(NEW KENT, VA---6/13/13) ---- Ostrich and camel racing will return to Colonial Downs on Sunday June 16th as part of a special Father's Day race program beginning at 12:55 PM.

 
The afternoon festivities include ten horse races, the popular ostrich race and camel race, a children's Junior Derby, an animal mascot race and a salute to some military fathers based at Fort Lee.  Camel riders include Dennis Bickmeyer, President of Richmond International Raceway, and a Richmond Lady Raider cheerleader among others. The ostriches will be ridden by jockeys at Colonial Downs. University of Richmond men's basketball coach Chris Mooney will serve as honorary starter for the unique animal races.
 
An $18 Sunday Family 4-Pack promotion is also available on Sunday. Fans can download a 4-pack voucher at colonialdowns.comand present it with $18 to get 4 admissions, 2 programs, 2 coloring books, tip sheets, 4 hot dogs, 4 soft drinks and entry into exclusive 4-pack prize drawings.
 
After the final live horse race, kids and the young at heart can run a 100 yard dash on the track and depart from actual starting gate.
 
The weekend kicks off on Saturday evening with a Sheldon Russell Garden Gnome Giveaway to the first 2,500 paid admissions. Russell has been Colonial's top jockey the last two seasons and will be recognized with this unique keepsake.
 
Saturday also is the track's annual free Texas Holden Poker tournament, which is held in conjunction with the races. $1,000 in betting vouchers will be up for grabs. Poker registration begins at 5 PM; races start at 6 PM; the tourney begins after the third race.
 
Tough Deal will also entertain attendees Saturday on the trackside concert stage with their combination of blues, rock and country. 
 
General admission is $3; kids 12 and under are free. Box seats, Jockey Club & Turf Club dining reservations can be made atcolonialdowns.com or by calling 804-966-7223, ext. 1032.