Thunder Plains Park, located 10 miles east of Cheyenne, is making rapid progress on one of the nation’s first full-sized racetracks built in decades, with plans to receive licensing in November and host its first races in summer 2025.
Set to become a significant economic and cultural asset for both Laramie County and the region, Thunder Plains Park will first open to the public next summer as a horse racetrack and equestrian center. Future phases will introduce additional amenities, creating a premier destination for horse racing and activities alike.
An aerial view of the track construction at Thunder Plains Park
“Thunder Plains Park is more than just a racetrack; it’s a commitment to the future of horse racing and horsemanship in Wyoming,” said Ryan Clement, Principal of Thunder Plains Park. “This project will create jobs, attract investment, and establish a premier destination for horse racing enthusiasts and the local community.”
Once completed, the racetrack at Thunder Plains Park will be the first of its kind in Wyoming with a safety rail. This is just one of the numerous safety measures overseen by a team of elite industry veterans, all of whom place highest priority on horse care and safety protocols.
“Not only are [we] making a mile racetrack, it’s the first one in Wyoming with the safety rail,” said Aaron Gryder, legendary jockey and SVP of 1/ST RACING. “As a rider and for the horses, that’s such a huge edge.’”
Timeline of completion for
Thunder Plains Park
Added Jeff True, SVP of 1/ST TECHNOLOGY, “The folks that are watching the races are going to be standing by the rail in the first year or two. It’s going to be old school. It’ll be so fun to experience that almost county fair atmosphere and watch as we develop into in a major racetrack for the intermountain region.”
To date, construction on the track is progressing right on schedule, with final inspections and licensing to be completed in November.
For additional details, visit https://thunderplains.com/news to watch the Thunder Plains podcast—Wyoming’s premier horse racing podcast.
“What we’re trying to do here is bring first-class, world-class horse racing to Wyoming, and we’re going to do it in the safest possible manner,” said Clement. “The sky’s the limit and the future is bright.
For media inquiries and interview requests, visit https://thunderplains.com/news.
About Thunder Plains Park
The mission of Thunder Plains Park is to create a world-class, state of the art, racetrack and equestrian center and develop 300 plus acres into an amazing regional recreational destination. This development is ideally located in eastern Laramie County along I-80 out in “horse country.” We are doing this for the Horsemen and women, the equine athletes, the jockeys, the breeders, owners, trainers, and all the people who support horse racing in Wyoming. We are assembling a team of industry experts and track specialists to utilize the most up to date technology and engineering to build the first full size racetrack in Wyoming with safety as the highest priority.
About The Stronach Group and 1/ST
The Stronach Group is a world-class technology, entertainment and real estate development company with Thoroughbred racing and pari-mutuel wagering at the core. The Stronach Group’s 1/ST business (pronounced “First”) is North America’s preeminent Thoroughbred racing and pari-mutuel wagering company and includes the 1/ST RACING & GAMING, 1/ST CONTENT, 1/ST TECHNOLOGY and 1/ST EXPERIENCE businesses, while advocating for and driving the 1/ST HORSE CARE mission. 1/ST represents The Stronach Group’s continued movement toward redefining Thoroughbred racing and the ecosystem that drives it. 1/ST RACING & GAMING drives the best-in-class racing operations and gaming offerings at the company’s premier racetracks and training centers including: Santa Anita Park and San Luis Rey Downs (California); Gulfstream Park – home of the Pegasus World Cup and Palm Meadows Thoroughbred Training Center (Florida); the Maryland Jockey Club at Laurel Park, The Preakness Stakes, Rosecroft Raceway and Bowie Training Center (Maryland). 1/ST CONTENT is the operating group for 1/ST’s media and content companies including: Monarch Content Management, Elite, TSG Global Wagering Solutions (GWS) and XBTV. 1/ST TECHNOLOGY is racing’s largest racing and gaming technology company offering world-class products via its AmTote, Xpressbet, 1/ST BET, XB SELECT, XB NET, PariMAX and Betmix brands. 1/ST EXPERIENCE blends the worlds of sports, entertainment and hospitality through innovative content development, elevated national and local venue management and hospitality, strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and procurement development. As the advocate for critical industry reforms and by making meaningful investments into aftercare programs for retired horses and jockeys, 1/ST HORSE CARE represents The Stronach Group’s commitment to achieving the highest level of horse and rider care and safety standards in Thoroughbred racing on and off the track. The Stronach Group’s TSG Properties is responsible for the development of the company’s live, play and work communities surrounding its racing venues including: The Village at Gulfstream Park (Florida) and Paddock Pointe (Maryland). For more information, visit www.1st.com or follow @1ST_racing on Twitter or @1stracing on Instagram and Facebook.