The Wyoming Gaming Commission has granted approval for the state’s first mile-long horse racing track, Thunder Plains Park, set to host 16 live race dates in 2025. Situated 10 miles east of Cheyenne along I-80, the track is positioned to attract racing enthusiasts from across the Mountain West region and beyond.
Thunder Plains Park will debut its inaugural race day on August 1, 2025, with races scheduled through August and into early September. Temporary facilities will be utilized for the first season, including barns, spectator areas, and official towers, ensuring that all essential elements are operational for the live racing experience.
The track aims to offer a high-caliber racing product through collaborations with industry veterans and elite horsemen, establishing itself as a key player in the Mountain West’s racing landscape.
Simulcasting operations at Thunder Plains will be supported by 1/ST TECHNOLOGY, leveraging expertise from its affiliates, Monarch Content Management, AmTote International, and PariMAX. These partnerships aim to deliver a seamless experience for wagering enthusiasts and broaden the track’s reach to offsite bettors.
Jeff True, Senior Vice President at 1/ST TECHNOLOGY, expressed optimism about the venture, citing the opportunity to bring world-class racing to Laramie County.
Track design is led by seasoned industry expert Dennis Moore, whose portfolio includes prominent projects at Santa Anita Park, Del Mar, and Lone Star Park, as well as international venues in Dubai. Moore’s focus on safety and performance aligns with Thunder Plains’ vision of providing a premier racing facility.
Looking ahead, Thunder Plains Park plans to expand into a regional equestrian center while developing a high-altitude horse training and breeding program. These initiatives aim to establish the park as a hub for equestrian excellence and economic growth in the region.
With its strategic location and ambitious plans, Thunder Plains Park is set to make a significant impact on Wyoming’s iGaming and horse racing industries, providing a new destination for fans and participants alike.
“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.”
“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.”
“1/ST has a long history of operating premier racetracks and premier racing events across the country. We are thrilled to be entering the Wyoming horse racing market together with our local Wyoming partners, and we look forward to lending our expertise to help grow Wyoming horse racing.”
“Our racetrack will be operated with numerous horse safety and welfare protocols in place,” Clement said. “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.”
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