How Long Do the Races Last at Colonial Downs?
Colonial Downs is a world-renowned Thoroughbred horse racing facility located in New Kent County, Virginia. Every year, the track hosts a number of exciting races, from the Virginia Derby to the Colonial Turf Cup. But just how long do the races at Colonial Downs last?
In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and more, including race lengths for various types of races, how long the entire racing program takes, and more. So let’s get started!
Race Lengths for Various Types of Races
The length of a race at Colonial Downs depends on the type of race being run. Generally, race lengths at the track are as follows:
- Maiden Races: These races are open to horses that have not won a race and typically last 5 furlongs (5/8 of a mile).
- Allowance Races: These races are open to horses that have won at least one race and typically last 6 furlongs (3/4 of a mile).
- Claiming Races: These races are open to horses that are entered for a claiming price and typically last 7 furlongs (7/8 of a mile).
- Stakes Races: These races are open to horses that are nominated for a specific stakes race and typically last from 7 furlongs (7/8 of a mile) to a mile and a quarter (10 furlongs).
How Long Does the Entire Racing Program Take?
The length of a racing program at Colonial Downs depends on the number of races being run on a given day. Generally, the track holds between six and nine races per day, with the first race typically starting at 1:00 PM and the last race typically starting at 5:00 PM.
It takes a few minutes between each race for the horses to be loaded into the starting gate, and for the jockeys to warm up their horses. In addition, the intermission between the sixth and seventh race allows for the horses to be loaded into the starting gate for the next race.
Typically, a full nine-race card at Colonial Downs takes about four hours to complete.
What Are the Official Race Times?
The official race times at Colonial Downs are as follows:
- Maiden Races: 5:00 PM – 5:40 PM
- Allowance Races: 5:40 PM – 6:20 PM
- Claiming Races: 6:20 PM – 7:00 PM
- Stakes Races: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
What Is the Timetable for the Race Day?
The timetable for a race day at Colonial Downs is as follows:
- Gates Open: 11:00 AM
- First Race: 1:00 PM
- Sixth Race: 4:30 PM
- Seventh Race: 5:00 PM
- Last Race: 5:40 PM
- Gates Close: 6:00 PM
What Is the Length of the Virginia Derby?
The Virginia Derby is a Grade II stakes race held at Colonial Downs. The race is open to three-year-old horses and typically takes place during the summer months. The race is run at a distance of 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs) and is typically held on the first Saturday in August.
What Is the Length of the Colonial Turf Cup?
The Colonial Turf Cup is a Grade III stakes race held at Colonial Downs. The race is open to three-year-old horses and typically takes place during the summer months. The race is run at a distance of 1 3/16 miles (10 furlongs) and is typically held on the first Saturday in October.
What Is the Length of the Colonial Mile?
The Colonial Mile is a Grade III stakes race held at Colonial Downs. The race is open to three-year-old horses and typically takes place during the summer months. The race is run at a distance of 1 mile (8 furlongs) and is typically held on the first Saturday in September.
What Is the Length of the Virginia Oaks?
The Virginia Oaks is a Grade III stakes race held at Colonial Downs. The race is open to three-year-old fillies and typically takes place during the summer months. The race is run at a distance of 1 1/16 miles (9 furlongs) and is typically held on the first Saturday in July.
What Is the Length of the Colonial Sprint?
The Colonial Sprint is a Grade III stakes race held at Colonial Downs. The race is open to three-year-old horses and typically takes place during the summer months. The race is run at a distance of 6 furlongs (3/4 of a mile) and is typically held on the first Saturday in June.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s clear that the length of a race at Colonial Downs depends on the type of race being run. Generally, the track holds six to nine races per day, with the first race typically starting at 1:00 PM and the last race typically starting at 5:00 PM. The three most popular races at Colonial Downs are the Virginia Derby (1 1/8 miles), the Colonial Turf Cup (1 3/16 miles), and the Colonial Mile (1 mile).