The recent opening of the Horse Palace Gateway in Evanston has boosted the local economy through the expanding horse racing industry. Ranchers and veterinarians report increased business and investment in equine services. This development is drawing horses and revenue from other states into Uinta County.
Evanston, Wyoming, is experiencing an equine economic surge driven by the horse racing sector. Wyoming Horse Racing LLC recently opened the Horse Palace Gateway, contributing to new businesses and revitalized local commerce. Uinta County rancher Jack Sims noted the transformation: “When I first came here, there was nothing at all... Now, however, Sims is seeing signs of new life. New restaurants have opened, new businesses have opened."
The growth stems from increased demand for hay, feed, and related services. Sims, who runs McKenzie Bloodstock, anticipates his income from hay sales to reach about $300,000 this year, up from minimal earnings previously. He attributes this to over 300 brood mares in the Wyoming breeding program around Evanston, which is attracting horses from states like Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. Historical horse racing's parimutuel wagering has created a prize kitty of $10 to $11 million for Wyoming-bred horses this year, according to Eugene Joyce, owner of Wyoming Horse Racing LLC.
The ripple effects extend to veterinary care. Sam Nielsen, a local veterinarian, reported that his equine patients tripled last year, with revenue from equine services also tripling and expected to rise another 20% this year. To meet demand, Nielsen is constructing a new equine hospital, dubbed a "mare motel," featuring 40 heated stalls and an aquatread machine—an underwater treadmill for horse rehabilitation and conditioning. “It’s a super nice piece of equipment, which we don’t have nearby,” Nielsen said.
Joyce emphasized the outward focus of his facilities to bring external revenue into Wyoming. The Horse Palace Gateway is projected to generate over $1 million for Uinta County and another $1 million for the city of Evanston. An economic impact study for 2024 pegged the industry's contribution at $275 million, with estimates suggesting over $300 million when including 2025 and 2026 data. Future phases include a hotel, conference center, and theater to position the site as an entertainment destination.