GRAND ISLAND — For the second yr in a row, Fonner Park’s race meet will run longer than common subsequent yr.
Racing will start Feb. 10, officers stated this week. Fonner’s racing additionally started two weekends sooner than regular this yr. The reason being the identical: Fonner is being a great workforce participant.
The Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protecting Affiliation “has requested us to assist out by working extra race dates” to assist the opposite tracks within the state,” stated Fonner chief government officer Chris Kotulak. On line casino development underway at different tracks will forestall a number of from staging a number of race dates in 2023.
In Nebraska, races are required to be run 52 days a yr.
Usually, Fonner’s race meet lasts 31 days. The 2023 meet will run 37 days in 2023, simply because it did this yr.
Fonner is happy to help the Nebraska HBPA and the state’s thoroughbred trade, Kotulak stated.
“It’s extra days than we have to supply, but when it’s one thing that’s helpful to the trade (and if) we may help out once more, we’re completely happy to try this,” he stated.
Images: Racing at Fonner Park 10 years in the past
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Jockeys drive across the ultimate flip within the snow at Fonner Park in Grand Island on opening day, Feb. 24, 2012. (KRISTIN STREFF/Lincoln Journal Star)
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Spectators at Fonner Park watch from the grandstand on opening day in Grand Island. (KRISTIN STREFF/Lincoln Journal Star)
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Jockeys race onto the homestretch throughout the fourth race of opening day at Fonner Park. (KRISTIN STREFF/Lincoln Journal Star)
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Jockeys race to the end line at Fonner Park on opening day in 2012.
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Racing at Fonner Park in Grand Island. (KRISTIN STREFF/Lincoln Journal Star file photograph)
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Jockeys race onto the homestretch amid falling snow and gusty winds on opening day at Fonner Park in Grand Island in 2012.