Bally's Cheyenne Park Delays Inaugural Racing Season to 2027
The inaugural season of live horse racing at Bally's Cheyenne Park, initially planned for October 2026, has been postponed until 2027, according to a joint statement from the Wyoming Gaming Commission and Bally's Wyoming.
This postponement was a mutual agreement, reflecting the extensive work still required at the venue. Both organizations concurred that additional time for construction, comprehensive testing, inspections, and operational readiness would better prepare Bally's Cheyenne Park for a successful launch and foster the continued development of Wyoming's horse racing sector. A shared commitment exists between the Commission and Bally's to deliver an exceptional racing and visitor experience from the very first day.
Nicholas Larramendy, Executive Director of the Wyoming Gaming Commission, emphasized the paramount importance of safety, stating, "Safety must always be the cornerstone of live horse racing in Wyoming." Bally's has demonstrated significant progress in developing the facility since its acquisition, showcasing a strong dedication to the project, the Cheyenne community, and the future of live racing in the state. The Commission commended the company for the advancements made and for its collaborative approach throughout the development and regulatory review process. Larramendy further noted, "The Commission acknowledges the substantial strides Bally's has taken since acquiring this project and values the company's continuous investment and willingness to collaborate with Commission personnel and industry stakeholders. Moving the inaugural meet provides the necessary extra time to guarantee that the facility adheres to all relevant regulatory and safety standards before racing commences." Bally's remains steadfast in its commitment to completing Bally's Cheyenne Park and ensuring its long-term prosperity. The company intends to utilize this extended period to further its progress and transform the property into a leading racing destination, one that benefits Wyoming's horse racing community and attracts participants and fans from across the region. Kerry Smith, General Manager of Bally's Wyoming, reiterated the shared objective, stating, "Bally's and the Commission are united in their goal of creating a racing experience that fulfills the expectations of Wyoming's racing community, participants, and fans." Smith also highlighted the existing infrastructure at the site, remarking, "The advancements at Bally's Cheyenne Park build upon a robust foundation already in place, including the existing one-mile oval, barns, and other crucial facilities. We take pride in the significant progress achieved since Bally's took over this project and throughout the company's ongoing investment. Rescheduling the inaugural meet allows the time needed to finalize the remaining work and ensure Bally's Cheyenne Park is prepared to deliver the high-quality racing experience everyone anticipates." The Commission and Bally's will maintain their collaborative efforts throughout the development and regulatory review phases. The Commissioners are scheduled to deliberate on a future racing calendar during their annual fall meeting in Casper on November 19 and 20. Further updates on the progress of Bally's Cheyenne Park and forthcoming racing dates will be provided as they become available.
The proactive decision to delay the opening of Bally's Cheyenne Park exemplifies a commendable dedication to excellence and safety within the horse racing industry. This commitment ensures that when the gates finally open, the facility will not only meet but exceed expectations, providing a premier experience for all involved and contributing positively to the future of Wyoming's racing heritage.