Lone Star Park Achieves Record Growth in Spring Meet
Celebrating Three Years of Unprecedented Growth and Community Engagement
A Resounding Success: Increased Handle and Attendance Figures
Lone Star Park proudly announced the successful wrap-up of its 30th spring Thoroughbred racing season. The 41-day event saw a daily average live on-track handle of $251,403, a 2% increase from the previous year, and an export handle of $170,053, up 4%. This financial uplift was mirrored by a 5% rise in attendance, underscoring a consistent growth trend over the past three years for the Grand Prairie racing facility.
Memorial Day's Triumph: Lone Star Million Day's Record-Breaking Performance
A major highlight of the season was the Lone Star Million Day, held on Memorial Day. This special event generated the highest total handle of the meet, reaching an impressive $1,506,217. Of this, $1,039,306 was wagered directly on-track by 6,511 enthusiastic fans, marking the highest on-track handle for this particular day since 2005.
Summer Turf Festival: Drawing the Largest Crowds
Further bolstering the season's success was the Summer Turf Festival, strategically paired with a dollar day promotion on June 27. This combination proved to be a crowd magnet, attracting a remarkable 13,843 spectators, the largest single-day attendance of the meet. Such events demonstrate the park's ability to engage the community effectively.
Leadership Perspectives: A Testament to Quality Entertainment
Brandon Leigh, Director of Marketing and Player Development at Lone Star Park, expressed his satisfaction with the season's results. He emphasized that the sustained growth in handle and attendance reflects the high quality of entertainment offered by Lone Star Park, even in a highly competitive market. Leigh anticipates this positive momentum will carry through to the upcoming fall quarter-horse season and the next Thoroughbred season.
Jockey's Triumph: Stewart Elliott's Fourth Leading Rider Title
Veteran jockey Stewart Elliott once again showcased his exceptional skill, securing his fourth leading jockey title at Lone Star Park with 33 wins. His previous triumphs include 2021, 2022, and 2023. Elliott expressed his delight at his consistent success, as he approaches the significant milestone of 6,000 career victories, further cementing his legacy in horse racing.
Emerging Talent: Erin Gaarz's First Leading Owner Recognition
The season also celebrated new achievements, with Erin Gaarz earning her inaugural leading owner title at Lone Star Park, accumulating 15 wins. Gaarz humbly attributed her success to trainer Abel Ramirez-Rodriguez, acknowledging his pivotal role in her achievements. This recognition highlights the collaborative effort behind successful racing endeavors.
Enduring Excellence: Steve Asmussen's Unrivaled Training Record
The title of leading trainer was, for the 19th time, secured by Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen. His dominance was evident as he finished the 2026 meet with 37 wins, reaffirming his status as Lone Star Park's all-time leading trainer. Asmussen's consistent performance continues to set a benchmark for excellence in the sport, showcasing his strategic prowess and dedication."