For Virginia-based owners and trainers, the race provides an opportunity to pursue a Kentucky Derby berth closer to home.“To have an opportunity in their backyard is really exciting for them as well. So, hopefully that continues to grow,” Hopf said.Colonial Downs is planning additional seating options and entertainment for the 2027 event, which will be part of a three-day spring racing meet.Organizers also have a longer-term ambition: seeing a Virginia Derby winner go on to win the Kentucky Derby.“So one day, we can have a horse that ran here, win the Virginia Derby, go on to win the Kentucky Derby. That would be the ultimate goal,” Hopf said.The 2027 Virginia Derby is scheduled for Saturday, March 13. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, Nov. 10, at noon.</div></body>

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NEW KENT, Va. (WWBT) - The Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs will return as an official Kentucky Derby qualifying race in 2027, marking its third consecutive year as part of the road to Churchill Downs. Four horses that competed in the Virginia Derby over the past two years went on...

Virginia Derby to remain Kentucky Derby qualifying race for third straight year

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NEW KENT, Va. (WWBT) - The Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs will return as an official Kentucky Derby qualifying race in 2027, marking its third consecutiv

Virginia Derby to remain Kentucky Derby qualifying race for third straight year

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