More Than 2,000 Fans Welcome Return of Racing to Kansas at Eureka Downs

More than 2,000 racing fans packed Eureka Downs Saturday as live pari-mutuel horse racing returned to Kansas for the first time since 2008, marking a historic new chapter for the state's racing industry.

The enthusiastic crowd filled the grandstand and lined up outside the facility for the opening 10-race mixed Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred program, which generated $67,570 in on-track wagering. Purses averaged $24,100 per race.

Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission chairman David Moses, state representative Duane Droge, and Eureka Downs general manager Mike Weiss officially opened the meet with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The first race of Kansas racing's new era went to Tela Leaving You, a daughter of multiple stakes sire Coronas Leaving You, owned by Alejandra Martinez and trained by Felesha Gold. Jockey Roman Cruz guided the Quarter Horse to a nose victory in the 250-yard allowance, returning $27 to win.

"It's a blessing," Cruz said. "She left out of there, and she was ready. They were catching her, but she held on just right."

The reopening follows a $2.2 million renovation that included rebuilding the five-furlong racing surface and restoring the long-dormant facility. Eureka Downs last conducted pari-mutuel racing in 2008 before officially closing in 2011.

The revival was made possible in part by legislation signed by Gov. Laura Kelly establishing a 3% tax on historical horse racing (HHR) machine gaming to support Kansas racing and breeding programs.

Despite heavy rainfall earlier in the week that canceled two mornings of training, all 10 races were completed without incident. Horsemen praised the racing surface and the work of track superintendent Brandon Reinhart.

Beyond the return of racing, officials hope the new funding will help rebuild Kansas's nearly nonexistent horse breeding industry. Thirty percent of HHR tax revenue is designated for the Kansas Horse Breeding Development Fund, providing incentives and awards for Kansas-bred horses.

Weiss said the opening-day turnout exceeded expectations, with fans traveling from surrounding states and horsemen showing renewed interest in Kansas racing.

"I think Kansas racing definitely has a future," Weiss said. "Some top trainers came in for these purses. It wasn't just a crowd, it was owners and trainers that came."

The inaugural meet consists of six racing days, with additional infrastructure and permanent stabling among the track's priorities for future expansion.

For Weiss, the overwhelming public response was the day's biggest accomplishment.

"The crowd didn't come from Eureka; they came from hours away," Weiss said. "It was something special."

The successful opening marked a promising return for an industry that had been absent from Kansas for nearly two decades.

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