“Hard to Beat a Quadruple Threat”: Popular Equestrian Venue Clocks in Highest Purse With $1,700,000 for the First Time in 40 Years

The current season of equestrian events has seen some record-breaking feats. Not only have the horses and their owners earned great fortunes throughout the season, but a few of the events also had immensely successful seasons. Wyoming Downs calls it a day for the 2023 season on August 6 with the conclusion of the 20-day run. The race course witnessed some of the best performances during these 20 days. Not only this, but they have achieved a new triumph in terms of marking the highest purse in history this season.

The unparalleled equestrian season also drew a record number of fans on the final day of the season. Closing day’s handle reached a humongous amount that was the highest in the past few years.

An Unprecedented Season in Equestrian History

As reported by the Paulick Report, the final day of the season marked the richest equestrian race in Wyoming’s history, the $200,000 Wyoming Quarter Horse Futurity. A behemoth 2,800 fans were present during the closing day, and the final day’s handle reached $180,000, which was the highest in the past few years. It was just the beginning of the many records that were shattered during the final day. Closing day also set a Wyoming state record as the purses for the 2023 Wyoming Downs season reached a historic high of $1.7 million.

Talking about the record-breaking day, Frank Lamb, Wyoming Downs Director of Government Affairs, stated, “It’s hard to beat a quadruple threat like we had this year: the richest race, the highest seasonal purse the largest crowd, and then a closing day with Wyoming’s highest handle in nearly 40 years.”

Eric Nelson, the track owner, predicted that the next year will shatter all these records and that the purses will reach over $2 million in 2024. He said that things keep getting better and better for the equestrian competitors and the fans. With this remarkable record-breaking finale, Wyoming Downs seems poised for the upcoming season.

Wyoming Downs this year’s run

Nelson also added that in the past few years, not only have they increased the purse volume, but they have also boosted the season’s length. This Utah-based race track has also worked on their ticket buying system, as they have made tickets available online so that fans don’t have to stand in lines for them. Wyoming Downs was the home of 20 equestrian events this year, which included Native American Heritage Day, Wyoming Downs Spirits and Brew Fest, Ladies Day, Special Olympics Wyoming, etc. This was their 11th consecutive season hosting the events since their inception in 2013.

Read More: $5,000,000 Worth Jockey Signs Off 2023 With His Second Scobie Breasley Medal Alongside Anamoe

The 2023 season at Wyoming Downs has etched its name in history with an array of record-breaking accomplishments. From thrilling races to unprecedented purses, this season has elevated both competitors and fans. As the final curtain fell on this remarkable chapter, the stage is set for even grander feats in the upcoming seasons.

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