Racing Seasons/Promotions:

Quarter Horse Races

August 20 – October 15

Friday Post Time: 5:30pm

Saturday and Sunday Post Time: 1:00pm

With their rapid acceleration over short distances, Quarter Horses are the world-class sprinters of the equine world.

Download a PDF of our full racing calendar.

Thoroughbred Races

The 2016 Thoroughbred season is now over.

Please check back as we will announce the 2017 Thoroughbred season at a later date.

Featured Racing Events:

Special Race Days & Events

Sept2016_RegionalChallengeFinals_WebAccordionImage

Special Race Days & Events
October 13 | Post Time 5:30pm
October 15 | Championship Day | Post Time 1pm

Family Days at the Races

Family Days at the Races

Each event will feature different children’s activities such as spin art, balloon animals, Princess party appearances and more!

October 9

Anyone can sponsor a race. Benefits include a race named in honor of your group or organization, a photo near the Winner’s Circle, recognition of your race in the program, your name on the in-field board, and a personal message read by our track announcer. You’ll also get six racing programs. These are a great way to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, corporate outings and other special occasions. To sign up, click here.

*Requests must be submitted at least one week before desired race sponsorship date.

Today’s Live Racing/Entries:

Today's Entries

Handicappers Corner

If you need a little help trying to pick a winner or you want to know what the handicappers think about a horse, you’ll find free selections from local experts each race day here on the Gold Sheet!

The Gold Sheet – September 25

The Gold Sheet – September 24

The Gold Sheet – September 23

Tipster's Picks

Get the latest thinking on how a particular horse will run and race analysis from local handicappers who follow the field. Click here to view our Tipster’s Picks.

Racing News

Forty-Two Runners Enter Regional Challenge Final Races

Prairie Meadows Opens 2016 Quarter Horse Season August 20, Saturday’s Opening Day Keokuk Stakes Draws 12 Runners

Governor Terry Branstad to be inducted into the Prairie Meadows Hall of Fame

Prairie Meadows Stable Area Open To Horses Shipping From Ruidoso Downs

2016 Quarter Horse Stall Applications Due Thursday July 7

2016 Iowa Festival Of Racing Nominations Close With 211 Horses Named

Prairie Meadows Changes Equine Herpesvirus Policy Effective Immediately

First 2016 Quarter Horse Condition Book Released, Stall Applications Available And Due Thursday, July 7

Prairie Meadows Restrictions Lifted

Prairie Meadows Unveils Significant Upgrades For 2016 Live Racing Season

Deadlines Quickly Approaching For Prairie Meadows Owners And Trainers

Prairie Meadows Sets Equine Health Policies to Begin 2016 Racing Season

Prairie Meadows Sets Live Racing Calendar And Schedule For 2016

First Thoroughbred Condition Book And Stall Applications Available

Simulcasting

Ones to Watch

Plan your weekend of simulcast race wagering with one of these major races from around the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does live horse racing season begin?

Our racetrack is open between April and October during the racing season.

Can I bring my child to the racetrack?

Children under 18 are welcome if accompanied by an adult. However, no one under the age of 21 is allowed to access the casino floor, located on Level 2.

How do you place a bet on a race?

Just follow these 5 easy steps:

State the name of the track.
Give the teller the number of the race you’re betting on.
State the amount you wish to wager. ($2 is the minimum)
Tell them the type of wager you’d like to make.
Give them the number of the horse as listed in your program. Here’s an example: “Prairie Meadows, third race, two dollars, to win, on number five.”

Does Prairie Meadows charge for admission or parking?

Admission is free for all of our live horse racing events with both indoor and outdoor seating. Parking is also free and includes handicap spaces and valet parking—and for your convenience, a shuttle is accessible from the parking lot that will take you to the main entrance.

How do I pick a horse?

To keep it simple and easy, you may want to pick your favorite number or color, a name you like, or the horse you connect with. More advanced strategies include looking at things like bloodlines, past performances, and track conditions. The more times you wager, the more you’ll get to know these strategies.

I am interested in sponsoring a race. What does that include? How do I sponsor?

Anyone can pay to sponsor a race. Benefits include having your name/photo displayed on the Big Screen, your name in racing program, a personal message read by the track announcer, and your picture in the winner’s circle. These are a great way to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, corporate outings and other special occasions. To sign up, click here.

Where can I find information on race times?

You can view our racing calendar here for race days, post times, and special racing events occurring throughout the season here at Prairie Meadows!

What are the basic wagers you can make on a race?

A “Win” bet means you bet a horse to win, so you win if your horse finishes first. Making a “Place” bet means you win if your horse finishes first or second. When you bet a horse to “Show”, you win if your horse finishes first, second or third.

What days do the horses race?

Thoroughbreds race Thursday – Sunday and Quarter Horses race Friday – Sunday.

2016 Wagering Formats

What wagers are offered on live racing, and what are the takeouts and minimums?

WAGER	TAKEOUT	MINIMUM
W-P-S	17%	$2.00
Exacta	20%	$2.00 Straight/$1.00 Wheels/Boxes
Quinella	20%	$2.00 Straight/$2.00 Wheels/Boxes
Daily Double	20%	$2.00 Straight/$1.00 Wheels
Trifecta	23%	$2.00 Straight/$1.00 Wheels/Boxes
Pick 3	19%	$2.00 Straight/$1.00 Wheels
Pick 4	15%	$0.50 Straight/$1.00 Wheels
Superfecta	20%	$0.10 Straight/$0.10 Wheels/Boxes
Pick 5	15%	$0.50 Straight/$0.50 Wheels
Pentafecta	15%	$0.50 Straight/$0.50 Wheels/Boxes

Getting Started

The 2016 Live Thoroughbred Season is from April 28 through August 13.

The 2016 Live Quarter Horse Season is from August 20 through October 15.

The 2016 Full Season Racing Calendar

EHV-1 Policy for 2016 Thoroughbred Meet

Piroplasmosis Test Requirement for Quarter Horses & Quarter Horse Meet Pony Horses

EHV-1 Policy for 2016 Quarter Horse Meet

Iowa Racing & Gaming Commission Licensing

Iowa Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association

Iowa Quarter Horse Racing Association

Iowa HBPA

Horsemen’s Bookkeeper Wire Transfer Request – (Note: $14 processing charge for wire transfers)

Racing Personnel

Racing Department Contact Information

Derron Heldt

Director of Racing
(515) 967-8508

Pat Pope

Thoroughbred Racing Secretary
(515) 967-1204

Chad Keller

Quarter Horse Racing Secretary
(515) 957-3027

Martha Miller

Racing Administrative Assistant
(515) 967-1205

Jack Coady

Track Photographer
(515) 967-1381

Lori Thornburg

Horsemen’s Bookkeeper
(515) 967-1298

Thoroughbred Meet

Entries

Summary Results

Stall Application

2016 Thoroughbred Meet Info Sheet

2016 Thoroughbred Meet Training Hours Schedule

EHV-1 Policy for 2016 Thoroughbred Season

Thoroughbred OwnerView

Condition Book

Stakes Schedule

Stakes Nomination Lists

Nomination PP’s

Workouts

Overnights

Scratches & Program Changes

Charts

Claims Report

Spanish Link

Current Meet Leading Jockeys/Trainers/Owners/Horses

Quarter Horse Futurity/Derby Nomination Forms & Lists

Information on 2016 I.Q.H.R.A. & Prairie Meadows Quarter Horse Futurities and Derbies is now available.

***PIROPLASMOSIS TESTING REQUIREMENTS FOR 2016***

***EHV-1 Policy For 2016 Quarter Horse Race Meet***

Please send nomination, sustaining, and late payments to I.Q.H.R.A. for the following races:

Please send nomination, sustaining, and late payments to Clerk of Course, Prairie Meadows for the following races:

QUARTER HORSE FUTURITY / DERBY NOMINATION LISTS

Please Note: For nomination information to any of the Regional Challenge races, please contact AQHA/Racing Challenge Hotline at (877)-222-7223.