Columbus: 16-day meet approved by racing commission

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. – The Nebraska Racing Commission has given approval for a new management group to conduct racing at Agricultural Park in Columbus this year. A 16-day meet running Aug. 2 to Sept. 2 will be conducted by Columbus Exposition and Racing, pending approval of a contract with the state’s horsemen.

The new management group will be responsible for all expenses of conducting the live race meet as a separate entity from the Platte County Agricultural Society, which had previously run the meet as Columbus Races.

◗ Construction has begun on the new Lincoln Race Course simulcast facility in southwest Lincoln.

“The steel walls are going up and should be done soon. Then it will really be taking shape with the floors and other trades getting in there and getting their piece done,” Greg Hosch, who is overseeing the project, said via e-mail.

Hosch said construction is currently behind schedule but with good weather he hopes to have the building completed by Aug. 31.