NEW KENT COUNTY, Va. — Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced that the Virginia Derby, Colonial Downs’ flagship event, will now be the win-win qualifier for the Kentucky Derby, the first leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown.

The winning horse of the Virginia Derby, which takes place on March 15th next year, will receive 50 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby. Never before has a horse started at Churchill Downs with so many points.

The 2025 Virginia Derby will be held on a dirt track and will serve as the starting point for a new four-day spring meet at Colonial Downs.

“Churchill Downs has worked with partners across the Commonwealth to revitalize Virginia’s proud heritage of thoroughbred racing and secure our place as a world-class destination for racing fans and equine talent from around the world,” Youngkin said. “The future of thoroughbred racing in Virginia has never been brighter and this opportunity will allow us to shine on horse racing’s biggest stage.”

Youngkin also called the news “great” for Virginia and “for the continued growth and popularity of the sport.”

The announcement was made Sunday at the Festival of Racing at Colonial Downs, which featured live music and kid-friendly activities in addition to racing. The event culminated with the Arlington Million, the first thoroughbred race to offer a $1 million purse.