Page 173 - August_2023

Energy Downs
307 Horse
Racing Wraps
Up Record
Breaking Meet
By John Petti • Photos by Jess Johnson
There were a million reasons why the 2023 Energy Downs 307 Horse Racing Season in Gillette was such a huge success despite a record setting 4.5 inches of rain during the race meet. To be exact, there were 1,196,400 reasons the meet was success- ful as almost $1.2 million in purse monies were distributed during the 2023 season.
That total included a Wyoming state record of $342,500 purses distributed on closing day, Sunday, June 25.
Weather played havoc with the race season as 4.5 inches of rain fell in Gillette during the season and four days of racing were cancelled. Despite those cancellations, a total of 117 races were con- tested, just three shy of the 120 in 2022.
Handle was up three percent and that is quite an accomplishment as 13 of the 117 races in 2023 were contested as non-wagering events. Trials to the Powder River Futurity and The Donkey Creek Futurity were held as non-wagering events after rain and muddy conditions caused the cancellation of races on their originally scheduled date.
The barn area was full for the 2023 season at Energy Downs 307 Horse Racing in Gillette as the average field size increased by 25% over 2022. In addition, the track set a Wyoming record for most races run in a day when 20 races (13 non wagering) were offered on Friday, June 16.
“We were very pleased with the season this year,” said Energy Downs 307 Horse Racing
CEO Jack Greer. “Despite all the bad weather, everyone came through and this is by far our most successful season. We are looking forward to an even better year and giving away even more purse money next year.”
2023 Energy Downs 307 Horse Racing
Leading Quarter Horse Jockey – Jesus Valenzuela Leading Quarter Horse Trainer – Kylie Valenzuela Leading Quarter Horse Owner – David Hinkins
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