2026 Horse Racing Season Wraps with Historic Meet at Sweetwater Downs

Sweetwater Downs closed out the 2026 Wyoming racing season with record-setting prize money highlighted by the richest race in Wyoming history, the $300,000 Sweetwater Downs Futurity.

Wyoming Horse Racing (WHR) distributed $3,510,125 in purse money, including $1,164,550 in purses on closing weekend. Wyoming-bred horses continued to play a major role in the racing this year, making up 45 percent of the horses that raced.

“This season proved yet again the strength of Wyoming racing with its continued growth in racing opportunities for Cowboy State horsemen and women,” said Eugene Joyce, partner and Sweetwater Downs president of racing. “The increase in purse money has led to greater participation from Wyoming-bred horses. We are excited to build on this strong year and continue Wyoming’s horse industry growth and economic revival.”

Wyoming-bred horses competed in 55 restricted races during the meet, with those races offering a combined $1,044,100 in prize money.

Over the 18-day meet, Sweetwater Downs averaged 8.66 starters per race, reflecting strong competition. The total wagering handle also increased 11.76 percent compared with 2025.

The season’s biggest day was Sept. 26, when Sweetwater Downs hosted the richest race in Wyoming history.

Ojd Tempt Me Not won the $300,000 Sweetwater Downs Quarter Horse Futurity, taking control early and winning by one length. The horse, owned by Oscar Diaz and Karla Gomez Diaz, trained by Oscar Diaz and ridden by Nestor Duran, completed the 350-yard race in 17.160 seconds.

Earlier on the card, Mysterious Blues won the $273,500 Wyoming All Breeds Racing Association (WABRA) Wyoming Bred Quarter Horse Futurity. Owned by Leanne Christensen, trained by Ryan Christensen and ridden by Victor Dominguez, the horse covered 330 yards in 16.534 seconds and won by one-half length.

The 2026 Sweetwater Downs Quarter Horse riding title went to Cesar Moreno, who finished the season with 14 wins and $272,540 in purse earnings. Joe Davis earned top Quarter Horse trainer honors with seven wins and $193,960 in purses, while Eddie Jensen was named top owner for the second straight year with four wins and $140,989 in purse earnings, including a 1-2 finish in the $175,400 WABRA Wyoming Bred Quarter Horse Derby on Sept. 19.

On the Thoroughbred side, Jimmy Ray Coates led all riders with 19 wins from 65 starts and $301,422 in purses earned. Coates recorded five wins on Sept. 20 and added 12 victories across both breeds during the final four days of racing. Mark Hibdon and Dru Hall tied for top trainer honors with eight wins apiece. Hibdon also captured the owners title with 8 wins and $150,957 in purses.

WHR’s historical horse racing revenue, simulcast wagering and live racing is reinvested into Wyoming’s horse racing industry by supporting larger purses, stronger race fields, statewide economic activity and continued opportunities for horsemen, breeders and businesses tied to the sport.

For more information on live racing at Sweetwater Downs, visit horsepalace.win/live-racing.

About Wyoming Horse Racing
Wyoming Horse Racing LLC has deep roots in the West and operates Horse Palace locations throughout Wyoming and live racing at Sweetwater Downs in Rock Springs. The company is owned by industry stalwarts Nick Hughes, John Sheldon and Pete Liguori, who have decades of experience in the horse racing, hospitality, and gaming industries. WHR spearheaded the foundation of HHR terminals in Wyoming, which have significantly grown the state’s horse industry and meaningfully contribute to Wyoming tax revenues since the Joyce family revived racing in 1989 and 2011. The company prioritizes responsible play, a dedication to horse racing and continued stewardship and investment in the hospitality and agribusiness sectors in Wyoming.

For media inquiries, contact Hayley McKee at communications@wyominghorseracing.com.

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