Sweetwater Downs Opens 2024 Season on Saturday, August 17

ROCK SPRINGS, WY–AUGUST 15, 2024–Wyoming Horse Racing’s (WHR) 2024 racing season will kick off on Saturday, August 17th, at the Sweetwater Downs racetrack in Rock Springs.

The 18-day meet will feature races on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and conclude on Sunday, September 29th.

Horses and jockeys from Wyoming and across the intermountain west will compete for more than $1.3 million in total purse payments during the races.

“This is our 14th year, and each year we work hard to top the previous season,” said Wyoming Horse Racing Partner and Sweetwater Downs President Eugene Joyce. “Horsemen and horsewomen from all around the west will join us as we bring an even bigger and better meet this year,” continued Joyce. “As the last meet on the Wyoming racing calendar, the competition will be fierce as year-end leaders will be determined and champions will be crowned.”

Sweetwater Downs will host seven weeks of family-friendly activities including pony stick races for kids, live music, food and drinks. The traditional Governor’s Handicap and the John Schiffer Memorial Race continue as annual season highlights.

WHR is investing more than $1 million in extensive renovations and enhancements to improve the racing facility, including the annual renovation of the racing surface.

“As the horse industry grows in Wyoming, Wyoming Horse Racing remains committed to supporting and strengthening this sport, which has deep roots in the cowboy state,” said Nick Hughes, President of Wyoming Horse Racing. “That is why Wyoming Horse Racing is investing more than $1 million in improvements to the track– benefitting horses, jockeys and the industry as a whole.”

Gates open at noon on Saturdays and Sundays, with post times set for 1 p.m. Races will also be held on Friday, August 23rd, and 30th and September 6th and 13th. Post times for both Fridays are at 4 p.m. (MDT).

Sweetwater Downs is located within the Sweetwater Events Complex at 3320 Yellowstone Road in Rock Springs. Tickets cost $5 per person.

For those unable to join the horse 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.

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Wyoming Horse Racing, LLC is a proud sponsor of Sweetwater Downs races, has deep roots in Wyoming, and operates ten Horse Palace locations throughout the state. The company founded Historical Horse Racing (HHR) terminals in Wyoming, which has significantly grown Wyoming’s horse industry and meaningfully contributes to the state’s tax revenues. The company is committed to a responsible approach, a dedication to horse racing, and continued stewardship and investment in Wyoming's hospitality and agri-business sectors.

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