Colonial Downs Unveils 2024 Stakes Schedule

Topped by a quartet of graded races, Colonial Downs unveiled its 2024 stakes program of 27 races worth $5.7 million for the 27-day season which runs from July 11-Sept. 7. The Colonial Downs Festival of Racing, slated for Aug. 10, is highlighted by the $1 million Arlington Million (G1T) at 1 1/4 miles, the $500,000 Beverly D. (G2T) at 1 3/16 miles and the $500,000 Secretariat Stakes (G2T) at 1 3/16 miles, the traditional weekend for the renowned trio. All three races will be run on Colonial's acclaimed Secretariat Turf Course. The Beverly D. again has been selected as a Breeders' Cup Challenge Win and You're In race for the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1T) to be held at Del Mar Nov. 2. Festival Day is being expanded for 2024 to include four additional stakes races: the $100,000 Petramalo Mile, a one-mile dirt race for 3-year-olds, and its sister race, the $100,000 Penny Chenery at seven furlongs; the $150,000 Van Clief for 3-year-olds & up at 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf and its distaff companion event, the $150,000 Andy Guest. The $500,000 Virginia Derby (G3T), Colonial's longtime signature event, will be contested on closing day, Sept. 7. The 1 1/8-mile grass race headlines a card with $1.3 million in stakes purses including five other turf stakes: the $250,000 Virginia Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/16 miles; the $150,000 Da Hoss Stakes for older horses at 5 1/2 furlongs; the $150,000 Colonial Cup a 1 1/2-mile marathon for 3-year-olds & up; the $125,000 Rosie's Stakes for 2-year-olds sprinting 5 1/2 furlongs; and the $125,000 Kitten's Joy Stakes for 2-year-olds over 1 1/16 miles on turf. Opening weekend action includes three new turf stakes: the $125,000 Million Prep at 1 1/8 miles; $125,000 Beverly D. Prep over 1 1/16 miles; and the $125,000 Boston at one mile, which will serve as a prep for the Secretariat. The following Saturday, July 20, a quartet of turf races for Virginia-bred or -sired older runners are on the docket: the $125,000 Brookmeade for fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles, the $125,000 Edward P. Evans at one mile, and the $125,000 Punch Line and $125,000 Tyson Gilpin/Glenn Petty both at 5 1/2 furlongs with the latter of the pair restricted to fillies and mares. A pair of 2-year-old races for Virginia-restricted runners—the $150,000 Hickory Tree and its sister race the $150,000 Keswick—headline the Aug. 3 program. Both races have been lengthened to 5 1/2 furlongs on the dirt. Commonwealth Champions Day is scheduled for Aug. 31 and is highlighted by a quintet of turf races saluting Virginia runners: the $125,000 Jamestown is for Virginia-bred or -sired 2-year-olds going 5 1/2 furlongs while the remaining four events are for Virginia-restricted horses—the $150,000 Meadow Stable for older horses at 5 1/2 furlongs and its female companion race the $150,000 Camptown; and the $150,000 Bert Allen and its filly and mare counterpart, the $150,000 Nellie Fox, both at 1 1/16 miles. Additionally, there will be two $100,000 stakes races for fillies and mares presented by the National Steeplechase Association, the Randolph D. Rouse Aug. 8 and the Life's Illusion Sept. 5. Condition books and stall applications are available online at www.colonialdowns.com under the horsemen's tab. Stall applications are due Tuesday, May 21.