31st Season of Live Racing at Prairie Meadows Is In The Works
May 7 – Altoona, IA. As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Prairie Meadows is facing unprecedented times and remains temporarily closed.
This week, layoffs began for approximately 1,130 employees, and the live race meet, scheduled to begin May 1, has been delayed.
“Our focus is to reopen as quickly and as safely as possible,” said Gary Palmer, President and CEO of Prairie Meadows. “The health and well-being of our employees, our guests, the horsemen, and our community remain our utmost priorities as we look to resume our casino and racing operations.”
Prairie Meadows is scheduled to begin its new and exciting mixed-meet program this year, a meet made possible by the partnership of the Iowa Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (IAHBPA) and Iowa Quarter Horse Racing Association (IQHRA).
“It is with great anticipation that we await the start date of our upcoming meet at Prairie Meadows,” said Dave McShane, President of the IAHBPA. “Our members and fellow horsemen will be ready when racing is permitted to run,” McShane added.
Tom Lepic, President of the IQHRA, added “I’m looking forward to finalizing details of the 2020 racing season soon. The mixed meet is a win-win for both breeds, and we are working closely with the Thoroughbred community and Prairie Meadows to bring it to fruition.”
