Wyoming Gaming Commission has approved 70 live race dates for 2025.

© Wyoming Gaming Commission

CASPER, WY–NOVEMBER 26, 2024–During the Wyoming Gaming Commission Meeting held on Friday, November 22, 2024, in Casper, Wyoming, the Commissioners approved the requests by state operators to conduct 70 live race dates for 2025. 

An astounding number of race dates from what less than 10 years ago was a diminishing agricultural industry for Wyoming.

The Commission approved live racing and simulcast (which includes historic racing) permits for 307 Horse Racing, Inc, Wyoming Horse Racing, LLC, Wyoming Downs, LLC and the newest operator Cowboy Racing, LLC.

307 Horse Racing, Inc will offer 18 live race days next year at Energy Downs in Gillette.  Their race dates for 2025 will be May 16, 17, 18, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31 and June 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22.

Wyoming Downs requested to offer 18 race days at the Evanston area based track in 2025, which will include incorporating some Friday afternoon racing.  They will run June 28, 29, July 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 and August 2, 3, 9 and 10.  

Wyoming Horse Racing, LLC will also run 18 days at Sweetwater Downs in Rock Springs. Their race dates for 2025 will be August 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31 and September 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28. 

The major racing industry topic during the Fall Annual Meeting was the proposal and approval of a fourth racetrack in the Cowboy State, Thunder Plains Park, the first mile dirt track in Wyoming to be built just outside of Cheyenne.  They requested 16 race days running August 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31 and September 1. 

The commission discussed and reviewed the racetrack safety inspections conducted by the third-party contractor Equine Risk Managements team as part of our “Take The Lead On Safety” initiative. The team was responsible for pre-meet racetrack safety inspections to include checking the condition of the racetrack surface, rails, starting gate, track equipment, paddock area, test barn area and barn area. 

Also, for the integrity of the sport the Wyoming Gaming Commission conducted pre-race vet check exams for soundness on 100% of horses participating in Wyoming races.  All of these changes will continue as a part of the safety protocols for live meet races.

In 2024, the Commission took a firm stance to stop illegal match racing in the Cowboy state and passed a rule under Corrupt Practices in the pari-mutuel rules of racing that prohibits horse racing licensees, including owners, trainers, and jockeys, from participating in or attending illegal, or “bush track,” races.  This new rule will go into effect in 2025 and states that no licensed person shall participate in any unsanctioned or otherwise illegal live flat track racing events.

The Wyoming Gaming Commissioners and staff will continue to strive to push for the highest safety and integrity practices for the health and welfare of human and equine athletes and the protection of the wagering public in 2025 and beyond. 

CLICK HERE for a calendar of 2025 Approve Live Racing Dates for Wyoming.