Sweetwater Downs will offer the highest purses for horsemen in the track’s history for its 2025 race meet starting on Saturday, August 16. The $1.9 million in purses is a 40 percent increase over 2024. Horsemen have responded with a record number of stall applications for the seven-week meet. Track officials are expecting more than 1,000 horses to ship into the Rock Springs facility in the coming days.
Once again, year-end championships for Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses will be determined at the final race meet of the season on the Wyoming racing calendar. The annual John Schiffer Memorial Race will continue as a season highlight on September 6.
The racing season will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new paddock just after noon on opening day. The paddock has been completely overhauled for the 2025 meet and will feature a new walking ring giving fans an up-close look at the horses before they enter the racetrack.
New this season is the addition of track announcer Liam Molinaro, who has a unique ability and passion for calling races. He most recently called races at Gulfstream Park in Florida. Molinaro is one of the youngest track announcers in the country at 21 years of age. Also new this year is the addition of Sean Beirne as General Manager of Sweetwater Downs. A seasoned industry leader, Beirne has more than 30 years of experience in racing operations. He brings a strong focus on safety and compliance and delivers a top-tier race day experience.
“At Wyoming Horse Racing, we are continuously making investments in our track, in our people and in Wyoming communities,” said Nick Hughes, President of Wyoming Horse Racing, LLC, which operates Sweetwater Downs. “We have made a number of key upgrades to the facility that will enhance safety for our human and equine athletes. Their well-being matters most, and we are committed to ensuring the track is backed by the highest level of care,” Hughes added.
“This meet is shaping up to be our best yet,” said Partner and Sweetwater Downs President of Racing Eugene Joyce. “With more horses, more talent and bigger purses, we are thrilled to be a central player on the cutting-edge of horse racing in the Cowboy State.”
With general admission at just $5, which includes a free program, Sweetwater Downs offers great value for those seeking family-friendly entertainment in southwest Wyoming from August 16 through September 28. Gates open at noon on Saturdays and Sundays, with the first race starting at 1 p.m. Races will also be held on Fridays: August 22 and 29, and September 5 and 12, with a post time of 4 p.m. Fridays will feature a happy hour from 4-5 p.m.
For those who can’t attend the live races in person, Wyoming Horse Racing offers betting at any of the ten Horse Palace locations, including sites in Casper, Cheyenne, Evanston, Gillette, Green River, Rock Springs and Sheridan.
Sweetwater Downs is located within the Sweetwater Events Complex at 3320 Yellowstone Road in Rock Springs.
Wyoming Horse Racing, LLC is a proud sponsor of Sweetwater Downs races and operates ten Horse Palace locations throughout the state. The company led the effort to legalize Historical Horse Racing (HHR) terminals in Wyoming, which has significantly grown Wyoming’s horse industry and makes meaningful contributions to the state’s tax revenues. The company is committed to responsible stewardship and investment in the hospitality and agri-business sectors that constitute the horse racing industry in Wyoming.
For more information on live racing at Sweetwater Downs, visit: horsepalace.win/live-racing.
