Live horse racing returns to North Dakota Horse Park on Friday, July 10, launching an eight-day racing season that combines Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred stakes competition.

FARGO, ND–JUNE 1, 2026–Live horse racing returns to North Dakota Horse Park on Friday, July 10, launching an eight-day racing season that combines Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred stakes competition with family entertainment, special promotions, giveaways, and fan-favorite themed race days.

The 2026 meet will be conducted over four weekends, beginning July 10 and concluding Sunday, August 2, with live racing scheduled on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the month. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. on Fridays and 11:00 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

In addition to a full schedule of live racing and wagering opportunities, North Dakota Horse Park has announced a lineup of themed race days designed to appeal to racing fans and families alike.

Opening Day on Friday, July 10, will feature complimentary North Dakota Horse Park t-shirts while supplies last. Family Day follows on Saturday, July 11, with children's activities including foot races, a petting zoo, bounce houses, face painting, balloon animals, giveaways, and more.

Casino Night is set for Friday, July 17, featuring blackjack, roulette, casino war, prizes, and drink specials. The popular Corgi Races return Saturday, July 18, as the short-legged fan favorites race down the track for a chance to qualify for the finals.

The festivities continue July 25 with Horses and Heroes Day, offering free admission to military personnel, veterans, law enforcement officers, and first responders. Fans attending Sunday, July 26, can participate in Mystery Voucher Day, where the first 250 patrons will receive a complimentary betting voucher worth up to $1,000.

Derby Day returns Saturday, August 1, highlighted by a derby hat and best-dressed contest, while the season concludes on Sunday, August 2, with the annual $1 Day promotion featuring $1 admission, programs, beer, hot dogs, soda, water, juice, chips, and candy.

On the track, horsemen and fans can look forward to a strong lineup of Quarter Horse stakes races throughout the meet. The season opens July 10 with the $10,000 Guaranteed North Dakota Horse Park Mixed Futurity for two-year-olds. Additional featured events include the NDQHRA Streakin Zoomer Stakes on July 11, the NDQHRA Dash For Cash Stakes on July 18, and the NDQHRA Northern Plains Futurity on July 25.

One of the marquee events of the meet will be the AQHA Cox Ranch Distaff Challenge, scheduled for Sunday, July 26. The 400-yard stakes for fillies and mares ages three and older carries a projected $35,000-added purse and serves as a regional qualifier in AQHA's prestigious Racing Challenge program. Trials are scheduled for July 11, with the final set for July 26.

The Quarter Horse stakes schedule continues into the final weekend with the NDQHRA Quarter Horse Derby on August 1 and concludes on closing day, August 2, with the NDQHRA Quarter Horse Futurity for two-year-olds.

The North Dakota Quarter Horse Racing Association and North Dakota Horse Park are reminding horsemen that late nominations remain available for the Cox Ranch Distaff Challenge. The race offers one of the largest Quarter Horse purses of the meet and provides an opportunity for regional mares to compete on the national AQHA Racing Challenge stage.

For additional information regarding racing schedules, stakes nominations, and admission details, horsemen and fans may contact North Dakota Horse Park at (701) 566-3707 or email fargoracinggm@gmail.com.

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