The Wyoming Gaming Commission has taken a significant step by approving Wyoming's first mile-long horse-racing track. Scheduled for 16 live race dates in 2025, along with simulcasting and related activities, this track is set to bring a new level of excitement to the state.

Unleashing the Thrill of Wyoming Horse Racing

Approval and Initial Setup

The first racing season at Thunder Plains Park will commence with temporary structures. However, essential components like barns, the racing officials' tower, video patrol towers, and spectator areas will be in place. Located 10 miles east of Cheyenne, the track is set to host its inaugural race day on Friday, Aug. 1, followed by additional race days throughout August and September. Dates are subject to change as per the Wyoming Gaming Commission.This convenient location along I-80 is expected to attract racing fans from neighboring states in the mountain west region as well as local fans from Cheyenne and surrounding areas.

Managing Partner's Perspective

Ryan Clement, the managing partner of Thunder Plains, emphasizes the significance of bringing this track to Wyoming. As a fifth-generation Wyomingite, he sees an incredible opportunity to create a positive impact. Not only on the Wyoming horse racing industry but also on the area's economy, in terms of new job opportunities and tourism revenue.

Partnerships and Expertise

Through partnerships with elite industry veterans and horsemen, Thunder Plains looks forward to bringing high-quality, high-caliber racing to Laramie County. Clement highlights their strong partnership with 1/ST, North America's premier Thoroughbred racing, entertainment, and pari-mutuel wagering company. 1/ST has set the standard for horse safety across the nation, and Thunder Plains aims to bring that same emphasis on safety and track protocols to Wyoming.Jeff True, 1/ST Technology senior vice president, sees exciting opportunities ahead. With a long history of operating premier racetracks and events across the country, 1/ST is thrilled to enter the Wyoming horse racing market with local partners and look forward to lending their expertise to help grow the industry.For all simulcasting operations, 1/ST will leverage the expertise of its affiliates at Monarch Content Management, AmTote International, and PariMAX.

Track Safety and Design

Clement emphasizes that the track will be operated with numerous horse safety and welfare protocols in place. The mile-long and eighty-feet-wide track significantly improves horse and rider safety. During track design and construction, they collaborated with Dennis Moore, a renowned track-surface specialist. Moore's professional history includes designing and building world-class racetracks across the county and consulting on track safety projects worldwide. His projects have included the racing surfaces at Santa Anita Park, Del Mar, Lone Star Park, Remington Park, and in Dubai, among others.

Future Plans

Future plans at Thunder Plains Park include building a regional equestrian center and establishing a high-altitude horse training and breeding program. These initiatives aim to further enhance the horse racing ecosystem in Wyoming and provide additional opportunities for the industry.