MISSOULA, MT - April 22, 2011 - People looking to put money on ponies at the Western Montana Fair, may not get their chance this year. Steve Earle, Missoula County Fairgrounds Director, needs to find a new operator for the races by May 1, 2011. 

There was a boom in attendance and betting at last year's fair. The two days of racing brought in a handle of $243,000. This year's races are scheduled to run on August 12 and 13.

"It’s going to take a dedicated group, who's willing to invest just a little bit of money. That has a passion for live racing in Montana," said Ryan Sherman, Executive Secretary for the Montana Board of Horse Racing.

The MBHR will moderate negotiations between the two parties. If they reach a deal, the operators need to find sponsors to pay for the estimated $10,000 - $12,000 daily cost of running the meets. The fairground's staff is responsible for preparing and maintaining the track.

"With Great Falls deciding not to run this year because they couldn't come up with a suitable contract for both parties. I think that opens up a door of even more of a necessity to run racing on the western slope in both Missoula and Kalispell. There’s a pretty good shot that Missoula will have racing again this year," said Sherman.