And They are off in Siouxland, Atokad Race Track, South Sioux City, NE

Jockeys urge their mounts toward the finish line and first place during a live horse race which took place at the Atokad Race Track in South Sioux City, NE seen Saturday, July 10, 2021. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Once a year in Siouxland a local horse racing track holds live races. Because of a gaming law in the state of Nebraska and refusal of a certain “ruling” political class, proponents of casinos and live horse racing have faced an uphill battle to once again allow it to flourish. It’s probably a certainty that money and politics are involved in denying the venture, as it is in allowing the venture. What aspects of life these days isn’t affected by those two “virtues”.

But it’s impressive to actually witness the racing live rather than watching it on TV. While at Atokad Race Track the crowds are not huge, they still enjoy watching these animals and their riders sprint for the finish line.

An attendee films one of the live horse races which took place at the Atokad Race Track in South Sioux City, NE seen Saturday, July 10, 2021. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A crowd watches the finish of one live horse race which took place at the Atokad Race Track in South Sioux City, NE seen Saturday, July 10, 2021. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

The animals are probably up early with trainers stretching their legs before being paraded in front of the spectators and getting into the starting gates. Waiting for their chance to run full out and best their competition.

Jockeys prepare to mount their entries for a live horse race which took place at the Atokad Race Track in South Sioux City, NE seen Saturday, July 10, 2021. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Jockeys and horse handlers ready another race group of horse for live horse racing which took place at the Atokad Race Track in South Sioux City, NE seen Saturday, July 10, 2021. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

But the track also hosts small fun events like bouncy houses for kids and a crazy hat competition open to all ages. The crowd cheers and claps and help the judges choose the likely winners. All for an afternoon of entertainment that has to be seen in person rather than on a screen. And despite those years when inclement weather cancels or impedes the races, people still enjoy coming to the track and watching the compeition.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Participants for the crazy hat contest during the three live horse races taking place at the Atokad Race Track in South Sioux City, NE seen Saturday, July 10, 2021. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

People take selfies during a live horse race at the Atokad Race Track in South Sioux City, NE seen Saturday, July 10, 2021. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Jockeys urge their mounts to the finish line during a live horse race at the Atokad Race Track in South Sioux City, NE seen Saturday, July 10, 2021. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)