Lariat Productions, owners and operators of Les Bois Park, has signed a record five-year contract with the Idaho HPBA, which represents all breeds in the State." We are extremely pleased with the contract extension and the vote of confidence both parties have show in each other," said Les Bois Park chief financial officer Lanae Jones. " Les Bois Park and the horseman have never had a five-year agreement. This lays the ground work for improved live racing and capital improvements to the both the backside and front side."One area of inspection that has already begun, as les Bois Park moves into its final weekend of live racing, is the racetrack itself."Soil samples have been sent out to specialized lab in Davis, California" Jones continued. "We'll receive the results back and make any adjustments, if needed, prior to the running of the 2004 season."The agreement also opens the door for Les Bois Park to begin simulcasting its "live" Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing to off track wagering centers throughout North America."With sending out our signal to other facilities and generating additional mutuel handle," Jones explained, "we will be able to enhance our purse schedule that in turn will create better racing for the wagering public."The $1.7 million dollars paid in purses for the 46-day live 2003 meeting is a record at Les Bois Park.Also in the cards at Les Bois Park is the possibility of racing under the lights.
"We will be looking into the feasibility of adding lights for night racing" Jones said. "With night racing we would be able to start later, race when it's cooler and have a better chance of slotting our export signal to outside simulcast sites."Twelve Idaho Cup Stakes races both Saturday and Sunday highlight closing weekend at Les Bois Park. Also Saturday is a silent auction with over 200 items, benefiting the Marla Loveland Fund.