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The director of the North Dakota Racing Commission says he’s optimistic about this year’s horse racing season.
Live racing is underway at Chippewa Downs in Belcourt. The first races were held last weekend.
And the crowds?
"They're still down a little bit from two years ago," said Commissioner Director Jack Schultz. "They're up from last year, obviously, but down a little bit from 2019."
Schultz said he’s optimistic crowds will pick up as the meet continues.
Races at the North Dakota Horse Park in Fargo begin July 8th, and will be racing two days a week over four consecutive weeks. Schultz said he thinks those races will draw good crowds.