Grab your hats and mint juleps: It’s time for the West Virginia Derby

You may have heard of the Kentucky Derby, but did you know West Virginia has its own? You can experience the excitement of race day right here in Almost Heaven! West Virginia has two horseracing venues, Mountaineer Racetrack & Resort and Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, and each has their own special events.

West Virginia Derby

Catch the biggest day of live racing in West Virginia! The 49th Running of the West Virginia Derby will be held Saturday, Aug. 4 at Mountaineer Racetrack. The first post time is 2 p.m., with a $500,000 Grade III Stakes Race, along with two other smaller stakes races. The Derby, at 1 1/8 miles, will be one of nine races that day. For more information, visit here.

Charles Town Classic

The $1,250,000 Charles Town Classic is an American thoroughbred horse race for older horses (four-year-olds and up). The three-quarter mile dirt oval track is the first in the Northeast to offer winter racing! While here, be sure to stop by a show, have a delicious meal or get lucky in the casino! Located just outside of Washington, DC, and Baltimore, MD, this track is perfect for a weekend getaway.

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This post was last updated on March 17, 2022