The 14th season of live horse racing at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino opens this week, signaling the beginning of months of entertainment and economic impact to the area. A report released last month by Ames Economic Associates shows that horse racing, horse breeding and horse-racing tourism in Iowa annually generates $252.5 million in direct and indirect sales and provides 3,261 jobs in Iowa. Live racing at Prairie Meadows alone, the report indicates, supports 216 direct jobs and 474 total jobs during the racing season and stimulates an additional $5.3 million in tourism and indirect spending in the Des Moines area annually. Purses paid to the nation’s first combination Thoroughbred racetrack and slot machine casino represent 38 percent of the horse-production-related incomes of Iowa horse owners and racers. Mary Lou Coady, public relations specialist for Prairie Meadows, spoke with the Business Record about the upcoming season.

Q: When does the live horse-racing season begin?

A: Post time for the first race of the Thoroughbred meeting is 6:45 p.m. on Friday, April 18. There will be nine races that day, including a $50,000-purse race, the Goldfinch. On Saturday, the Golden Circle Stakes, another $50,000-purse race, will be held. The Thoroughbred meting will be 52 days this season; 48 days for the quarter horse stakes (mixed meet); and the harness meet will last 17 days after that.

Q: What kind of promotions will be in place for opening weekend?

A: We’re going to have the Budweiser Clydesdales, the Bud Girls and live music onhand. We will also be continuing a drawing for a 50th anniversary convertible Corvette. We have several other prizes and offerings, too. Also, during the season we will be offering free stable tours to the public every Friday at 9 a.m. and on Saturday mornings by appointment. The public can meet at the South Club entrance and ride a shuttle of the grounds and see the morning routines of trainers. People who want know more about horses and racing will learn a lot back there. It’s a lot of fun.

Q: What makes a good race?

A: Horses competing against each other at their level. Nothing beats a real close race.

Q: What is the state of the horse industry in Iowa?

A: Iowa is the second or third leading state in the country for its increase in foals (young male and female horses) born. It’s an industry that has grown tremendously in a 10-year period, measured between 1991 and 2001. During that time, the number of foals born in Iowa increased 155 percent. Now that the Polk County referendum passed, it looks like horsebreeding is here to stay and help the state, as well as our organization.

Q: Are people surprised by the quality of the horse industry in Iowa?

A: I think they are. Most people don’t realize what’s here. It’s hard to qualify when you can’t see it just in one spot.