Dickinson will be instrumental in the daily management of the course in New Kent, Virginia, while working closely with Track Superintendents on development and maintenance at other CDI-owned racetracks.

Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI” or the “Company”) announced Tuesday that Leif Dickinson has been named Director of Track Operations at Colonial Downs Racetrack. In this role, Dickinson will be instrumental in the daily management of the course in New Kent, Virginia, while working closely with Track Superintendents on development and maintenance at other CDI-owned racetracks including the Company’s flagship Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky.

“I’m very excited to join the team at Colonial Downs and contributing to that tradition of exceptional track surfaces and the opportunity to develop agronomic programs for other CDI tracks excites me,” said Dickinson. “I consider horse racing to be the most challenging turf management job in the world, but it is one that I take very seriously. I look forward to continuing to promote a safe racing experience and ensuring CDI tracks are the best in the world.”

Dickinson brings over 30 years of experience in Agronomy and Turf Science Management with deep expertise in the care, maintenance and renovation of horse track fields and grounds and is well-regarded as a subject matter expert in Soil Science, Turfgrass Management, Horticulture, Grounds Development, Irrigation & Drainage, Pest Management, Pesticides, Edaphology, Turf Nutrition and Resource Management. He is a member of HISA’s Track Surface Advisory Committee. Prior to joining CDI, Dickinson served as a director or consultant for a number of high profile race courses across the country including Gulfstream Park, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and Santa Anita Park. He holds an Associate of Science Degree in Horticulture from Mount San Antonio College and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture from the University of Maine.

“We are pleased to welcome world-renowned turf expert Leif Dickinson to the team,” said Bill Mudd, President and COO of CDI. “This year, Colonial Downs held 196 turf races during a 27-day meet and we will rely heavily on Leif’s experience to manage the course as we expand to over 40 days of racing in 2025. With his expertise in Bermuda grass, we look forward to his oversight at Fair Grounds Racecourse and Ellis Park as well as his close involvement with the team at Churchill Downs Racetrack as they prepare the course in the lead up to the 150th Kentucky Derby week and beyond.”