OGALLALA, Neb. — More than $170,000 in purse money will be up for grabs as Lake Mac Racetrack prepares for its second season of live Quarter Horse racing in Keith County.
Racing returns to the Ogallala track on Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, with four races scheduled each day beginning at 3 p.m. Mountain Time. Organizers say the two-day meet is expected to attract horses, trainers and racing fans from across Nebraska and neighboring states.
“This amount of purse money for our second year in operation in Keith County is amazing, and we will draw horses and fans from throughout Nebraska and the surrounding states,” said Cynthia Smith, director of racing at Lake Mac Racetrack. “We are building something that western Nebraska can look forward to each year and continue to draw spectators and horses throughout the country to grow Quarter Horse racing in Nebraska.”
Nebraska-bred Quarter Horses will headline the race cards, including races featuring a $30,000 purse made possible through a $20,000 race and an additional $10,000 contribution from Adams Bank & Trust.
Beyond the racing action, organizers are planning a full weekend of activities for guests. Events include Saturday morning's "Morning Thunder: Jockeys & Java" meet-and-greet, VIP race day experience giveaways, live music and entertainment, food vendors, and a Family Day at the Races celebration encouraging attendees to wear their favorite Derby hats.
Spectators will also have the opportunity to place wagers on the live races and watch the high-speed Quarter Horses compete in short-distance events.
The races are organized in partnership with the Nebraska Quarter Horse Racing Association, which works to promote and preserve Quarter Horse racing in the state.
Smith said organizers streamlined this year's schedule into a single race weekend to create a stronger experience for fans, horsemen and sponsors, while continuing plans to expand racing opportunities in the future.
Entertainment inside Lake Mac Casino Resort will follow racing each day, and guests can also enjoy live table games, including blackjack and Texas Hold'em.
Lake Mac Racetrack features a 5/8-mile track, testing and receiving barn, paddock viewing area, winner's circle and facilities designed to support Quarter Horse racing operations.