Colonial Downs is adding a wild twist to its summer racing season with exotic animal races set for Friday, July 11. As part of the racetrack’s First Friday festivities, camels, ostriches and zebras will take to the track between thoroughbred races, offering fans a chance to see something outside the usual field of competitors. Post time for the day’s first race is 4 p.m.

The event marks the first of four Premium Racing Days during Colonial Downs’ 41-day summer meet, which runs from July 9 through Sept. 13, with live racing every Wednesday through Saturday and a special card on Labor Day, Sept. 1.

Camels will be ridden by invited guests from across Central Virginia, while the ostriches and zebras will be guided by Colonial Downs jockeys. There will be no parimutuel wagering on the exotic races. There will, however, be an opportunity to meet and pet the animals before the races.“We’ve decided to broaden our horizons and spread our wings a bit with these special competitors,” said Frank Hopf, senior director of racing at Colonial Downs. “Frankly, I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I know you won’t want to miss it.”

General admission is $5, with free entry for children ages 5 and under.