OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Horse racing has a long history in Omaha, but the industry is facing a challenge: a nationwide shortage of racehorses.
Despite that, a local racetrack recorded record profits last year, fueled in part by the expansion of an on-site casino.
A family tradition rooted in Omaha racing
Marvin Johnson has been part of the horse racing business for more than 50 years.
“Well, I was born into it. My grandfather and my dad trained horses, and we ran at the old Aksarben for all the years they were open,” Johnson said.
The Aksarben track operated from 1919 until 1995. Today, Omaha’s Horsemen’s Park carries on that tradition — and two years ago expanded by opening Warhorse Casino.
Record attendance follows casino opening
The addition is paying off. Lori Thomas, chief operating officer of Nebraska Horsemen, said the venue saw record numbers last year.
“We had a record number of food and beverage customers inside the casino, as well as new card sign ups. It was second only to the opening day for Warhorse,” Thomas said.
Thomas also noted that generations of Nebraskans have a connection to the sport.
“Generations of Nebraskans grew up going to Aksarben and love it and miss it,” she said.
National horse shortage hits Nebraska
The boost in attendance comes as the industry faces a continued decline in foal crops. According to the Jockey Club of America, U.S. breeding numbers in 2024 were just 33 percent of what they were in the mid-1980s.
“Well the horse shortage — yeah, it’s all over. It’s not just here in Nebraska. It’s everywhere,” Johnson said.
Growing crowds provide a competitive edge
Growing crowds give Horsemen’s Park a competitive edge in attracting races despite the shrinking pool of racehorses. Johnson said the economic impact of the industry extends well beyond the track.
“I mean this is — the economic impact that the horsemen bring into this game, if you know, you’ve got your hay and feed. There’s a long line of what is required for these horses. And a lot of people are employed, you know so — it’s — the economic impact is large,” Johnson said.
Johnson added that Nebraska’s racing scene remains accessible compared to larger markets, and expressed optimism about the industry’s future.
“It’s more of a low profile here in Nebraska, where anybody can kind of get into the game. It’s not the sport of kings. It takes a little less to become an owner or horseman here in the state. I think the breeding will come back once the purse structure gets up there to where you can afford to own one again,” Johnson said.
Horsemen’s Park has races planned for the next two weekends.
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