Horse Racing in Texas
Today, Texas's active tracks are Gillespie County Fairgrounds (Fredericksburg), Lone Star Park (Grand Prairie), Retama Park (San Antonio) and Sam Houston Race Park (Houston).
In 2019, the Texas Legislature honored this special legacy by enacting HB 2463, dedicating a portion of sales tax proceeds from horse-related products to be invested back into the horse industry through the Horse Industry Escrow Account (HIEA).
At its peak in 2002: Texas racing businesses competed for $45.4 million in purses
With the creation of the Texas Lottery in 1992, competition significantly increased amongst entertainment sectors bidding for the in-state gambling dollar.
While lottery tickets are available from countless vendors across Texas, pari-mutuel wagering is only allowed on-site at Texas horse tracks.
Texas horse breeding and racing industries have also been severely impacted by neighboring states using casino gaming revenues to boost purses for their racing and breeding industries.
Prior to the passage of HB 2463, Texas had seen a loss of horse owners, breeders, trainers, and supporting jobs to states with higher financial incentives. As purses and breeder awards declined, the number of horses bred in Texas followed suit.
HORSE COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT | ELGIN,TX
Texas horse businesses have experienced a dramatic increase in activity due to the recent reinvestment of dollars back into the industry. Businesses that once left due to low participation levels are starting to return, Texas horse sales have hit all-time highs, and horse event participation has grown significantly.
“I've been involved with the Texas horse business for decades, and we've seen what a strong racing industry can look like here. We've also seen how bad things can get when we just don't have the same tools to compete with surrounding states. Our livelihoods are tied to the horses - they are the core of our businesses, and the more horses we have in Texas, the stronger our industry gets. With the state reinvesting dollars from horse related items back into the industry, I'd say that the future is bright for our Texas horse businesses."
- Dr. Tommy Hays, DVM, Elgin Veterinary Hospital
The quality of Texas's racing is important to the bottom line. Higher-quality horses attract more race fans to Texas tracks, but also from around the nation. The more fans - and the more that is bet on the races - the more the purses can grow. As purses grow, higher-level trainers and higher quality horses come to compete, and the entire industry begins to spiral upward.