Horse racing has a long and storied history in Idaho. The state’s first racetrack, the Weiser Downs, opened in 1895. Since then, horse racing has flourished in Idaho, with several tracks operating throughout the state. The most famous of these is Les Bois Park, which has been in operation since 1933. Today, horse racing remains a popular sport in Idaho, with thousands of fans attending races each year.
Idaho’s Horse Racing History
Horse racing has a long and storied history in the state of Idaho. The first recorded horse race in Idaho was held in 1863 in the town of Boise. The race was a one-mile match race between two horses, and the winner was a horse named “Tom Thumb”.
In the years that followed, horse racing became increasingly popular in Idaho. By the early 1900s, there were several racetracks operating in the state, including the Idaho Falls Race Track and the Pocatello Race Track.
However, in 1934, gambling was outlawed in Idaho, and horse racing along with it. The Idaho Falls Race Track and the Pocatello Race Track both closed down, and horse racing in Idaho went into a decline.
In the late 1980s, there was a renewed interest in horse racing in Idaho. In 1989, the Idaho Legislature passed a bill that legalized pari-mutuel betting on horse races. This led to the opening of the Les Bois Park Race Track in 1990.
Since then, horse racing has continued to grow in popularity in Idaho. Today, there are two racetracks operating in the state: Les Bois Park Race Track and the Pocatello Downs Racetrack.
| Racetrack | Location | Opened |
|---|---|---|
| Les Bois Park Race Track | Boise | 1990 |
| Pocatello Downs Racetrack | Pocatello | 2002 |
## Is There Horse Racing in Idaho?
Idaho is known for its vast wilderness, rugged mountains, and pristine rivers, but when it comes to horse racing, the state takes a different turn. Despite its rich agricultural heritage, horse racing is not a major industry in Idaho. However, there are a few notable tracks where you can experience the thrill of watching these majestic animals compete.
### Notable Tracks in Idaho
1. **Les Bois Park**
Located just west of Boise, Les Bois Park is the only thoroughbred racetrack in Idaho. It offers live racing from May to September, featuring both local and out-of-state horses. The park also has a simulcast betting facility where you can wager on races from around the country.
| Track | Location | Season | Type |
|—|—|—|—|
| Les Bois Park | West of Boise | May to September | Thoroughbred |
## Types of Horse Races Held in Idaho
Horse racing has a rich history in the state of Idaho. Throughout the year, several racetracks host a variety of horse races, providing entertainment and excitement for racing enthusiasts and spectators alike.
Here are some of the common types of horse races held in Idaho:
- Thoroughbred Races: These are races between thoroughbred horses, known for their speed and athleticism. Races can be run on dirt or turf tracks, and distances vary.
- Quarter Horse Races: As the name suggests, these races are run by quarter horses over shorter distances, typically 220 yards to 550 yards. They are known for their quick starts and explosive bursts of speed.
- Harness Races: In these races, horses pull a two-wheeled cart called a sulky. Races can be either trotting races, where the horses move in a diagonal gait, or pacing races, where the horses move in a lateral gait.
- Steeplechase Races: These are obstacle races where horses jump over various obstacles, such as fences and water jumps.
- Paint Horse Races: These races are specifically for registered paint horses, which are known for their distinctive spotted or mottled coloring.
In addition to these main types of races, there may also be other specialized races or events held throughout the year, such as claiming races, maiden races, and stakes races.
The following table provides more details on each type of horse race held in Idaho:
| Race Type | Horse Breed | Distance | Surface | Gait |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thoroughbred | Thoroughbred | Varies | Dirt or turf | Gallop |
| Quarter Horse | Quarter horse | 220-550 yards | Dirt | Gallop |
| Harness | Standardbred | Varies | Dirt or turf | Trot or pace |
| Steeplechase | Thoroughbred or Irish Draught | 2-3 miles | Grass | Gallop |
| Paint Horse | Paint horse | Varies | Dirt or turf | Gallop |
Betting and Wagering Options in Idaho
Horse racing has a rich history in Idaho, dating back to the late 1800s. Today, there are two licensed racetracks in the state: Les Bois Park in Pocatello and Rocky Mountain Race Track in Idaho Falls.
At these racetracks, you can bet on a variety of races, including:
- Thoroughbred races
- Quarter horse races
- Harness races
There are a variety of wagering options available, including:
- Win: Betting on a horse to win the race.
- Place: Betting on a horse to finish first or second.
- Show: Betting on a horse to finish in the top three.
- Exacta: Betting on the top two finishers in the correct order.
- Trifecta: Betting on the top three finishers in the correct order.
| Wager Type | Commission Rate |
|---|---|
| Win | 15% |
| Place | 18% |
| Show | 22% |
| Exacta | 25% |
| Trifecta | 30% |
Well, buckaroos, that’s about all the dirt we got for you on horse racing in Idaho. Thanks for saddling up with us on this thoroughbred adventure. If you have any more burning questions that need answering, don’t hesitate to gallop back to our stable for more scoops. Until then, keep your spurs sharp and your spirits high.