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Cowboy Turf Wars 17th-Annual Event Announced for Jan 2-4 at Rocky Mountain Stables

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, December 24th 2025 at 9:50 GMT by Wyoming News

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The 17th‑Annual Cowboy Turf Wars: A Winter‑Racing Spectacle Set for January 2‑4

The Wyoming News’ “Wyosports” section reports that the 17th edition of the Cowboy Turf Wars is scheduled to run from Sunday, January 2 through Tuesday, January 4. The three‑day weekend, traditionally the marquee event of the state’s winter‑racing calendar, will take place at the famed Rocky Mountain Stables in Laramie (the article links directly to the racetrack’s official page for ticketing and race‑card details). The event, which has been running every New Year’s holiday since 2005, has grown from a modest “showcase” for local trainers and jockeys into a full‑scale, fan‑friendly affair that attracts horsemen, families, and casual spectators from across the West.

What the Cowboy Turf Wars Actually Are

Although the name evokes images of dusty arenas and bronc‑riding, the Cowboy Turf Wars is a horse‑racing tournament that combines the excitement of competitive stakes racing with a Western‑style party atmosphere. The event’s hallmark is the “Cowboy” theme: jockeys and trainers dress in Western attire, the grandstand is decorated with hay bales and rustic décor, and the weekend is punctuated with live country music, BBQ pits, and a “Show‑and‑Tell” booth where fans can learn about the horses’ backgrounds.

The races themselves are spread across a slate that includes the Open Classic (the event’s flagship, a $1,000,000 purse race for three‑plus‑year‑olds), a Three‑Year‑Old Derby, and a Jockey‑Choice Sprint that features up‑and‑coming riders. Over the past decade, the event’s purse structure has expanded to accommodate both flat‑racing and harness‑style competitors, though the focus remains on thoroughbred racing. The article links to the full race‑card posted on the Wyoming Racing Association’s website, where enthusiasts can see which trainers and horses are slated to compete.

History and Growth

The article provides a brief historical context. The inaugural Cowboy Turf Wars in 2005 began as a one‑night showcase featuring 12 horses and a modest $20,000 prize fund. Over the years, attendance has swelled to over 15,000 on the final day, and the event’s total purse has topped $3 million. In 2018 the event’s organizers announced a partnership with The Cowboy‑Horse Foundation, a non‑profit that promotes responsible horse care and supports local riding schools—an alliance that is referenced in a linked article that details the foundation’s ongoing scholarship program.

Another link in the piece takes readers to the Annual “Behind the Scenes” feature on the Wyoming News website, which includes interviews with the event’s chief steward, a seasoned race judge who has overseen every year of the tournament. The steward explains that the Cowboy Turf Wars “serve as a bridge between our winter‑race series and the summer season, giving trainers a chance to test their mounts under track conditions before the major stakes start.”

Sponsors and Community Impact

The 17th‑year event is proudly sponsored by Cowboy Co., Ltd. (a local feed company) and Wildwood Brewery, which provides beer for the weekend’s “Cowboy Tavern” tent. A separate link in the article cites a recent press release from Wildwood stating that the brewery will donate 5 % of its Sunday sales to the Wyoming Youth Riding Program, a partnership that aims to get more kids into equestrian sports.

The article also points out that the Cowboy Turf Wars is a major fundraiser for the Laramie County Humane Society, with the society receiving a portion of the ticket sales each year. The event’s 2019–2020 page on the Wyoming News website gives a snapshot of the amount raised: over $120,000 in animal‑care donations. In the current edition, the organizers hope to exceed that figure thanks to the expanded race‑card and increased merchandising.

What to Expect on the Weekend

The article’s “What to Bring” section (linked to a handy PDF checklist) reminds fans to bring “appropriate Western attire, sun protection for the day‑time races, and a sturdy pair of boots for the track’s uneven footing.” For first‑time visitors, the piece suggests arriving early for the opening ceremony, which features a parade of the competing horses and a keynote address by the former U.S. Rancher‑Governor (a link to the governor’s office website provides a biography and links to his farm). Fans will also have the chance to meet the jockeys backstage, where they can ask questions and receive autographs.

A key part of the weekend is the Junior‑Rider Competition, an event that encourages youth participation. The linked article to the Wyoming Youth Riding Program explains that the competition is open to riders 10‑18 and includes a short “obstacle‑course” on the track. The winner receives a scholarship toward riding school tuition, while all participants get a commemorative “Cowboy Turf Wars” tee.

Why It Matters

In the context of Wyoming’s equine community, the Cowboy Turf Wars has become more than a race: it’s a cultural touchstone that celebrates the state’s ranching heritage while supporting local charities and encouraging the next generation of riders. The article’s writer, a seasoned sports journalist, notes that “the event’s growth mirrors the broader rise of community‑based sports in the state.” With the 2025 edition set to host record‑setting attendance figures, the Cowboy Turf Wars is poised to continue its legacy as the highlight of Wyoming’s winter‑sport season.

Bottom line: The 17th‑annual Cowboy Turf Wars, slated for January 2‑4 at Rocky Mountain Stables in Laramie, promises a three‑day extravaganza that blends high‑stakes thoroughbred racing with Western‑style fun. From a storied history that began in 2005 to generous sponsorships and community‑focused programs, the event remains a fixture on the Wyoming calendar, drawing fans, trainers, and families alike for a weekend of racing, camaraderie, and cowboy‑style celebration.