Spectator-less Horse Racing In Nebraska

One sport that has continued in some states is horse racing. The first Saturday in May is usually for the Kentucky Derby, but because of the coronavirus, it was moved to the fall.
Without horse racing at Churchill Downs or other famous racetracks across the country, fans have looked elsewhere for entertainment. Because of that, one track in Nebraska has seen its influence grow.
Fonner Park in Grand Island, Neb., has been what some have called, “The center of the horse racing universe.” It is just a small track without the fame of Churchill or Belmont, but unlike them, they have continued to race.
Their meet started in February but came to a halt on March 16 when the facility shut down because of the coronavirus. CEO Chris Kotulak met with the mayor of Grand Island and discussed the possibility of continuing to race without spectators.
They came to an agreement with Kotulak, acknowledging he must adhere to the guidelines set for the safety of those involved. They have been one of the few tracks that have been racing the past six weeks.
The simulcast of the races is sent all around the country, as well as places such as France, Australia, England, Ireland, and Chile. The number of eyes that have been watching the races at Fonner is at an all-time high.
“We figured we’d get more attention, but I’m not sure anyone thought it was going to be like this,” Chris Kotulak said. “We’re doing everything we can to keep racing and raise purse money for our horsemen.”
Jockeys have been gaining fans around the world, and Kotulak has been making it easier for them to watch. He has added streams to additional networks and moved racing back for fans on the west coast.
TVG and other betting outlets have been popular for Fonner Park. While this mobile betting service is not legal in Nebraska, it is in 31 other states that have been taking advantage.
But the Party is Almost Over
With attention to the track being so high, they have added a 12-day extension to the meet in May. However, one of those days has been canceled.
Thankfully, the coronavirus pandemic is starting to wind down. Other horse racing facilities across the country are starting to run their races without spectators.
“I am grateful that horsemen have come to run their horses with us at Fonner Park, and I am grateful that we were able to pull off the feat of no spectator racing for nearly 10 weeks, but the party is winding down,” Fonner Park CEO Chris Kotulak said in a release.
Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., is just one of several famous racing facilities that will shortly be making a comeback. Although it will remain to be without fans, horse racing is going to be one of the first sports to entirely make its return.
It was a fun run for Fonner, and they hope to continue to add their pride to the horse racing industry.
“I’m hopeful that if something good comes out of all this, it’s to prove that horse racing can still be a strong industry here,” Kotulak said. “We’re doing our best to prove that it can be.”