Saskatoon will get its last chance to watch Thoroughbred horse racing at the Marquis Downs facilities with a new group bringing horse racing back to the city.
That group taking over will make history as the first First Nation in Canada to acquire a Thoroughbred racetrack operator license. With the acquisition of the license from the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (or SLGA), the Moosomin Downs & Entertainment Limited Partnership (“MD&E”) will build a new horse track near the Saskatoon Airport on a 1000 Acre section of land.
However, before construction begins on the new track which should be complete for the 2023 race season, Marquis Downs will be used one last time. From August 27th to September 25th this summer (2022) MD&E will hold 10 races on the grounds.
The planned 2022 Thoroughbred race meet will cater to traditional horse racing betting products to Saskatchewan’s home market. Patrons will be able to place wagers on-site and through the HPIbet Network with racing being simulcast outside the province using the HPIbet network.
MD&E and the Moosomin Downs First Nation are excited that the wheels are officially in motion on the new track project, but things are just getting started.
“Acquiring this license and going through the rigorous application process is the first milestone on a path to building to the long-term vision of Moosomin Downs and for our participation in the economy of our First Nation,” said Chief Cheryl Kahpeysewat of Moosomin First Nation.
Rob Woods CEO of the Moosomin Economic Development Ltd says, “We want to move past a hobby-based business and allow those people who are going to participate and want to invest in horses and other things to know that our goal is to turn this into a career for our young people.”
He continues, “adding additions to the cites facility that make that possible, so including things like a campground, potential for a storage locker, a therapist and even a jockey school…we really see that being foundational to creating a sustainable industry.”
MarQuis Downs won’t be completely forgotten though as the dirt will be taken to the new MD&E track. Dirt for horse tracks is expensive so Prairieland Park is more than happy to donate it, as they continue to make a bid for a soccer complex at Marquis Downs.
-Matthew Merriman
