Colonial Downs Hosts Autism Society of Central Virginia’s First Summer Shindig at Colonial Downs
~ More than 130 members, friends, and family of the Autism Society of Central Virginia gathered for a day of fun and excitement at Virginia’s premier thoroughbred racetrack ~
NEW KENT, Va. (July 28, 2026)—On Sunday, July 26, Colonial Downs Racetrack and the Autism Society of Central Virginia (ASCV) teamed up for the first Summer Shindig at Colonial Downs, a special day at the track for more than 130 ASCV members, friends, and families. The day featured thoughtful accommodations to ensure a great day at the track including sensory friendly activities, a private space for ASCV guests, an on-track hobby horse race, and a Derby Hat contest for ASCV guests.
“This was such a special and joyful day for our team at Colonial Downs,” said Bella Hodge, Racing Marketing Manager. “We were thrilled to welcome so many new friends and fans to the track because this sport truly is for everyone.”
“Our ASCV families are so appreciative of the opportunity to visit the track and all the kindness we received from the Colonial Downs team,” said Katie Putnam, Community Events Coordinator for ASCV. “We had 130 members in attendance who enjoyed the races from the comfort of the Jockey Club. They also got to participate in a derby stick race on the track and take a picture in the winner’s circle. It was a great day for everyone at the races!”
Hosting ASCV’s Summer Shindig was a strong complement to Colonial Downs’ new partnership with Autism in Racing, a UK-based nonprofit working to improve access to the sport of thoroughbred horse racing for people with autism. The partnership with Colonial Downs is Autism in Racing’s first partnership with an American racetrack.
Colonial Downs welcomes all fans and guests to Virginia’s premier thoroughbred racetrack in New Kent, Va. If guests have questions about accessibility or wish to discuss an accommodation to make their day at the track more enjoyable, please contact [email protected].
Live thoroughbred racing at Colonial Downs continues every Thursday through Sunday until the Old Dominion Derby on Labor Day, Monday September 7.
General Admission is free nearly every day. Covered and indoor seating is available for purchase at www.ColonialDowns.com, as well as $5 General Admission tickets for the Festival of Racing on August 1 and the annual Wiener Dog races on August 15.
About Churchill Downs Incorporated
Churchill Downs Incorporated (Nasdaq: CHDN) has been creating extraordinary entertainment experiences for nearly 150 years, beginning with the company’s most iconic and enduring asset, the Kentucky Derby. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, CDI has expanded through the development of live and historical racing entertainment venues, the growth of the TwinSpires horse racing online wagering business and the operation and development of regional casino gaming properties. www.churchilldownsincorporated.com
About Colonial Downs Racetrack and Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums
Colonial Downs Racetrack (“Colonial Downs”) and Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums (“Rosie’s”) employ more than 1,500 team members across the Commonwealth of Virginia, paying more than $30 million annually in salaries, wages, and benefits. The Rose Gaming Resort in Dumfries, Roseshire Gaming Resort in Richmond, and Rosie’s locations in Emporia, Hampton, New Kent, Richmond, and Vinton offer innovative Historical Racing Machines (HRMs) and full-card simulcasting. Rosie’s Game Room in Collinsville features a limited selection of some of the most popular HRM titles. Colonial Downs Racetrack in New Kent hosts live Thoroughbred racing on two nationally renowned surfaces: the Secretariat Turf Course, the widest turf course in North America, and a 1¼-mile dirt track. For more information, visit www.rosiesgaming.com.
