New Colonial Downs owners have big plans for track, including a Kentucky Derby qualifying race

Carstanjen believes there is still a place for Thoroughbred racing on the American sporting scene. Virginia's history with horse racing goes back to the 1997 opening of Colonial Downs. Secretariat's trainer, Michelle Lovell, had a great experience at Colonial Down's turf course. New Colonial downs owners have big plans for the track, including a Kentucky Derby qualifying race. They hope to attract more quality trainers and horses to New Kent. The company has experience in staging major races. It's been a while since the last time Virginia had such a company. There were reports of horse races staged in the historic Henricus settlement as far back as 1674.