GREAT FALLS, MT—OCTOBER 28, 2020—Cascade County commissioners approved an agreement Tuesday with the Great Falls Turf Club that will return horse racing to Montana ExpoPark next year.

The 2020 Montana State Fair, including horse racing, was canceled due to COVID-19, however the 2021 dates are set for July 24-25, July 30-31 and August 1.

"Thank you for looking ahead and planning ahead," Commissioner Jane Weber told Turf Club members.

According to a report in the Great Falls Tribune, the agreement calls for the county to contribute $65,000 toward about $180,000 in purses that will be paid out during the five-day meet.

"A COVID-19 vaccine may be available by the time the 2021 fair comes around", said Weber, adding she was proud to make the motion to approve the agreement.

In 2019, races drew 10,000 fans over the five days with betting handles totaling around $450,000.

ExpoPark Director Susan Shannon said the agreement is the ninth between the county and the Turf Club to conduct the horse races.