News and Press Releases

Colonial Downs Racetrack today launched a new brand, logo, and digital presence to mark the start of a new era for thoroughbred racing in Virginia. As Virginia’s premier thoroughbred racetrack prepares for the biggest year of racing in its history, this new brand identity represents the excitement, growth, and promise of Virginia’s equine industry while evoking the history and timelessness of Virginia’s oldest sport. The new Colonial Downs brand will make its debut at the upcoming Virginia Derby spring meet March 12-14, 2026. Tickets are on sale now at www.ColonialDowns.com for the Virginia Derby on March 14. All reserved tickets for this Kentucky Derby qualifying race are sold out, while a limited number of general admission tickets are still available for just $5 or $75 for a loaded ticket including food and drink vouchers.

Submissions to participate in the 2026 Kentucky Oaks Survivors Parade on Friday, May 1 are now open. This year’s Survivors Parade will honor 150 Breast and Ovarian cancer survivors and fighters with tickets for the selected recipient and a guest to attend the 152nd Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 1, and include an unforgettable march featuring stargazer lilies for each participant from Kroger on the historic track at Churchill Downs.

Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI” or “the Company”) (Nasdaq: CHDN) announced today exciting changes to 152nd Spring Meet and Derby Week racing. The 152nd Spring Meet at the historic Churchill Downs Racetrack will span nine weeks from April 25 to June 28, 2026, and feature 44 racing days. Derby Week will run from April 25 to May 2, 2026.

On Friday, February 6, the iconic Twin Spires at Churchill Downs Racetrack were illuminated in red in support of Wear Red Day, in partnership with the American Heart Association. February marks American Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease and promoting cardiovascular health. Wear Red Day, observed on the first Friday of February, highlights the importance of women’s heart health and encourages individuals to wear red to show their support.

TwinSpires concluded its annual “Soup-er Bowl” challenge, raising a total of 2,827 cans of soup for Catholic Charities of Louisville. Team Campbell led the effort with 1,512 cans, while Team Progresso contributed an impressive 1,315 cans, demonstrating the generosity and community spirit of our team members.

Tickets for Kentucky Derby Week and the entire Spring Meet at Churchill Downs Racetrack will go on sale Thursday at noon (all times Eastern), and there’s an added day of racing to celebrate this year’s Derby Week. For the first time since 2010, Churchill Downs will return its meet opener and kickoff to Derby Week to the afternoon rather than running at night under the lights as was the case from 2011-25. Post time for Opening Day powered by LG&E and KU on Saturday, April 25, will be 12:45 p.m. (all times Eastern). Additionally, Churchill Downs is bringing back Sunday to the Derby Week schedule for the first time in 15 years. Post time for the Sunday, April 26 program will be 12:45 p.m.

On Saturday, January 31, the Kings, Louisville’s new United Football League team, hosted their Fan Rally at Churchill Downs’ Ford First Turn Club. Hundreds of people attended the event, which featured a meet-and-greet with Coach Chris Redman and Kings Players. Guests enjoyed a DJ, balloon artist, photo booth and giveaways, creating a true party atmosphere in celebration of professional football coming to Louisville.

Ellis Park Racing & Gaming (“Ellis Park”) began the new year through charitable contributions supporting families, individuals with disabilities and children across the region. A highlight of this month’s outreach was Ellis Park’s sponsorship of a Happy Wheels Cart at Deaconess Henderson Hospital in partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ohio Valley. The mobile cart, unveiled on January 16, brings bedside comfort to patients and families through snacks, toys, blankets, books and essential items. It provides small moments of relief during difficult hospital stays.

Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI” or “the Company”) (Nasdaq: CHDN) announced today that Marshall Yards Racing & Gaming (“Marshall Yards”) will celebrate its grand opening on February 25, 2026. Marshall Yards will be the Company’s eighth premier historical racing entertainment venue in Kentucky.