Colonial Downs to Offer First 'Virginia Million'

Colonial Downs will host the first-ever "Virginia Million," highlighted by a trio of stakes on the Secretariat Turf Course, July 10. It will be the richest card in Virginia racing history.

The highlight of the "Virginia Million" will be the seventh running of the $500,000 Virginia Derby (gr. IIIT). The Virginia Derby was awarded graded status this winter after a strong 2003 running that included grade I winner Kicken Kris, graded stakes winner Senor Swinger, and graded stakes-placed Silver Tree.

Early nominations for the Virginia Derby close June 1.

Two $200,000 turf stakes for females will support the Virginia Derby: The All Along Breeders' Cup (gr. IIIT) for fillies and mares, and the inaugural edition of the Virginia Oaks for 3-year-old fillies.

Virginia's greatest weekend of racing will be supported by "Abbey Road at the Races," a three-day music festival featuring three of the nation's top Beatles tribute bands. American English, British Export, and Hal Bruce will perform after races every night July 9-11.

Colonial Downs races from June 11-July 26 on a Friday-through Tuesday schedule. Post times are 1 p.m. EDT Saturdays and Sundays, and 5 p.m. Fridays, Mondays, and Tuesdays.