The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) approved a new three-year racing contract on January 15 between Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, the Iowa Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (IA HBPA) and the Iowa Quarter Horse Racing Association (IQHRA).
The approved agreement establishes the framework for a 76-day mixed Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse race meet at Prairie Meadows, continuing a collaborative partnership among all three organizations. The contract provides long-term stability and planning certainty for horsemen, breeders and racing operations while reinforcing Prairie Meadows' role as a premier racing venue in the Midwest.
Under the terms of the agreement, the annual racing season will begin on Kentucky Derby Day and conclude on the final weekend of September. The mixed-meet format allows for both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing to be showcased throughout the season, supporting a diverse group of participants and fans.
Brian Ohorilko, President and CEO of Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, emphasized the importance of the agreement for the racetrack and Iowa racing.
"This three-year agreement is an important step forward for Prairie Meadows and Iowa racing," said Ohorilko. "We're excited to continue working with the IA HBPA and the IQHRA to provide consistency, strengthen our racing program and build on the momentum of our mixed meet over the next three seasons."
IA HBPA President Dave McShane also highlighted the collaborative nature of the contract.
"We are very pleased to move forward under this three-year contract and appreciate the dedication shown by Prairie Meadows and the IQHRA to finalize a contract," said McShane. "This agreement provides consistency for our horsemen and allows everyone involved to focus on delivering a strong 76-day mixed meet that benefits the racing industry in Iowa. We look forward to continuing to work closely with Prairie Meadows and our Quarter Horse partners to build on the success of this meet."
IQHRA President Tom Lepic underscored the significance of the agreement for Quarter Horse racing and the broader Iowa racing community.
"The Iowa Quarter Horse Racing Association would like to thank Prairie Meadows and the IA HBPA for working together with the IQHRA by agreeing to a valuable three-year racing contract that will continue to build racing stability in the State of Iowa, as well as offer stability to our owners, trainers and breeders throughout Iowa and beyond," said Lepic. "This 76-day racing meet enhances the racing experience for both Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds, and we believe it also benefits our wonderful racing fans. We look forward to the 2026, 2027 and 2028 seasons as we continue working to make Iowa an outstanding state to own, breed and race horses. Thanks again to our partners at Prairie Meadows and the IA HBPA."
The approved contract will govern the 2026, 2027 and 2028 racing seasons at Prairie Meadows.
This press release has not been edited by BloodHorse. If there are any questions please contact the organization that produced the release.
