Off to the races: Horse racing aims to increase Wyoming’s economic base
Wyoming owned and operated 307 Horse Racing brings racing back to the Cowboy State.
“I would say a day at the races is action packed and adrenaline rushed. It’s really a spectacle to appreciate equine animals – they’re truly impressive athletes,” says 307 Horse Racing CEO Jack Greer. “When they come thundering through and the crowd gets excited, it’s pure adrenaline!”
Successful year and expanding
Horses hit the track in May of 2021 for the first live races put on by 307 Horse Racing.
“It was a 16-day race series, with 126 races, 40 of which were for Wyoming-bred horses,” says Jack. “Last year, the total purse payout was $865,000, and we hope to grow the number every year.”
With a successful first year under their belts, 307 Horse Racing is excited about expanding their business on and off the track. Live horse racing is only one aspect of their business, with off track betting (OTB) locations and historical horse racing (HHR) games found across the state.
“The OTB facilities are all called The Derby Club brought to you by 307 Horse Racing. The first location opened in Gillette in the old Boot Hill, the second location opened in Sheridan in late January and a third location just opened in Casper,” says Jack.
HHR machines are electronic gambling machines allowing patrons to place wagers on races which have already taken place at tracks around the world.
“HHR and OTB generate enough income and cash flow to bring back live racing,” Jack explains.
307 Horse Racing history
307 Horse Racing was founded by the Greer family, who are longtime Wyoming natives and ranchers, and are no strangers to the horse racing industry. Jack’s parents met at the races, where they were both involved in the industry, his mother was a jockey and his father was an owner and trainer.
His grandparents on both sides were horse owners and trainers. Jack’s great-grandparents on his mother’s side were Lloyd and Jane Shelhamer, the founders and owners of United Tote, a wagering technology company.
The Greer’s saw an opportunity to expand Wyoming’s economic base by diversifying the agricultural roots which run deep within the state.
To get 307 Horse Racing up and going, the Greer family teamed up with Wyoming Employee Resource Capital and Services, a Wyoming financial services corporation committed to investing into Wyoming companies and businesses; with the intention of keeping profits within the state and continuing to reinvest those profits into other Wyoming companies. This means 307 Horse Racing is entirely owned and operated in Wyoming.
As a member of 307 First, whose mission is to keep money in the state and increase the economic base, 307 Horse Racing is passionate about making racing a thriving part of Wyoming’s economy.
“Horse racing in Wyoming is a tradition and an industry. We have been asked why we want these gaming businesses here,” says Jack. “We want gaming and racing in Wyoming to incentivize, protect and promote the horse racing industry.”
With a passion for the horse industry at heart, Jack hopes to attract more horses and professional horsemen to the area through the racing circuit.
“Wyoming is already the place to be for equine athletes and professionals in the summer, so we are hoping to attract even more people to the area with racing,” Jack says.
Wyoming-bred horses are getting an opportunity to shine through the 307 Horse Racing series, with over 30 percent of races last year being dedicated to Wyoming-bred horses.
Through these individualized races, 307 Horse Racing hopes to incentivize horse breeders within the state and bring more recognition to those who are successful.
Live horse racing can be found at the Energy Downs, brought to spectators by 307 Horse Racing, which is located at the Cam-Plex in Gillette.
To keep up to date on race schedules and activities, visit 307 Horse Racing on Facebook or their website, 307horseracing.com.
For activities and to find a Derby Club, visit derbyclubwy.com.
Tressa Lawrence is a corresponding writer for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
