OGALLALA, Neb. — Live horse racing will return to western Nebraska this summer as Lake Mac Racetrack announced plans for a two-day American Quarter Horse racing weekend July 10-11 at Lake Mac Casino Resort & Racetrack in Ogallala.
The event will feature eight total races over two days, with four races scheduled each afternoon beginning at 3 p.m. Mountain Time.
Nebraska-bred Quarter Horses will take center stage during the weekend, including races featuring a $30,000 purse. According to organizers, each Nebraska-Bred Quarter Horse race will include $10,000 in added money from Adams Bank and Trust on top of a $20,000 race purse.
American Quarter Horses are known for their speed in short-distance races, and organizers say the weekend is designed to showcase both experienced and emerging horses competing at high speeds.
In addition to live racing, the event will feature a variety of entertainment and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend. Planned attractions include Morning Thunder: Jockeys & Java, a Saturday morning meet-and-greet with jockeys, as well as live music, food vendors, giveaways and activities for families.
Guests will also have the opportunity to place wagers on the live races.
The races are being organized in partnership with the Nebraska Quarter Horse Racing Association, which works to promote and preserve Quarter Horse racing across the state.
“Simplifying the race meet this year to one high-impact weekend allows us to create a strong, exciting experience for fans, horsemen, and sponsors,” said Cynthia Smith, director of racing at Lake Mac Racetrack. “We are building something that western Nebraska can look forward to each year.”