First Races of the Season at the North Dakota Horse Park

The first 250 patrons through the gates received a free t-shirt.

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Horse racing returned to Fargo on Saturday with the kickoff of another season at North Dakota Horse Park.

The gates opened at 11 A.M. on July 12, with the first 250 patrons receiving a free t-shirt.

Racing began just after noon, and excitement was in the air for participants and spectators alike.

Track management says both sides of that equation create that family atmosphere at the horse park.

“You go all the way back to the breeders, the people who put their blood, sweat, and tears into this industry. Breeding horses, training horses, feeding horses. For a lot of them, they’re not making money. This is a passion for them,” said Hugh Drexler, general manager of the horse park.  “It’s just a real family event.”

The racing continues on Sunday, and the full season spans four weekends, ending on August 3rd.