Arapahoe Park Highlights Equine Safety During Fall Meet

Bally's Arapahoe Park, along with the Colorado Division of Racing, successfully concluded our ten-week Fall 2025 meet with zero catastrophic track injuries. This achievement was a result of combined efforts from the Veterinary Team, Track Management and Operators, State Employees, Horsemen and Jockeys.

• The Veterinary Team: With vigilant morning exams and daily attention by state veterinarians, Dr. Jesha Marcy-Quay, and Dr. Zoe Williams, the skilled eye in the morning and on the track of Association Veterinarian, Dr. Autumn Sorensen, and the gold standard care given by private veterinarians, Dr. Verlin Jones, and Dr. James Dysart, all horses and jockeys came home safely.
• Track Management and Operators: Keeping the track in the best condition throughout the entirety of the ten week meet allowed for top conditions for the horses during both training and racing hours.
• Horsemen and Jockeys: With focus on the care and well-being of their equine athletes, both trainers and jockeys worked to present fit and sound horses.

"The coordinated efforts between track staff, horsemen, and regulatory staff show what can be accomplished when everyone has the best interest of the horse at the forefront of everything we do," Shannon Rushton, the General Manager of Bally's Arapahoe Park, shares.

"This season represents a significant shift in Colorado's racing landscape, said Mike Phibbs, Senior director of the Specialized Business Group. "The goal was always simple: to protect the athletes—both human and equine—while preserving the integrity of the sport. We are incredibly proud of the vigilance, the new protocols, and the commitment from everyone in the racing community that made this zero fatality season possible."

This successful race meet demonstrates that, with the collaboration of all departments and horsemen, racing at Arapahoe Park continues to operate at the highest level of safety and integrity for horses and people alike.