Eureka Downs To Reopen After 16-Year Hiatus
After more than 16 years without live horse racing, Eureka Downs is preparing to welcome horses, jockeys and racing fans back to the track as the historic venue prepares for its reopening this Saturday, Oct. 17.
The six-day fall meet will mark the return of live horse racing to the facility for the first time since 2010. Races are scheduled for Oct. 17-18, Oct. 24-25, Oct. 31 and Nov. 1.
Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. each race day, with the first race scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Approximately 25 minutes will separate races, with eight to 10 races planned for each day.
The reopening follows years of planning, renovations and efforts to restore horse racing in Kansas. State funding, changes to state racing law and support from local residents and horsemen’s groups have helped move the project forward.
General Manager Michael Weiss said crews have been working to prepare the facility, including repairs to barns and other structures damaged by tornadoes. The track’s racing surface alone required $2.2 million in improvements, according to Weiss.
Horses have begun arriving at the facility from several states, including Oklahoma, Iowa, Minnesota, Colorado and New Mexico, as preparations continue for opening weekend.
The meet will feature several breeds, including Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses, Paints, Appaloosas and Arabians, expanding the variety of racing offered at the track.
General admission is $5, providing access to outdoor seating, covered seating and the grandstand bleachers. Additional seating options are available in the Turf Club, for an additional fee.
Eureka Downs, operated by the Greenwood County Fair Association (GCFA), last hosted live racing in 2010 amid funding challenges.
The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission (KRGC) oversees the regulation of pari-mutuel wagering at the track.
The GCFA initially planned for 12-race days this fall, but due to additional funds being needed by the KRGC for operational expenses, the Greenwood County Fair Board drafted a new budget that would allow for six race days this fall.
Officials have discussed expanding racing opportunities in Kansas, with a goal of holding more than 12 race dates next year and hopes of increasing that number by 2028.
