The Wyoming Gaming Commission has approved Wyoming’s first mile-long horse racing track for 16 live race dates in 2025, as well as simulcasting and related activities.
While the first racing season at Thunder Plains Park will feature temporary structures, the essential components, including barns, racing officials’ tower, video patrol towers and spectator areas, will be in place.
The track, located 10 miles east of Cheyenne at Thunder Plains Park, will host its inaugural race day on Friday, August 1, 2025, with additional race days to follow on August 2, 3, 8-10, 15-17, 22-24, 29-31 and September 1.
With its convenient location along I-80, the track is set to draw racing fans from neighboring states in the mountain west region, as well as local fans from Cheyenne and surrounding areas.
“As a fifth-generation Wyomingite, being able to bring this track to our state carries a lot of meaning,” said Ryan Clement, managing partner at Thunder Plains.
“Thunder Plains sees an incredible opportunity to create a positive impact not only on the Wyoming horse racing industry but also the area’s economy, in terms of new job opportunities and tourism revenue.”
Through partnerships with elite industry veterans and horsemen, Thunder Plains looks forward to bringing high-quality, high-calibre racing to Laramie County.
“We’ve established a strong partnership with 1/ST, North America’s pre-eminent thoroughbred racing, entertainment and pari-mutuel wagering company,” said Clement.
“They’ve set the standard for horse safety across the nation and we’re looking forward to bringing that strong emphasis on safety and track protocols to Wyoming.”
1/ST Technology’s senior vice president, Jeff True, said: “1/ST has a long history of operating premier racetracks and premier racing events across the country.
"We are thrilled to be entering the Wyoming horse racing market together with our local Wyoming partners and we look forward to lending our expertise to help grow Wyoming horse racing.”
