September 30, 2024 Kansas Racing Update

Eureka, KS–SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

Kansas has taken another step closer to revitalizing the racing industry in the state with the receipt of a $2 million dollar grant to renovate Eureka Downs in Eureka, KS.  In the spring of this past year, the Kansas legislature allocated the money through the annual state budget and the grant application process has now been completed and money has been received.   

The Greenwood County Fair Board, owner of the Eureka Downs facility and the grant recipient, intends to use the majority of the money on track surface renovations as well as critical infrastructure as it prepares for the restart of racing in 2026.  “We are grateful for the political leaders in Topeka who recognize the economic impact that the racing industry will have on our community and the state,” said Kailey Fitzmorris, president of the Fair Board.  She continued, “We are excited to utilize the grant money to get a head start with track upgrades in 2025 to allow horsemen an opportunity to train over the surface and gain their confidence for making plans to bring horses to Eureka when racing begins.”

Kansas racing received a major boost this spring when the Kansas legislature passed language that allocated the 3% tax on historical horse racing machines into existing state racing funds.  The Golden Circle Casino, currently under construction in Park City (suburb of Wichita), Kansas is scheduled to open in September of 2025 and will house up to 1,000 HHR machines.  Phil Ruffin, a native of Wichita and the owner of Treasure Island in Las Vegas, is the owner of the Golden Circle.  Rita Osborn, President of the Kansas Quarter Horse Racing Association says, “When looking at comparable facilities in comparable metropolitan areas, we believe the machines could generate over $30 million annually for the industry.  It is certainly an exciting time for the horsemen and women in Kansas and hopefully this excitement is being felt throughout the industry!”

The excitement is not without some pause, however.  The allocation of the 3% tax on HHR machines is good through July of 2027 and without further action, the monies will be swept back into the state general fund.  “We had passed permanent language through both legislative chambers, before concern over who pays for regulatory expenses was identified.  It was late in the session, so we did not have time to rectify the language and get it passed through both the house and senate, and the governor ended up vetoing the permanent language,” said Osborn.  The governor’s office stated “This bill would inadvertently cause a tax on the currently approved historical horse racing facility in Wichita.  While I support the underlying goal of this legislation, I believe a trailer bill is necessary to ensure that this inadvertent tax increase does not occur.”

A deal was struck at the 11th hour to include the language to satisfy all parties into the government spending bill, typically the last piece of legislation passed each year.  Osborn continued, “While it was frustrating that we were unable to get the language into permanent statute, we were happy to get it into the budget.  Our strong supporters in the statehouse are confident that we will get it through this coming session.”  The Kansas legislative session runs from January through April.

As for Eureka Downs, it has not hosted an official race since 2010.  But it has not sat vacant.  A group of local horsemen had maintained the track for several years in hopes of a return to live racing.  A local organization has leased the concourse building to hold community events.  The PRCA rodeo hosted each August is held in the infield of the track with fans onlooking from the grandstands.  “We’ve been creative with how we’ve used the facility over the past decade.  It is starting to show its age, and we’re excited about the racing program giving us the ability to make upgrades to the facility that will benefit not only the horsemen, but our local community,” said Fitzmorris.  Osborn added, “We have an opportunity to create a really unique racetrack experience that will have the feel of an old school small town fair meet, but with all the amenities of a first class racing and entertainment facility.  We want to make Eureka Downs a destination for families to bring their kids and enjoy a day at the races.” 

The work is just getting started and will be phased in over several years as capital money becomes available through the HHR tax.  “The first couple of years, the place won’t look much different than what it is today.  Our goal for right now is to get a race meet up and going,” said Osborn.  “With each passing year, we’ll have the ability to continue to invest in upgrades to the backside and frontside.  There are so many possibilities to build out a multipurpose facility to get as much use out of it as we can.”

Osborn continued, “From the horsemen’s perspective, the Kansas bred program is probably the most exciting piece of this whole thing.”  One third of the HHR tax is dedicated to the Kansas Breeders Development Fund.  “For the breeders out there, I would encourage all of you to strongly consider bringing your mares to Kansas and foaling here in 2025.  Purse supplements and breeders’ awards will be very attractive to those who take a chance and participate, especially early on.  We believe Kansas will have one of the most lucrative state bred programs in the country once we get rolling.”

But for now, the work to get the racetrack surface renovated and ready for horsemen continues.  Talks with contractors have begun and discussions with local community leaders and horsemen’s groups are being had.  Osborn added, “All the pieces are on the table, we just have to put the puzzle together.  We are hopeful to have a race meet in 2026, which is still off in the distance, but we want to get it right and all of this takes communication and careful planning.”

Here's to the vision of restoring the historic Kansas Futurity!