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Cowboy Racing is pleased to announce a partnership with 1/ST, leveraging its world-class experience in racing and gaming operations to support the establishment of a state-of-the-art horse racing venue and off-track betting (OTB) and historical horse racing (HHR) locations in Wyoming. The partnership is part of the mission of Cowboy Racing to set a new standard for the racing and breeding industry in Wyoming while creating economic opportunities in the State.
1/ST is North America’s preeminent Thoroughbred racing and pari-mutuel wagering company and includes a group of world-class sports-anchored digital, technology, entertainment, wagering, media, and content businesses. 1/ST drives the best-in-class racing and gaming operations at the company’s premier racetracks and training centers including Santa Anita Park, Gulfstream Park, The Maryland Jockey Club at Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course, home of the legendary Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown.
Cowboy Racing will undertake to build Thunder Plains Park, a first-class racing and training facility outside of Cheyenne, with the necessary facilities required to operate a licensed racetrack in the State. 1/ST will provide its industry-leading safety and integrity expertise on operational-related design issues during the design and construction process of Thunder Plains Park.
Once built, 1/ST will serve as the exclusive racing operator at Thunder Plains Park and will run a 16-day live racing meet overseeing related training, wagering, and hospitality operations at the racetrack.
1/ST will leverage the expertise of its affiliates - Monarch Content Management, AmTote International, and PariMAX - to operate simulcast operations, provide totalizator services and to introduce HHR machines at Thunder Plains Park and at Cowboy Racing’s OTB locations.
In addition, Player Performance Group (PPG) has been retained as a development specialist working for 1/ST to accelerate the gaming facility planning and player development plans for the organization. PPG is the industry leader in player research and performance analytics, bringing their experience with more than 100 gaming properties to this exciting once-in-a lifetime project.
“As we began this journey to bring the highest standard of horse racing to Wyoming, we wanted to find an experienced partner that prioritized horse and rider safety and operational integrity. We found that partner in 1/ST. We were also inspired by Governor Gordon’s letter to the Wyoming Gaming Commission that said the legislative intent of legalizing off-track-betting was to support the racing and breeding industry. Our project at Thunder Plains and our partnership with 1/ST does just that.” – Ryan Clement, Thunder Plains/Cowboy Racing
“We are excited to expand upon our success and continued support of racing and HHR in Wyoming to lend 1/ST’s industry-leading operational experience and passion to Cowboy Racing as they work to develop a new racing and breeding ecosystem in the State. It is encouraging to work with partners who, like us, recognize that there are new opportunities for horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering.” – Aidan Butler, President, 1/ST
Dan Lee, President of the Wyoming All Breeds Racing Association said he feels this is a game-changer for Wyoming racing and breeding. “The people who Mr. Clement and Mr. Edwards have brought to the Cowboy Racing team are the absolute best in the country. We are blown away by what the Thunder Plains Park and equestrian center can do for racing and breeding in Wyoming.
“The vision for this project is incredibly inspiring. Cowboy Racing has created an opportunity to develop world-class entertainment experiences that elevate the horse racing industry in Wyoming. To serve on the team making this a reality is an honor and privilege.” - Chris Province, President, Player Performance Group
Sustainable OTB Expansion
“It’s our idea that OTB expansion should be done in partnership with the State and local communities. Our plan is to build community amenities with a portion of the OTB revenue we generate, and work to support local small businesses by partnering with them to align the small business and OTB economies.” – Ryan Clement, Thunder Plains/Cowboy Racing
Plans at Thunder Plains include the racetrack and equestrian center for Phase 1 and sports and entertainment facilities, including hotels, restaurants, and retail for future phases.
Cowboy Racing presented the Thunder Plains project, alongside 1/ST executives and track experts, at the Wyoming Gaming Commission (WGC) meeting on March 13. Cowboy Racing’s Live Event Application is currently under review by the WGC.
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