Stone to Announce Virginia Derby Meet at Colonial Downs

For the first time in track history, Colonial Downs will host a "Road to the Kentucky Derby" qualifying race -- and the voice of the Kentucky Derby, Travis Stone, will be on the mic. Stone will call all three days of the Virginia Derby meet, set for March 13-15, headlined by the $500,000 Virginia Derby on Saturday, March 15. "I'm really looking forward to being part of the Virginia Derby meet at Colonial Downs," Stone said. "It's exciting to see the 'Road to the Kentucky Derby' go through Virginia and to be involved in such an important weekend for the track." Fans can catch the action live on FanDuel TV or via the Colonial Downs simulcast feed. On-site coverage will include expert analysis and interviews from Kaitlin Free, who begins her third season as paddock host. Horseplayers can wager on all the action from Virginia Derby weekend at www.TwinSpires.com, the official wagering provider of Churchill Downs Incorporated and the Kentucky Derby. TwinSpires will offer special promotions for betting on races from Colonial Downs and a qualifier for the $250,000 Kentucky Derby Betting Challenge featuring races from both Colonial and Oaklawn. Saturday's blockbuster card also features the $250,000 Virginia Oaks, part of the Championship Series on the 'Road to the Kentucky Oaks.' The Virginia Derby offers Kentucky Derby qualifying points on a 50-25-15-10-5 scale toward the Grade 1 $5 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve on Saturday, May 3 at Churchill Downs. The Virginia Oaks awards points on the same scale for the Grade 1 $1.5 million Longines Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 2. Colonial Downs regular track announcer Jason Beem, who is currently announcing at Tampa Bay Downs, is set to return for the expanded 2025 racing season, featuring 41 days of live racing from July 9 through Sept. 13. Nominations for the Virginia Derby and Virginia Oaks close Wednesday, with entries to be drawn Saturday, March 8. For the latest information about Virginia Derby Day, visit rosiesgaming.com/virginia-derby.