Fonner Park begins meet; new hotel/casino nears completion
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A Nebraska racing tradition gets underway Saturday when Fonner Park in Grand Island opens a 31-date meet that will feature both the 66th running of the $75,000 Bosselman Pump & Pantry/Gus Fonner Stakes in April and the opening of a new hotel by the end of the season on May 3.
The Bosselman, a 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds and up on April 26, is the richest offering of the season. That card also includes the $30,000 Elite Sprint Cup for 3-year-olds and up at 6 1/2 furlongs and the $25,000 colts and geldings division of the Fonner Park Special.
Construction on the hotel is nearing completion.
“Plans are for our gorgeous, seven-story resort hotel [and] casino to open before the conclusion of our season,” said Chris Kotulak, the chief executive officer of Fonner.
The track’s casino is currently operating in the grandstand area. Patrons returning for the races Saturday will find the north entrance to the track has been newly remodeled to serve as the entryway to the hotel.
Fonner’s simulcast signal will again have a limited reach this season as the track does not race under the jurisdiction of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority. The signal in the Unites States will be exclusive to Nebraska. It also will be sent to Canada and Australia, said Kotulak.
During the offseason, Fonner purchased a new starting gate, water truck, and related equipment at the cost of $200,000, according to a press release. Fonner also has made viewing upgrades, with the addition of some large television screens.
Kevin Roman, who won the riding title last season, is back for the new meet as is Izzy Gonzalez, who won the training title. Tennessee Moon, the winningest horse last year in North America, is expected to run in March at Fonner, according to a press release.
Fonner will put on a 10-race card Saturday. The track will race Saturdays and Sundays throughout the meet, with a first post of 1:30 p.m. Central. The track will add Fridays to the calendar beginning Feb. 28.
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