Colonial Downs is particularly associated with its broad turf course, which provides room for different rail arrangements across a meeting. The width is a practical feature as well as a visual one: the racing line can be positioned on different strips of grass. That makes the official route and rail setting useful context when watching a race. The expansive green area should not be mistaken for an unused infield inside the main circuit.
The main dirt circuit is another substantial part of Colonial Downs, separate from the turf course inside it. Together the two tracks give the venue a spacious appearance from the grandstand and accommodate different kinds of racing. A course plan is especially helpful here because the apparent scale of the grounds can conceal which route a field is using. Surface and starting point need to be read together for the particular race.
Historic New Kent. Explore the courthouse area and local landmarks for a sense of the county’s history beyond Colonial Downs.
Saudé Creek Vineyards. Visit the vineyard overlooking the Pamunkey River, with its countryside setting offering a relaxed change of pace after the racecourse.
New Kent County, Virginia has 22,945 residents.
