A ribbon-cutting ceremony recently was held at Rosie’s Gaming Emporium at Colonial Downs in New Kent County, Virginia, featuring 600 historical horseracing machines, simulcast horse racing, a restaurant and bar and gift shop. Colonial Downs Group Chief Operating Officer Aaron Gomes said, “We are thrilled that Rosie’s is now open for business in New Kent County. Today marks an enormous economic development milestone for New Kent, the region and the entire Commonwealth that has brought together gaming enthusiasts, horse lovers and the community to experience an exciting and fun activity.”
Colonial Downs Group Senior Vice President John Marshall added, “Rosie’s is critical to the rebirth and revitalization of horseracing and the equine industry in Virginia. We are proud to have already invested $175 million to reestablish the Colonial Downs track, including resurfacing the turf track, as well as bringing historical horseracing to Virginia through the new Rosie’s. We could not be more excited that live thoroughbred horse racing is just months away.”
The first day of 15 live races at Colonial Downs is scheduled for August 8, with the Virginia Oaks and Virginia Derby both returning August 31. Live racing has not been held at the venue since 2014. State Senate Majority Leader Thomas Norment noted, “It’s been five years of tears falling,” as the county suffered a “significant financial hit” when Colonial Downs closed after 17 years.
Rosie’s locations also will open in Vinton in May, South Richmond in June and Hampton in early fall, with other locations to follow. The venues are expected to create 800 jobs statewide and generate $25 million in annual state taxes plus another $25 million for Virginia’s horseracing industry. Virginia Equine Alliance Executive Director Jeb Hannum said that money will support higher purses, programs for horse breeders and “different elements of the industry.”
Colonial Downs officials said to date they invested $175 million in improvements and hired 450 people, mostly at Colonial Downs but also for the Vinton location. By the end of the year, officials said they expect to spend $300 million and hire at least 800 people
Rosie’s at Colonial Downs will be open 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. weekdays and 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. weekends.
