GRAND ISLAND, Neb. - The opening of a new race track in Lincoln has been delayed, leading to a proposal to increase the number of racing dates at Fonner Park in May.
The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission will consider a request to add May 12-14 and 19-20 to Fonner Park's season. If approved, the horsemen will continue to stable their horses at Fonner Park during that period. Originally, those dates were meant for the new Legacy Downs track in Lincoln, but the delay in construction material delivery has made it impossible for them to hold the races in Lincoln in May.
The Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association will fund the purses for the additional racing dates at Fonner Park. Fonner Park CEO Chris Kotulak expressed their willingness to assist Nebraska horsemen and horseplayers, but noted that the additional days would not be possible without the funding from the Nebraska HBPA and the Nebraska Thoroughbred Breeders Association.
Fonner Park had already added six days of racing at the beginning of this season, and with the five new dates in May, they will have had a total of 42 days of racing this year. Fonner Park is a crucial factor in the simulcast racing events held across Nebraska, which require at least 52 days of live horse racing in the state during the year. The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission is set to review and approve the request on March 17.
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