Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs remains Kentucky Derby qualifier for 2027

The Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs Racetrack in New Kent County will continue to serve as an official qualifying race for the Kentucky Derby in 2027, WRIC reported. The 2027 Virginia Derby is scheduled for March 14 and will award 50 qualifying points toward the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

The event will headline three days of live racing at Colonial Downs from March 11 to March 13, according to the governor’s office. Governor Abigail Spanberger highlighted Virginia’s strong tradition in horse racing and noted the Virginia Derby’s importance on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.

Last year’s Virginia Derby attracted nearly 10,000 attendees and generated about $122 million, demonstrating the event’s economic impact in the region. Tickets for the 2027 Virginia Derby will go on sale starting November 10.

The continuation of this qualifier status reflects the quality of competition at Colonial Downs and the significance of Virginia’s equine industry on the national stage, WRIC reported.