The seventh annual Virginia Derby is slated for July 10, and has been awarded grade III status for the first time. In 2003, Silver Tree, Kicken Kris, and Senor Swinger contested the 10-furlong Derby on grass.
Colonial Downs will run its longest Thoroughbred meet in 2004 based on dates awarded Jan. 21 by the Virginia Racing Commission. A total of 34 dates, up from 30 last year, will feature Thoroughbreds beginning June 11 and running through July 26.In 2003, those 30 days recorded a total handle of $36,090,262 for an average of $1,203,009 per card, both numbers representing all-time highs for the seven Thoroughbred seasons at the New Kent oval.
