Editorial: Colonial Downs has revived New Kent County

After nearly five years of waiting, the doors of Colonial Downs reopened to the public, albeit with the new addition of historic horse racing machines. The question that New Kent leaders were probably thinking is that would it be enough to help the county return to prominence.

The answer looks to be a resounding “yes.”

When Colonial Downs closed in 2014, New Kent County loss approximately $400,000 a year from the track’s revenue. After former owner Jeffrey Jacobs surrendered the track’s license back to the Virginia Racing Commission, the property remained dormant and occupied for several years.

As time passed, there were doubts that the track would ever return. The area looked destined to be an eyesore to those who passed by it on Interstate 64 eastbound. But when the new ownership group Revolutionary Racing purchased the territory, they lived up to their name and turned the property into a revolutionary revival.

Bills began to gain traction in Virginia’s General Assembly before the final approval came forth through a historic bill signing to reopen the doors of Colonial Downs. The allowance of historic horse racing machines became a marketing point. And that marketing point was targeted to not only visitors from all over the Commonwealth of Virginia, but to locals as well.

Opening day saw lines extend beyond the door and onto outside runways. People lined up hours in advance just to be the first to place a bet on machines, hoping to win a jackpot. Those lines never died down throughout the day.

Colonial Downs was not the only one to benefit from the reopening. Nearby businesses also saw an increase in customers. The magnet known as Colonial Downs has restored much needed energy to an area of New Kent that was lacking a marquee attraction.

Now think about this; all of this took place on day one of its opening. It also took place without any live horse racing. This took place because machines were available to provide entertainment and food was being served to customers. Now imagine what it will be like when the horse track returns the thoroughbreds.

Colonial Downs is no longer in the recovery ward; they have been discharged so that they can go home. And that home is New Kent County.