Horsemen’s Policies

• All licensed horsemen, the Virginia Horsemen’s Benevolent Protective Association (VHBPA), members of the Virginia Thoroughbred Association (VTA), and the Virginia Harness Horsemen’s Association (VHHA) are entitled to complimentary grandstand general admission on any race day, including Virginia Derby Day.

• If a horseman would like to reserve a Turf Club, Jockey Club main dining room or Box Seat admission, then that individual must pay the difference in the cost of the admission less the grandstand general admission price.  For example, if a horseman has entered the grandstand and would like to go to the Jockey Club Main Dining Area, which has an admission price of $10, then that person must pay $8 at the Upgrade Window for admission to the Jockey Club.

• Upgrades on Virginia Derby Day are as follows:

Turf Club                                   $135 minus $5 = $130
Jockey Club Main Dining Area   $70 minus $5 = $65
Box Seats                                 $60 minus $5 = $55

• Horsemen Sections  – Jockey Club

A horseman does not have to pay upgrade admissions price to sit in the "Jockey Club Horsemen's Section," at the Adios or Riva Ridge bars or their corresponding lounges and simulcast areas.  Once a horseman enters the grandstand by using his VRC license, he can procure a "red circles" wristband at the Guest Services Upgrade Window and proceed to the Horsemen Section, bar or lounge where open seating is the policy. 

The Horsemen’s Sections in the Jockey Club are located on Level 1 and Level 2 nearest to the paddock side of the dining room.

Tables 124 – 127
Tables 224 – 226
Tables 324 – 328
Tables 424 – 425 (Round 8 to 10 tops)       

• Horsemen   - Turf Club access:  FREE access to any unsold Turf Club dining tables and bar seats can be acquired through Guest Services (proper attire required).  There is NO STANDING ROOM in the Turf Club. 

• Standardbred Meet:  VHHA 25 people in suite (Saturdays/Sundays only)

• Horsemen must provide proper identification (licenses) to be eligible for complimentary services and upgrades.

• General Grandstand Admission – complimentary
• Must show horsemen’s license for admission

• Box Seats
• $8 upgrade can be purchased at the Guest Services window
• Colonial Downs Box Seats may be used by horse owners

• Jockey Club Bar, lounge and horsemen’s section – complimentary
• Will be issued admittance wristband at Guest Services upgrade window
• Reservations for tables are recommended

• Jockey Club Main Dining Room
•  $8 upgrade can be purchased at the Guest Services upgrade window

• Turf Club Main Dining Room
• $13 upgrade can be purchased at the Guest Services upgrade window

• VHBPA (includes VTA & VHHA)
• Members must show membership card at the Pass Gate (free admission) and at the Guest Services Upgrade window to receive “green circles” access wristbands.  

• On Sunday/Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday the VHBPA Suite is available (limit 25 wristbands)

• On Saturdays (except Derby Day) any unsold suite can be made available to VHPBA (limit 25 wristbands).  Guest Services to check with Group Sales every Wednesday after 3pm for availability)
• Turf Club access:  FREE access to any unsold Turf Club dining tables and bar seats can be acquired through Guest Services (proper attire required).  There is NO STANDING ROOM in the Turf Club.
• Jockey Club access:  All race days (except VA Derby Day) horsemen have unlimited free access to Horsemen’s section tables, bar/lounge areas.  Must acquire access wristband at Guest Services Upgrade Window.
• Guests
• Horsemen may receive one (1) complimentary admission for guests / family members

Customer Smoking Policy

As of December 1, 2009, Colonial Downs’ facility is NON-SMOKING

Smoking permitted in Box Seat and Grandstand seats, outside and the balconies off the Jockey Club, Turf Club and Suites areas. 

DRESS CODE (CUSTOMER)

• Grandstand 

No dress code; however, abbreviated attire and apparel which displays lewd or vulgar language will not be tolerated.

• Jockey Club 

Casual attire; abbreviated and apparel which displays lewd or vulgar language will not be tolerated.

• Turf Club

Required proper attire includes; business casual clothes, dress walking shorts, dress slacks, dresses and suits.  Gentlemen’s jackets are optional.  Absolutely no jeans, torn clothing, tank tops, flip-flops or abbreviated dress permitted!  It is the hosts’ responsibility to inform their guests of the dress code requirements.  Individuals not in compliance with the dress code will not be permitted in the Turf Club.  This policy is strictly enforced.  NO EXCEPTIONS.