Posted by Terry Bjork "They were very happy to see Cascade County come back in," said Cascade County Commissioner Tom Stelling. Horse racing has seen more downs than ups in the last couple of years in the Electric City. And horse racing advocates were more than happy to hear the news that the races are on again. "It's a good mix of dates that will allow horse racing to get back on its feet for the long haul," said Jerry Billquist, a local veterinarian and racing supporter. "We really serve as a hub in the state for racing." The city of Great Falls planned to drop horse racing, but Cascade County swooped in and was host for the races at Montana ExpoPark in 2001. Commissioners in February canceled the 2002 horse racing season, because the 11-date season was a financial risk. "I think the absence of horse racing last summer was a wake-up call to those who enjoy horse racing," said Billquist, a member of the county's fair board. "We need to get the community behind us as far as horse racing goes." Cascade County in November selected Philadelphia-based SMG to manage the fairgrounds. Stelling said with the expert advice of SMG, the county is ready for a trip to the track. "We've learned a heck of a lot," he said. But if horse racing loses money, the county, not SMG, is responsible for the debts. Before the county canceled the 2002 season, it lost at least $92,000, and stood to lose at least another $20,000 in support from racing organizations. Racing handles around Montana have decreased. In 1998, six tracks and 49 racing dates brought in $3.8 million. In 2000 there were 40 racing dates at six tracks, raising $2.3 million. A year later there were only 36 days of racing at five tracks, raising $2.1 million. The races, when in full swing, employ as many as 40 people, Stelling said. SMG will oversee the operations and new staff. Dates in Great Falls will coincide in part with the Montana State Fair, Stelling said. Yellowstone and Missoula counties agreed to give up dates so Cascade County could come back, Stelling said. "Most tracks only took seven or eight dates," Stelling said. "Nobody wants to stretch it out too far." Stelling said Cascade County turned down June dates because of financial concerns. Billquist said he expects to see new promotions to get people to the stands. Billquist said he believes SMG understands the importance of racing. "They will be really helpful in promoting horse racing," he said. Cascade County and SMG still are looking at options to have simulcast again, live racing transmitted via satellite, Stelling said.
on 12/9/2002, 8:50 am
216.214.203.9
This article was in the Great Falls Tribune online for December 9th. Normally, I'd just link it, but that link'd probably be gone by the time you see this.
Eight dates set for horse racing
By SONJA LEE
Tribune Staff Writer
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Horse racing is headed down the home stretch, after coming from behind to return to Great Falls.
On Saturday, the Montana Board of Horse Racing set racing dates in Great Falls for July 4, 5, 12, 13, 26, 27 and Aug. 1-2.
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