Wyoming horse racing history will be made in 2025 with the opening of the state’s first mile-long horse racing track at Thunder Plains Park. Through partnerships with elite industry veterans and horsemen, as well as a high emphasis on horse care and safety, the privately owned and funded track plans to bring high-quality, high-caliber racing to the state, along with an economic boost for Laramie County. 

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 races to follow on August 2, 3, 8-10, 15-17, 22-24, 29-31 and September 1. Dates are subject to change per the Wyoming Gaming Commission. 

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-caliber racing to Laramie County. 

“We’ve established a strong partnership with 1/ST, North America’s preeminent 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.” 

Additionally, Clement noted that the racetrack will be operated with numerous horse safety and welfare protocols in place.

“The track itself, being a mile long and eighty feet wide, dramatically improves horse and rider safety. Throughout track design and construction, we collaborated with Dennis Moore, a renowned track surface specialist, to ensure the safest, most high-quality racing surface.” 

The public is invited to visit thunderplains.com/racing for additional details. 

The mission of Thunder Plains Park is to create a world-class, state of the art racetrack and equestrian center and develop 300+ acres into an amazing regional destination. This development is ideally located in eastern Laramie County, along I-80, in “horse country.” We are doing this for the horsemen and women, the equine athletes, the jockeys, the breeders, owners, trainers, and all the people who support horse racing in Wyoming.