OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Horse racing has a long history in Omaha, but the industry is facing a challenge: a nationwide shortage of racehorses. <\/p>\n
Despite that, a local racetrack recorded record profits last year, fueled in part by the expansion of an on-site casino.<\/p>\n
A family tradition rooted in Omaha racing<\/p>\n
Marvin Johnson has been part of the horse racing business for more than 50 years.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, 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,\u201d Johnson said.<\/p>\n
The Aksarben track operated from 1919 until 1995. Today, Omaha\u2019s Horsemen\u2019s Park carries on that tradition \u2014 and two years ago expanded by opening Warhorse Casino.<\/p>\n
Record attendance follows casino opening<\/p>\n
The addition is paying off. Lori Thomas, chief operating officer of Nebraska Horsemen, said the venue saw record numbers last year.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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,\u201d Thomas said.<\/p>\n
Thomas also noted that generations of Nebraskans have a connection to the sport.<\/p>\n
\u201cGenerations of Nebraskans grew up going to Aksarben and love it and miss it,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
National horse shortage hits Nebraska<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell the horse shortage \u2014 yeah, it\u2019s all over. It\u2019s not just here in Nebraska. It\u2019s everywhere,\u201d Johnson said.<\/p>\n
Growing crowds provide a competitive edge<\/p>\n
Growing crowds give Horsemen\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI mean this is \u2014 the economic impact that the horsemen bring into this game, if you know, you\u2019ve got your hay and feed. There\u2019s a long line of what is required for these horses. And a lot of people are employed, you know so \u2014 it\u2019s \u2014 the economic impact is large,\u201d Johnson said.<\/p>\n
Johnson added that Nebraska\u2019s racing scene remains accessible compared to larger markets, and expressed optimism about the industry\u2019s future.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s more of a low profile here in Nebraska, where anybody can kind of get into the game. It\u2019s 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,\u201d Johnson said.<\/p>\n
Horsemen\u2019s Park has races planned for the next two weekends.<\/p>\n
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