Sweetwater Downs closed out the 2026 Wyoming racing season (Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing) with record-setting prize money highlighted by the richest race in Wyoming history, the $300,000 Sweetwater Downs Futurity for Quarter Horses.
Wyoming Horse Racing distributed $3,510,125 in purse money, including $1,164,550 in purses on closing weekend. Wyoming-bred horses continued to play a major role in the racing this year, making up 45% of the horses that competed in the Quarter Horse races and Thoroughbred races.
"This season proved yet again the strength of Wyoming racing with its continued growth in racing opportunities for Cowboy State horsemen and women," said Eugene Joyce, partner and Sweetwater Downs president of racing. "The increase in purse money has led to greater participation from Wyoming-bred horses. We are excited to build on this strong year and continue Wyoming's horse industry growth and economic revival."
Wyoming-bred horses competed in 55 restricted races during the meet, with those races offering a combined $1,044,100 in prize money. Over the 18-day meets, Sweetwater Downs averaged 8.66 starters per race, reflecting strong competition. The total wagering handle also increased 11.76% compared with 2025.
The season's biggest day was Sept. 26, when Sweetwater Downs hosted the richest race in Wyoming history. Ojd Tempt Me Not won the $300,000 Sweetwater Downs Quarter Horse Futurity, taking control early and winning by 1 length. The horse, owned by Oscar Diaz and Karla Gomez Diaz, trained by Oscar Diaz and ridden by Nestor Duran, completed the 350-yard race in 17.160 seconds.
Earlier on the card, Mysterious Blues won the $273,500 Wyoming All Breeds Racing Association Wyoming Bred Quarter Horse Futurity. Owned by Leanne Christensen, trained by Ryan Christensen and ridden by Victor Dominguez, the horse covered 330 yards in 16.534 seconds and won by one-half length.
The 2026 Sweetwater Downs Quarter Horse riding title went to Cesar Moreno, who finished the season with 14 wins and $272,540 in purse earnings. Joe Davis earned top Quarter Horse trainer honors with seven wins and $193,960 in purses, while Eddie Jensen was named top owner for the second straight year with four wins and $140,989 in purse earnings, including a 1-2 finish in the $175,400 WABRA Wyoming Bred Quarter Horse Derby Sept. 19.
On the Thoroughbred side, Jimmy Ray Coates led all riders with 19 wins from 65 starts and $301,422 in purses earned. Coates recorded five wins Sept. 20 and added 12 victories across both breeds during the final four days of racing. Mark Hibdon and Dru Hall tied for top trainer honors with eight wins apiece. Hibdon also captured the owners title with eight wins and $150,957 in purses.
For more information on live racing at Sweetwater Downs, visit horsepalace.win/live-racing.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
