Joined by the local business community and public officials, Eugene Joyce, Partner and Sweetwater Downs President of Racing cuts the ribbon alongside Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce CEO Rick Lee.

© Sweetwater Downs

ROCK SPRINGS–AUGUST 24, 2025–Wyoming Horse Racing’s (WHR) Sweetwater Downs kicked off its 2025 racing season with a successful and safe opening last weekend, highlighted by the unveiling of a new paddock at a ribbon-cutting which was attended by local public officials and business leaders.

In its 15th year, Sweetwater Downs is offering the highest purses in the track’s history, underscoring continued investment in the horse industry and the local economy. Record stall applications received by Sweetwater Downs signal robust interest from owners and trainers, setting up competitive cards throughout the meet.

“We are laser-focused on expanding horse racing opportunities at Sweetwater Downs,” said Eugene Joyce, Partner and Sweetwater Downs President of Racing. “While horse racing is facing many challenges in other states, Wyoming is a bright spot in the industry, and we at Wyoming Horse Racing are happy to light the way.”

This year’s meeting also brings new faces leading in the industry. WHR’s recent hire of Sean Beirne as General Manager of Sweetwater Downs is driving the renewed focus on safety and continuous improvement of the fan experience. Beirne said the paddock project and slate of operational upgrades are designed with the animal athletes and riders in mind. “We are always looking for ways to raise the bar on safety,” said Beirne. “Our upmost priority is a safe and competitive meet. So far, we are off to a great start.”

Alongside Beirne, 21-year-old track announcer Liam Molinaro joined the team, fresh off of calling races at Gulfstream Park in Florida. It’s Molinaro’s first opportunity to call a full card as lead announcer. “It’s all about the horses at Sweetwater Downs,” said Molinaro. “Calling my first card has been a goal and I’m thrilled I was able to reach that milestone at Sweetwater Downs this opening weekend.”

Saturday’s featured event, the $27,000 Horse Palace Stakes, went to Quicktrip Van, owned by Bill Vanlandingham. Piloted by jockey Julian Zavala and trained by Russell Vicchrilli, the six-year-old gelding by Quick Zip fought hard for a neck victory over Furlongin For Love. Quicktrip Van completed the 5-1/2 furlong race in 1:08.30 and returned $4.20 to bettors as the 6-5 favorite in the field of eight.

On Sunday, the $17,000 Isawssugarbbear Stakes for Fillies and Mares delivered drama when Ud Cholula, a Wyoming-bred 4-year-old by EC Jet One, stumbled out of the gate but recovered quickly for a neck victory. Owned and trained by Ureil Dominguez and ridden by Cristian Reyes, Ud Cholla clocked the 350-yard distance in :17:173 seconds, returning $23.00 to backers. Longshot Basking finished second, completing an exacta worth $220 for $1 ticket.

Racing returns this weekend with a seven-race Friday card starting at 4 p.m., featuring a special happy hour (4-5 pm.) and 1-2-3 Friday concession specials ($1 popcorn, $2 soft drinks and $3 hot dogs).

Saturday’s card will spotlight 11 trial races at 350 yards for the Sweetwater Futurity, with the ten fastest qualifiers advancing got the final on Saturday, Sept. 6. Sunday’s program will feature 10 trials for the Sweetwater Derby and the Sweetwater Maturity; both contested at 400 yards. The ten fastest in each division will qualify for the finals on Sunday, Sept. 7.

Races continue through September 28. Gates open at noon on Saturdays and Sundays, with the first race starting at 1 p.m. Races will also be held on Fridays: August 22 and 29, and September 5 and 12, with a post time of 4 p.m. Fridays will feature a happy hour from 4-5 p.m. For those who can’t attend the live races in person, Wyoming Horse Racing offers betting at any of the ten Horse Palace locations, including sites in Casper, Cheyenne, Evanston, Gillette, Green River, Rock Springs and Sheridan.

Sweetwater Downs is located within the Sweetwater Events Complex at 3320 Yellowstone Road in Rock Springs. Wyoming Horse Racing, LLC is a proud sponsor of Sweetwater Downs races and operates ten Horse Palace locations throughout the state. The company led the effort to legalize Historical Horse Racing (HHR) terminals in Wyoming, which has significantly grown Wyoming’s horse industry and makes meaningful contributions to the state’s tax revenues. The company is committed to responsible stewardship and investment in the hospitality and agri-business sectors that constitute the horse racing industry in Wyoming.

The racing schedule, race day live streams and other live racing information can be found at: horsepalace.win/live-racing.