Horse racing is one of the most well attended sports across North America. However, few states have as must as an underrated reputation within the sport as Virginia.
While many international fans will flock to tracks such as Saratoga and Churchill Downs, there is the biggest selection of racing action available in Virginia. But, what are some of the best tracks to visit and what are some of the standout races on the calendar that fans are able to enjoy?
Colonial Downs
The most famous racetrack in the region can be located in New Kent County, Virginia. Despite only opening in 1997, Colonial Downs has been a welcome addition to the sporting heritage in the state.
It is one of the more unusual tracks in the United States, as it has one of the largest track sizes, but one of the smallest club houses. In 2008 and 2009, the course would host 40 days of racing, which included a meet on the same day as the Belmont Stakes. So, if you want to participate in horse handicapping contests in Virginia this is probably the right place.
The feature race of the year at the track comes in the form of the G1 Arlington Million, which has been staged at Colonial Downs in each of the last two years. Nations Pride was an international winner of the race in 2024 for trainer Charlie Appleby.
The only other graded races on the annual calendar include the Virginia Derby, Beverly D. Stakes, and the Secretariat Stakes. The Colonial Turf Cup and All Along Stakes were previously run at Colonial Downs before moving to Laurel Park.
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races
Another hugely popular thoroughbred racing track in the region can be found at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. This course is located in Charles Town, West Virginia, and is a popular resort across the year.
It was first opened in December 1933, becoming the first horse racing track to open in the West Virginia region. It was developed and operated by Shenandoah Valley Jockey Club, and became the first winter race meet to be held in the United States when it opened.
Being on a direct line to Baltimore ensures it was a popular track to attend, and that continued throughout the Second World War. Many celebrities visited the track during the early history, include regular J. Edgar Hoover, and John F. Kennedy during his Presidency campaign.
Racing events are popular throughout the year, with the ever-popular Sprint Festival being run for the first time in 2008. The West Virginia Breeders’ Classics is also a popular race day on the calendar. However, the most prestigious race on the calendar is the Charles Town Classic, which has been run since 2009. Top class horses have won the race throughout its history, including Shared Belief and Game On Dude.
Great Meadow
Great Meadow is one of the finest horse racing tracks in the United States for jumps racing. However, it has also become a hot spot for all lovers of equine sport, with the track also hosting competing polo matches.
The land was donated to Arthur W. Arundel in 1982, and it is surrounding by four ponds and an open air stadium, which is regularly used for Twilight Polo. It is one of the most valued charitable and national equestrian communities in the United States, and hosts prestigious jumps events throughout the year.
Among those include the International Gold Cup Races, which are held every third Saturday in October. However, the standout event on the calendar is the Virginia Gold Cup. It was first run since 1922, and is one of the standout days of the year for visitors. There are three main sections for visitors to watch the action, including the Members Hill, South Rail, and North Rail.
Foxfield Racing
Another track that hosts competitive steeplechase races annually is Foxfield. This track was first opened in 1978, and it has gained a huge following by the local community and students that attend the University of Virginia.
Two major race days take place at Foxfield annually, with one being held in the fall and one being held in the summer. The Summer meet is most popular with students, as it has become tradition for UVA. Pastel colours are evident throughout the track, with an annual black tie event held on the evening before the big race to raise funds for local charities.
Meanwhile, the fall meet is popular among families, with up to 4,000 fans regularly attending. Unlike other major steeplechase venues across the world, visitors can gain a better understanding of the high-quality athletes as there are no grandstands to watch the races.
Therefore, those who attend are encouraged to stand close to fences behind the rails to watch the horses in all their glory. Both annual meetings are must-do occasions for all international and local visitors.
