"It is best for us to open a week earlier and avoid any conflicts with Maryland," said John Mooney, general manager of Colonial Downs. "It's something we've discussed and it appears everyone is in favor of it. It moves the regular meet up a week and won't have any effect on the stakes dates."
Opening day for Colonial Downs' summer meet is expected to move up a week to June 17. Previously opening day was scheduled for June 24. Moving up opening day coordinates better with racing dates recently determined for the spring meet at Pimlico in Maryland. On Feb. 23, the Maryland Racing Commission approved racing dates at Pimlico running from April 20 to June 12.Colonial Downs will now likely submit a request to the Virginia Racing Commission to amend their race dates. The Virginia commission is scheduled to meet March 16. There would be no change in the number of racing days. Closing day for Colonial's meet would be Aug. 9 instead of the original Aug. 16 closing date.