At the Monday, Jan. 12 Eureka City Council meeting, Kansas Quarter Horse Racing Association (KQHRA) President Rita Osborn extended a personal invitation to council members and the public to attend the upcoming KQHRA Convention on Jan. 31 at Gilley’s/Golden Circle Casino in Park City.
Osborn said the convention will feature award-winning jockey G. R. Carter Jr., known for his signature backflip dismount, along with Michael Weiss, who now serves as general manager of Eureka Downs. A banquet and stallion auction are also planned as part of the event. The KQHRA board meeting and annual membership meeting will begin at 1 p.m., followed by the convention.
“We are just gearing up to enhance the horse industry, the horse economy, and the economic development of Eureka,” Osborn told the council, adding that Gilley’s offers family-friendly activities throughout the convention weekend.
Weiss brings nearly four decades of experience in the racing industry to his new role at Eureka Downs. He is president and CEO of Weiss Ideas LLC and has served as a lic ensed racing official for almost 40 years. Over his career, Weiss has held senior leadership positions at prominent racing venues across the country, including Beulah Park in Ohio, where he served as executive vice president and general manager for 14 years and gained national recognition for innovative marketing, promotions, and wagering concepts.
His experience also includes executive leadership in advance deposit wagering companies later acquired by Churchill Downs and ExpressBet, manage ment roles at historic racetracks such as Rillito Park in Arizona, and work with the North Dakota Racing Commission to successfully return live racing to the state. Weiss is widely known for his industry knowledge, innovative vision and commitment to developing both racing operations and future professionals within the sport.
Osborn encouraged council members and residents to attend the convention, noting that the event reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen Eureka’s racing heritage and expand its economic impact.
See related article for additional coverage of the Jan. 12 Eureka City Council meeting.
