A new bill sitting on Governor Larry Rhoden’s desk will help horse racing in South Dakota.

© Fort Pierre

FORT PIERRE, SD–MARCH 8, 2025–A new funding bill to help horse racing in South Dakota, House Bill 1057, is sitting on the new Governor Larry Rhoden’s desk.

For Fort Pierre native and staunch supporter of this venture, Shane Kramme, this is a huge win. Fort Pierre resident Mike Weisgram proposed the bill. Representative Mike Weisgram, a state Senator from District 24, worked with Kramme to craft the bill.

"The state treasurer shall transfer $60,000 from the South Dakota-bred racing fund to the special racing revolving fund. This is effective June 20, 2025," House Bill 1057 states.  The money is needed to fund the event come Fall.

Kramme has argued that the Fort Pierre race needs at least $40,000 for the Verendrye Benevolent race. This investment will hopefully create further income and growth in the industry so that races can continue in the future.

The history of horse racing is a legendary part in the story of the American West and especially here in South Dakota, where horses have been a required tool in ranching. Fort Pierre Horse racing has been a vital industry in the area since 1948.

The funding for horse racing has slowly been bleeding out of funds since the 1990s when there was a budget shortfall they allocated the fund to other areas.

The South Dakota Commission oversees the regulations and laws surrounding pari-mutuel horse racing. The Governor appoints the five-member commission.

Currently, the only location to take wagers on horse racing is in Eastern South Dakota. There was hope to bring another location for Pari Mutuel wagers to Deadwood with HB 1203. However, that bill was tabled early in the legislative session.

There is hope that this will benefit South Dakota and the agricultural industries.

Horse racing in Fort Pierre is a business venture and entertainment for the community. Fort Pierre City Alderman Rick Cronin spoke on the races, saying, "Definitely hope it happens. It is a good thing for the community."

The next race planned in Fort Pierre is the Verendrye Benevolent Association on October 4th and 5th. This race will help Fort Pierre celebrate its 77th year of Fort Pierre Horse Racing.

"The South Dakota Gaming Commission will meet on March 18th and possibly approve the licensing of an Advanced Direct Wagering (ADW) Hub in Sioux Falls, which will begin taking parimutuel wagers the next day," Kramme said.

There has been no word on whether Governor Rhoden has any objections to the bill. Rhoden is himself a renowned rancher and cowboy from Sturgis. Many strongly believe there will be no opposition to the bill's approval.