Live Racing Returns to Lone Star Park

1,400 thoroughbred horses to race this season in Grand Prairie

Live racing returns to Lone Star Park, and crews are busy one day before opening day.

The park has hired 1,500 seasonal employees to work during the 53 days of racing.

George McDermott, the director of track maintenance, has been working in the racetrack business for 37 years. He knows a thing or two about preparing the racetrack for a big day.

"It's a lot like a surgeon just before he does an operation," he said. "He's not sure what he's going to get into until he actually cuts it open."

This will be the Grand Prairie venue's 16th Spring Thoroughbred Season, with 1,400 horses racing. Lone Star Park's vice president and assistant general manager G.W. Hail said this would be the first full season under new ownership.

Global Gaming Solutions took over the track in May.

"We have some new facilities," Hail said. "We have a new attitude. We're excited about live racing and [a] new concert series -- nine concerts this year."

Randy Rogers Band will perform on Friday night, and Gary Allen will take the stage Saturday.

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