The 2026 racing season at Colonial Downs in New Kent, Virginia, kicks off Thursday, June 25, with no fewer than 22 turf races scheduled across the weekend on the Secretariat Turf Course.Featured on opening weekend are a pair of Virginia-restricted turf stakes on Saturday: the Brookmeade Stakes for older fillies and mares and the Edward P. Evans Stakes for males three year old and up, each contested over a mile and a sixteenth.An all-steeplechase program is set for Monday, June 29, beginning at 10:45 a.m. ET and includes the NSA-G2 Theodora A. Randolph Stakes over 2 1/4 miles. The contest serves as the first leg of the National Steeplechase Association's Triple Tiara, all of which are to be staged at Colonial.A deep jockey colony returns to Colonial Downs for the summer. Leading rider Paco Lopez, who captured last year's riding title, is back along with Mychel Sanchez, Jorge Ruiz, Sheldon Russell, Jevian Toledo and Daniel Centeno. Riders expected to have significant opportunities during opening week include Jareth Loveberry, Rajiv Maragh, Nik Juarez, Sonny Leon, Carlos Montalvo and Samuel Marin.The trainer ranks are equally strong. Defending leading trainer Mike Trombetta returns alongside Brittany Russell, Mark Casse, Kenny McPeek, Mike Stidham, Robert Bailes, Saffie Joseph, Jr. and Whit Beckman. Among the newcomers expected to maintain a substantial presence this summer are Jose D'Angelo and Joe Orseno.Horseplayers will again find an attractive wagering menu highlighted by low-takeout multi-race bets. Both the early and late 50-cent Pick 5 wagers feature a 12% takeout, while the 50-cent Old Dominion 6 carries a 15% takeout rate. Colonial Downs also offers rolling $1 Daily Doubles and $1 Pick 3s throughout the card, as well as early and late 50-cent Pick 4s.New for 2026 is a $3 Late Pick 3 with a 15% takeout that covers the final three races on every card. The wager is designed to provide bettors with a compelling late-race betting opportunity while delivering strong value through a player-friendly takeout rate.Racing will take place Thursday through Sunday, with a first post of 12:30 p.m. ET.The post Turf Showcase Highlights Opening Week at Colonial appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.