Horse racing returns to North Dakota Horse Park this weekend

FARGO — By no means been to reside horse racing earlier than and unsure what to anticipate or easy methods to guess? No worries. North Dakota Horse Park officers are prepared to assist first-timers and veterans alike when horse racing returns to the Fargo monitor Friday evening, July 15.

The North Dakota Horse Park, 5180 nineteenth Ave. N., Fargo, will host three weekends of reside racing beginning this week, with the primary put up time at 5 p.m. Friday and beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Racing will likely be held at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday the next two weekends. Gates open at 11:30 a.m.

North Dakota Horse Park Basic Supervisor

Hugh Alan Drexler, who started his first yr as head of the monitor earlier this yr

after working numerous positions at giant racetracks throughout the nation, is trying ahead to his first season of racing.

“I’m excited to see the gathering of horses and folks and all people having fun with the center of the summer season,” Drexler mentioned. “I do know we’re competing towards lots of totally different occasions this weekend, however I hope folks will come out and take a look at racing and all people simply has time.”

After 4 weeks of racing in Belcourt at Chippewa Downs, horsemen have been allowed to maneuver onto the Fargo monitor July 1 when the Don Hart Barn opened. The bigger barn, operated by North Dakota State College, opened to horsemen July 5.

Whereas Drexler mentioned the primary week was a bit mild on horses transferring in, it has since picked up and about 100 horses at the moment are ready to run on the Fargo monitor.

He hopes different horsemen plan to “ship in” — that means they are going to arrive nearer to their race dates, a standard observe for racehorses — and races will replenish, giving bettors extra choices on the home windows.

This yr, the monitor has taken further steps to assist bettors, particularly those that might not have a lot expertise taking part in the ponies, including further signage and providing betting guides across the monitor.

“I might inform them to only stroll by way of the door and ask questions,” Drexler mentioned. “I do know it’s sort of scary for folks to come back, and you actually don’t know what to do, however we’ve lots of signage, and we’ll have lots of enjoyable issues we are able to do there.”

Together with reside racing, Drexler has extra leisure deliberate for every race day.

This Friday will function “Magical Joyful Hour” with celeb magician John Stessel entertaining the group. There can even be beer, wine, liquor and meals specials all through the evening.

This Saturday will likely be North Dakota Breeder’s and Bison Day. The day will honor North Dakota breeders of thoroughbreds, quarter horses and different horses. There can even be particular North Dakota State College Bison gear and ticket giveaways.

Saturday, July 23, is Horses and Heroes Day. Navy, regulation enforcement, first responders and important employees obtain free admission and discounted meals, drinks and attire.

Sunday, July 24, is children and household day with some various racing, actions, petting zoo, face portray and balloon animals.

The final weekend will function North Dakota Derby Day on Saturday, July 30. Attendees can enter a derby hat or bow tie contest that includes prizes or take pleasure in signature drinks made specifically for North Dakotans customary after the signature mint juleps served on the Kentucky Derby.

Closing day, Sunday July 31, will function the North Dakota Cornhole Match and $100,000 Horseshoe Match.

Parking is free. Single-day tickets for racing are $8, and season passes can be found for $40.

VIP gazebos and tent packages can be bought by contacting the monitor at

fargoracinggm@gmail.com.

Household pleasant: Whatever the day’s theme, the North Dakota Horse Park is household pleasant with particular sights for all ages. Nevertheless, North Dakota State Regulation requires adults be no less than 18 years outdated to guess.

Costume: Something goes. From excessive vogue to soiled work denims, all are welcome at North Dakota Horse Park. So long as attendees are comfy and funky, they are going to match proper in.

Win: With a purpose to money, the horse you select should end first and first solely.

Place: It is a guess on a horse to complete second. Nevertheless, if the horse finishes first or second, there’s a payout.

Present: The most secure and most cost-effective guess of all. A $2 guess to indicate is a guess that the horse will place third. If the horse runs third, second or first, there’s a payout. Present payoffs are considerably lower than win and place bets.

Quinella: Quinella betting requires you to choose the first- and second-place finishers in a race in both order. For instance, should you play a $2 Quinella 2-3, you win if the ultimate order of end is both 2-3 or 3-2. That is additionally typically referred to as “boxing an exacta.”

Exacta: Exacta requires you to choose the first- and second-place finishers in a race in actual order.

Trifecta: The primary-, second- and third-place finishers in a race should be chosen in actual order.

Readers can attain West Fargo editor Wendy Reuer at

wreuer@forumcomm.com

or

701-241-5530

. Observe her on Twitter

@ForumWendy

.