TVR previously submitted a bid for the lease, but was rejected on March 15 by the commissioners based on financial terms. TVR was the only group to register and submit a bid during an April 1 public auction to operate Les Bois Park.

The lease agreement now means TVR can move forward to acquiring licenses and permits needed to return live horse racing to Les Bois Park this year.

“We are looking forward to having live horse racing back at Les Bois Park,” Ada County commission chairman Rick Yzaguirre said in a press release. “The process of finding a qualified operator for this facility has had many ups and downs over the years and I am happy to say that it appears racing finally is ready to make its return to Ada County. We wish Treasure Valley Racing much success in its new venture.”

Capital Racing operated Les Bois Park through the 2008 season, then ask to terminate its lease with the county. Idaho Entertainment was awarded the lease to operate Les Bois Park in the summer of 2009, but could not reach a contract with the Idaho Horsemen’s Benevolence & Protective Association (IHBPA), which represents race horse owners. Without that contract, Idaho Entertainment could not hold live races, and asked to terminate its lease with Ada County at the beginning of this year.

A date when live horse racing will return to Les Bois Park is yet to be determined.

Recently the IHBPA, Idaho Quarter Horse Association, Intermountain Horseracing Association, and Intermountain Racing & Entertainment, led a letter-writing campaign supporting TVR as the operator of Les Bois Park, and stressing the importance of live racing at Les Bois Park to the state of Idaho.