“When I first came here in 1986, the mural that is in the concourse, that shows the agriculture, horse racing, and presence of the fairs was here,” said Kotulak. Grand Island Casino Resort will cater to the horse racing audience and revive entertainment in Central Nebraska. She also says since it has been cut down to a horse racing season, a lot of people miss getting out to the races. Jacobi says across the state of Nebraska horse racing was a big deal. It’ll bring jobs and people and tourists, and it’ll be a good thing.” This is going to bring it all back I think. “The horse races seem to dying out some, which is really sad. “It will be great for the area,” said Lisa Jacobi. Residents also express their excitement for the casino’s potential. Kotulak says casinos have already had a positive effect on the state’s horse racing industry with large purse winnings in other areas nearby. I challenge anyone to differ with me on that.” There’s no racetrack that routinely sells out like Fonner Park does, period. “We were able to pull it off here at Fonner Park with smoke and mirrors, with the big party we have every Saturday at the races. “Without a doubt Nebraska thoroughbred racing was on its way out,” said Chris Kotulak, CEO at Fonner Park.
