With the Kentucky Derby just over a week away, Virginia residents can take full advantage of historical horse racing (HHR) to prepare themselves for the highly anticipated event.
On May 6, the prestigious Kentucky Derby unfolds at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Notably, it marks not only the commencement of the Triple Crown series but also stands as one of the most celebrated events in the realm of sports.
Residents in Virginia can get a taste of the Kentucky Derby buzz while warming up with HHRs before the main event.
Although HHRs differ from traditional horse race betting, they still involve wagering on horses, albeit electronically.
Before the Kentucky Derby, it is important to have an understanding of HHRs in Virginia.
What is historical horse racing?
In a technical sense, HHRs are not directly linked to horse racing. Instead, bettors place their bets based on the results of numerous previous horse races (hence the term). However, information pertaining to the race’s specifics, including horse names, jockeys, and location, is deliberately kept concealed.
HHRs can be seen as a variation of horse racing betting, but with the format resembling slot machine play. It does not require any particular skill, although certain details like jockey and trainer win percentages, as well as horse post position, can provide some useful insights.
Where can I use HHRs in Virginia?
Virginians have access to historical horse racing at six different locations.
- Collinsville
- Colonial Downs
- Dumfries
- Hampton
- Richmond
- Vinton
The six spots mentioned above are highly sought-after, as evidenced by the February report from the Historical Horse Racing Commission. According to the report, the total handle for HHRs reached an impressive $338,115,798.92. Moreover, when we consider the combined wagers made by Virginians during the first two months of 2025, the amount sums up to an astounding $689,726,162.80.
In 2022, the total handle exceeded $4 billion, with HHR bets amounting to $4,042,351,553.40.
Historical horse racing isn’t just a Virginia favorite
HHRs continue to maintain their popularity beyond the state of Virginia.
Churchill Downs, a prominent player in the horse racing sector, possesses approximately 60% of the machines in Kentucky. In the fiscal year 2022, Kentucky inhabitants placed an unprecedented $6.8 billion in wagers on HHRs.
In addition to being available in Kansas, Louisiana, New Hampshire, and Wyoming, HHRs are currently offered.
Can you bet on the Kentucky Derby with HHRs?
Sorry, but you are not able to place bets on the Kentucky Derby through HHR.
In technical terms, there exists a very small probability that among the undisclosed events you’re wagering on, one of them could potentially be a Kentucky Derby race. However, it would remain unknown to you.
When it comes to placing bets on this year’s race, Virginians have a wide range of options at their disposal. Colonial Downs, the sole track within the state that hosts live racing events, provides the opportunity to wager on simulcast races. Additionally, four other locations also offer this service.
- Henrico’s Breakers Sports Grille
- Chesapeake’s very own Buckets Bar and Grill
- Richmond’s very own Ponies and Pints
- Collinsville’s Windmill OTB Sports Grill
Do not worry if you are interested in placing bets on the Kentucky Derby online, as Virginia provides options such as TVG and DK Horse for wagering.
In late March, DK Horse made its debut in Virginia as a result of a collaboration between DraftKings and Churchill Downs Inc. This partnership enables users to engage in mobile betting and also provides the opportunity to live-stream various events.
In addition, FanDuel Racing is now accessible within the state following their recent acquisition of TVG, a well-established online betting and streaming platform in the horse racing sector.
Different horse racing bets available in Virginia
Although it may be premature to analyze Kentucky Derby odds, you can start contemplating your wagering strategy.
In Virginia, bettors are provided with numerous options to place bets on prominent horse racing events like the Kentucky Derby.
In Virginia, individuals have the option to make a win bet, which requires accurately selecting the horse that will come in first place in order to win the bet. The process is relatively straightforward.
In addition, residents have the option to place a bet on a specific horse to secure a second-place finish, which also rewards winners. Furthermore, show bets are available for individuals who wish to select a particular horse to finish in third place or higher.
Moreover, individuals in Virginia have the opportunity to make a win/place/show bet. In this scenario, you place a bet on a specific horse to secure a position within the top three. If the horse finishes first, you will receive payment for all three bets.
Additional betting options are also on offer.
- The Exacta bet involves selecting two horses and predicting their finishing positions in a specific order. Alternatively, you can choose to “box” them by paying an extra fee, allowing them to finish in any order.
- Trifecta: A type of bet where you predict the first, second, and third place finishers in a horse race, either in the exact order or in any order (also known as a boxed trifecta).
- Superfecta: Forecast the order of the first four contenders to cross the finish line.
- To win the Daily Double, Pick 3, or Pick 4 bets, you need to successfully select the winner of consecutive races. It is essential to pick the winning horse in each race for your ticket to yield a payout.
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