by Darrell Wood, publicity director, Colonial Downs

New Kent, VA —- The Virginia Racing Commission awarded 2012 Fall harness racing dates to Colonial Downs at its regular monthly meeting this past Tuesday (Jan. 17).

The 15th annual Standardbred season will extend six weeks, beginning Wednesday (September 5) and continuing through Sunday (October 14). Racing will take place every Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m.

The New Kent County Fair will again be held in conjunction with the harness races on September 8 and 9, and the meet will conclude with the annual $300,000 (est.) Virginia Harness “Day of Champions” on October 14, when 2- and 3-year-old pacers and trotters of both sexes are showcased in eight divisional championship races.

Colonial Downs previously received its 2012 summer Thoroughbred dates, which extend from June 2–July 28. Racing will take place primarily in the evening for the first time ever on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 7 p.m. and on Sunday afternoons at 12:55 p.m. Highlight of the meet is the 15th running of the $600,000 Virginia Derby (Gr. II) on Saturday, July 21.

More details are available at www.colonialdowns.com or by calling 804.966.7223.