Colonial Downs unveils new look for 2026
New colors, logo herald biggest season since return
Press Release
February 12, 2026
Colonial Downs Racetrack today launched a new brand, logo, and digital presence to mark the start of a new era for thoroughbred racing in Virginia. As Virginia’s premier thoroughbred racetrack prepares for the biggest year of racing in its history, this new brand identity represents the excitement, growth, and promise of Virginia’s equine industry while evoking the history and timelessness of Virginia’s oldest sport.
The new Colonial Downs brand will make its debut at the upcoming Virginia Derby spring meet March 12-14, 2026. Tickets are on sale now at www.ColonialDowns.com for the Virginia Derby on March 14. All reserved tickets for this Kentucky Derby qualifying race are sold out, while a limited number of general admission tickets are still available for just $5 or $75 for a loaded ticket including food and drink vouchers.
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“With a record number of race days, growing crowds and purses, a Kentucky Derby qualifier race, and some of the most passionate fans around, Virginia is stepping into the sport’s global spotlight,” said Frank Hopf, Senior Director of Racing Operations at Colonial Downs. “This exciting new identity for Colonial Downs honors Virginia’s rich history of thoroughbred racing while inviting new fans and longtime enthusiasts to come experience the thrill of live racing at Virginia’s premier thoroughbred racetrack. It’s a new look for a new era, and we invite you to be a part of it!”
Colonial Downs’ new logo features a striding thoroughbred whose shape mirrors that of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Its forward momentum embodies the growth and excitement around Virginia’s growing equine industry and the thrill of live racing. The five strands of the horse’s mane represent five regions of the state: Southwest Virginia, Northern Virginia, Central Virginia, Hampton Roads, and the Shenandoah Valley.
The track’s new signature colors also carry significance. Colonial Downs Copper represents the sport’s enduring connections to the earth and the dirt of the racing surface, while Regal Navy represents the noble history of horse racing and the steady strength of both horse and jockey.
Beginning with the Virginia Derby Spring Meet from March 12-14, fans will see these new colors, logos, and brand elements on signage, merchandise, promotional materials, at the track, and around the country.
Colonial Downs has also refreshed its digital presence to prepare for the upcoming season with an updated, user-friendly website featuring race schedules, promotions, and track information, as well as updated Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts.
The updated brand identity builds on the acquisition of Colonial Downs Racetrack by industry leader Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) in late 2022. Since then, CDI has invested millions of dollars to elevate Colonial Downs into a premier racing venue and to reinvent the guest experience as a social entertainment destination for all ages, delivering higher-profile races, increased purses, expanded race days with enhanced weekend offerings, special programming for families, upgraded grandstand guest amenities, and significant facility enhancements for racing stakeholders.
The 2026 race season at Colonial Downs in New Kent County will be the biggest year of racing in Virginia’s history. The track will host a record 48 days of live racing including the prestigious Virginia Derby—the Commonwealth’s only Kentucky Derby qualifying race—on March 14, 2026.
Tickets for the Virginia Derby are now on sale at www.ColonialDowns.com and going fast. All reserved seats for this iconic event have been sold, while $5 General Admission and $75 “Loaded” General Admission tickets with food and drink tickets continue to sell fast.
Following the March meet, the racing season will continue with 45 days of live racing each Thursday through Sunday from June 25 through a special day of racing on Labor Day, Monday, September 7. The summer meet will include the annual Colonial Downs Festival of Racing with the iconic Arlington Million, the Old Dominion Derby, and additional high-profile graded stakes races throughout the summer.
Season tickets and individual race day tickets for the entire 2026 season are also available at www.ColonialDowns.com.
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