EVANSTON, WY—JULY 21, 2016—It took just a second for well-known horseman Mike Taylor’s truck to collide with a semi near Lava Springs, Idaho on June 10 when he was running horses at Sandy Downs.

Since that moment, he has battled back from days of unresponsiveness to stable condition and now faces a long road to recovery. That recovery will involve treatment of the crushing injuries to his left side and severe trauma to his back, neck and head.

To help Taylor with expenses, Wyoming Downs and Horsemen across the country have rallied "to one of their own," said Brande Koltiska. Koltiska is the organizer of Sundays (July 24) silent and live auctions scheduled during races at Wyoming Downs Race Track between the 11:30 opening through the day’s last race.

"It’s been an amazing response," Koltiska said. "Everywhere Mike’s raced, people have come out to support him. We've had generous donations from horsemen in Texas, Montana, Idaho, Iowa, Oklahoma, Wyoming and beyond. They’re all behind Mike. Half of them don’t even know him!" But, that hasn’t stopped Taylor’s fellow horsemen from contributing over 100 valuable offerings. Among auction items is a stallion showcase featuring at least 25 stallion breedings. “We also have donations of a tool set, TV, grill and even a mini Australian puppy known as an Aussie. All are up for auction,” said Koltiska. The full slate of items can be seen on the Mike Taylor Fundraiser Account on Facebook.

The popular horseman has won leading trainer accolades in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. In 2014, he won top trainer at Wyoming Downs. Growing up in Ogden, Utah, Taylor’s history with Wyoming Downs has spanned 25 years.

"Today, Mike and his son, Josh, bring a big barn of horses to Wyoming Downs for the season," said Wyoming Downs owner Eric Nelson. Taylor and Josh have a family business with at least 30 horses in their care. Now, in Mike’s absence, Josh has taken over.

"Eric, at Wyoming Downs, was the first person I called the day after Mike’s accident," said Koltiska. "Eric said, 'we have an auction event that day – we’ll use it raise money for Mike.'"

The auction will be held indoors the lower level and will be situated at the south end of the grand stand with bidding going on throughout the day. Winning bids will be announced as selected auctions close throughout the day. Winners need not be present and cash, credit and debit cards will be accepted. In addition to the auction, raffles will be held throughout the day.

Among the 2017 stallion breedings to be auctioned on Sunday are Azoom (2), Bricks Victory, Brindis Por Cayenne, CD Mo Lotta Chelada, CD Rockin Da Wagon, Chicks Dig Cash, Class Jump, Coronas Velvet, Docen Eddy, Downright Daring, Dustin Pro, Favorite Hat, First Prize Stone, Fly The Red Eye, Im Alright Now, Ja Jess Perfect, Jess My Moon, Majestic Cartel, Maknmoves, Pistol Packin Perry, Red Storm Cat, Seattle Buddy (TB), Six Up Top, Wagons West and William Clyde.

Wyoming Downs racetrack is located on Highway 89, off I-80, approximately 15 minutes north of Evanston. Coming from Utah take Exit 3 through Evanston. Ticket prices are $10.00 for general admission and $20.00 for clocker’s corner table seating. Children under 12 are free. Food and beverage concessions are available including wine, beer, specialty liquor drinks and soft drinks.

Gates open at 11:30, first post is 1:05 pm and last race is approximately 5:30. For more information about Wyoming Downs go to or call 307-789-7223.