For the first time in its history, the Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs was completely sold out, drawing in fans from across the state for a day of racing, betting and excitement.

Just over a decade after Colonial Downs was shuttered, the track—which re-opened for thoroughbred racing in 2019—enjoyed arguably its finest day March 15.

In the first-ever Kentucky Derby points race at Colonial Downs, BC Stables’ American Promise proved much the best to win the $500,000 Virginia Derby by 7¾ lengths over Render Judgment, earning 50 points and all but securing a spot in the 'Run for the Roses' on the first Saturday in May.

Saturday’s $527,500 Virginia Derby, the first-ever Road to the Kentucky Derby scoring race contested in the historic commonwealth, delivered an aptly named winner in American Promise.

The Indiana Fever have been busy this offseason, making major moves like hiring new head coach Stephanie White. Just a few months later, the team traded for guard Sophie Cunningham as part of a three-team deal that sent the No. 2 pick in 2020, Satou Sabally, to the Phoenix Mercury from ...

American Promise, the D. Wayne Lukas entry into Saturday’s Virginia Derby, pulled away from the field, setting a Colonial Downs 1 ⅛-mile track record of 1 minute, 46.41 seconds and finishing 7 ¾ lengths ahead of Render Judgement. Virginia-born Omaha Omaha, born at Chance Farm in Gordonville, took third.

The "Road to the Kentucky Derby" winds through Virginia for the first time this weekend, as the Virginia Derby joins the series with some serious contenders for the Run for the Roses.