There’s a certain magic to the thundering sound of hooves pounding down a dirt track, the collective gasp of the crowd as horses round the final turn, and the thrill of watching your chosen steed cross the finish line. For decades, this excitement was a core part of the local culture, making Horse Racing In Lincoln Nebraska a cherished pastime. While the landscape has changed, the spirit of the sport remains deeply embedded in the state’s heritage, and for fans in the capital city, the thrill of the race is still within reach.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the rich history of horse racing in Lincoln, explain the current situation for live racing, and show you where you can go to experience the pulse-pounding action for yourself. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a curious newcomer, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Sport of Kings in and around Lincoln.
The Golden Era: A History of Lincoln’s Racetrack
For many Nebraskans, the heart of horse racing in the state was the track at the Nebraska State Fair Park in Lincoln. For over a century, this venue was synonymous with high-stakes races, bustling crowds, and the pageantry that defines the sport. It was a place where families gathered, fortunes were won and lost on a photo finish, and legends of the turf were born.
The track was more than just a venue; it was an institution. It hosted major events, including the Nebraska Derby, and served as a critical hub for the state’s equine industry, supporting breeders, trainers, jockeys, and countless other professionals. The grandstand was a local landmark, and the roar that erupted from it on race day was a familiar sound in the city. However, the decision to move the Nebraska State Fair from Lincoln to Grand Island in 2010 marked the end of an era. The historic racetrack held its final races, and the grandstand was eventually demolished, closing a significant chapter on live horse racing in Lincoln Nebraska.
Is There Live Horse Racing in Lincoln Today?
This is the most common question from enthusiasts, and the short answer is no. As of today, there is no longer a facility for live thoroughbred or quarter horse racing within the Lincoln city limits. The closure of the State Fair Park track left a void for local fans who cherished the ability to watch the races up close.
However, the end of the Lincoln track did not mean the end of horse racing for its residents. The passion for the sport simply shifted its focus to other venues within a reasonable driving distance. Furthermore, the introduction of new gaming laws has revitalized the industry, ensuring that the legacy of horse racing in Nebraska continues to evolve and thrive for a new generation. Today, Lincolnites have excellent options for both watching races live and placing wagers.
Where to Experience Live Horse Racing Near Lincoln
For the authentic, heart-pounding experience of live horse racing, fans in Lincoln have a premier destination just a short drive away: Fonner Park in Grand Island. It has now become the epicenter of the sport in the state and proudly carries the torch once held by the Lincoln track.
Fonner Park: Nebraska’s Racing Hub
Located about 90 miles west of Lincoln, Fonner Park is a historic and celebrated racetrack that has been in operation since 1954. It offers a fantastic live racing season, typically running from late February through May. This is where you’ll find the best horses, the most talented jockeys, and the biggest stakes races in Nebraska, including the renowned Bosselman/Gus Fonner Stakes.
A trip to Fonner Park is more than just watching races; it’s a full-day experience. The facility boasts a welcoming atmosphere perfect for both serious handicappers and families looking for a fun outing. You can feel the history in the grandstand, enjoy classic trackside food and drinks, and witness the beautiful pageantry of the horses in the paddock before each race.
“The closure of any historic track is always bittersweet, but the consolidation of Nebraska’s live racing calendar at Fonner Park has created a more vibrant, competitive meet,” says Dr. Michael Sterling, a Nebraska equine historian. “It ensures larger fields, bigger purses, and a higher quality of racing that draws fans from across the Midwest, including a large contingent from Lincoln.”
Getting to Fonner Park from Lincoln
The drive from Lincoln to Fonner Park is a straight shot west on Interstate 80 and is typically an easy 90-minute journey. This makes it a very manageable day trip. Many fans will carpool, making a Saturday at the races a social event to look forward to all year long. The convenience ensures that the Lincoln horse racing community remains as active and engaged as ever.
The Rise of Racinos and Simulcasting
The landscape of horse racing in Lincoln Nebraska and the entire state has been dramatically transformed by the legalization of casino gaming at licensed racetracks. This has led to the development of “racinos,” which combine traditional horse racing with casino games like slot machines and table games.
WarHorse Casino, located at the Lincoln Race Course, is the city’s premier destination for this new hybrid model. While it does not host live horse races, it is a state-of-the-art facility built on the grounds of the old track. Here’s what it offers:
- Simulcast Racing: You can watch and wager on live horse races from top tracks across the country, like Churchill Downs, Santa Anita, and Saratoga, every single day. The facility features numerous high-definition screens, comfortable seating, and dedicated betting terminals.
- Historical Horse Racing (HHR): These are electronic gaming machines that look and feel like slot machines, but their outcomes are based on the results of previously run, anonymous horse races. They offer a fast-paced, exciting gaming experience.
- Casino Gaming: WarHorse also features a full-fledged casino with hundreds of modern slot machines and, in the near future, live table games.
This development provides a year-round hub for racing fans in Lincoln to gather, place bets, and enjoy the sport, even without a live track in town.
A Beginner’s Guide to Betting on Horses
If you’re new to the world of horse racing, walking up to a betting window can feel intimidating. But understanding the basics is easy, and placing a small wager can make watching the races infinitely more exciting. Here are a few simple bets to get you started:
- Win: You’re betting on your horse to finish in first place.
- Place: Your horse must finish first or second. The payout is smaller than a win bet, but you have a better chance of cashing your ticket.
- Show: Your horse must finish first, second, or third. This is the safest bet with the lowest payout.
- Across the Board: This is actually three separate bets (Win, Place, and Show) on one horse. If your horse wins, you collect on all three bets. If it finishes second, you collect on Place and Show. If it finishes third, you collect on the Show bet.
When you go to the betting window, state your bet in this order:
- The name of the racetrack.
- The race number.
- The amount of your bet.
- The type of bet you want to make.
- The number of the horse.
For example: “Fonner Park, Race 5, $2 to Win on Number 7.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you bet on horse races in Lincoln?
Yes. You can bet on simulcast races from around the world at the WarHorse Casino at the Lincoln Race Course. During the live racing season, you can also drive to nearby tracks like Fonner Park to place bets in person.
What happened to the racetrack in Lincoln, Nebraska?
The racetrack at the Nebraska State Fair Park in Lincoln closed after the State Fair was relocated to Grand Island in 2010. The land has since been redeveloped, and the WarHorse Casino now operates on the site of the former Lincoln Race Course.
How far is Fonner Park from Lincoln?
Fonner Park in Grand Island is approximately 90 miles west of Lincoln. The drive usually takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it an easy day trip for live racing.
What is the biggest horse race in Nebraska?
The Bosselman/Gus Fonner Stakes, held at Fonner Park, is widely considered the most prestigious and richest horse race in the state, attracting top horses and a massive crowd each spring.
Is horse racing legal in Nebraska?
Yes, horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering are legal in Nebraska and are regulated by the Nebraska State Racing and Gaming Commission.
The Future is Bright for Nebraska Racing
While Lincoln may no longer have its own live racetrack, the heart of the sport beats stronger than ever. The combination of a premier live racing destination like Fonner Park within easy driving distance and a modern simulcast and gaming facility like WarHorse Casino right in the city means fans have the best of both worlds. The legacy of horse racing in Lincoln Nebraska has not faded; it has simply evolved into a new and exciting form. So, whether you’re planning a road trip for a live race day or heading to the casino to catch a simulcast, the thrill of the track is waiting for you.
