The inaugural weekend of the 2025 horse racing season concluded on Sunday at Fonner Park in Grand Island, Nebraska. After postponing the initial start date due to a winter storm, the event finally commenced with a packed crowd and some technical issues. Chris Kotulak, CEO of Fonner Park, expressed his satisfaction with the turnout despite facing challenges with point-of-sale systems and wireless connectivity. The excitement was palpable as various races took place, including the Grass Mix Stakes, which featured a notable winner from Keeneland. Trainers and owners shared their enthusiasm for the upcoming races and the return of competitive spirit.

The opening weekend saw several highlights that set the tone for the new season. Despite encountering minor glitches, the event organizers managed to provide an enjoyable experience for attendees. Chris Kotulak, who has been involved in racetracks for over four decades, acknowledged the presence of occasional technical difficulties but emphasized the importance of adaptability. "We faced some challenges with our sales systems and wireless connections," he remarked, "but we did our best to accommodate everyone, and it was wonderful to see such a large crowd."

The ten-race card included the Grass Mix Stakes, an early highlight of the season. A horse that had previously raced at Keeneland emerged victorious, bringing a local connection to the event. This win added to the excitement as it hinted at potential future successes, particularly in the Big Sprint Cup scheduled for late April. Schuler Condon, owner and trainer for Condon Racing Stables, celebrated his first win of the year and expressed optimism about his horse Spirit Mischief's performance. "Yesterday was a great start for me," Condon said. "My horses performed exceptionally well, especially in the stakes race."

Wally Wollesen, president of the Nebraska Horseman’s Benevolent and Protective Association, reflected on the previous year's success and the decision to bring all his horses back to Nebraska. "Last year was incredibly successful for me as an owner," Wollesen noted. "I raced in multiple states, but this year, I chose to focus on Nebraska, and it feels exciting to be back in action."

The 2025 horse racing season will continue with races every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Fridays will feature races starting at 3:00 p.m., while Saturdays and Sundays will begin at 1:30 p.m. The season promises to be filled with thrilling competitions and the return of beloved traditions. Attendees can look forward to more memorable moments as the season progresses, building on the positive momentum from the opening weekend.