Fonner Files: New Year, New Wagers For 'Little Track That Could'
Fonner Park CEO Chris Kotulak shares slices of life from the Grand Island, Neb., racetrack throughout the 2022 meet in the Fonner Files.
“The Little Track That Could” begins its 69th season of Thoroughbred horse racing on Saturday, Feb. 19.
Fonner Park, in Grand Island, Neb., gained that fitting nickname when it successfully raced through the original COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. Fonner again attempts the uncertain when it becomes the only racetrack in North America to offer the Omni bet. Also known as a swinger bet, the wager is essentially a show quinella.
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A bettor must correctly select at least two horses to finish in the top three placings. A two-horse Omni bet has three possible winning combinations: first and second, first and third, or second and third. At least two horses must be selected.
The minimum Omni wager amount is $2 and there is a 15 percent takeout. If three selected horses finish in the top three, the payoff is the combined total of all three winning combination payoffs.
“We know there will be some initial interest and if there is sufficient action we’ll keep it,” said Fonner Park CEO Chris Kotulak. “We all don’t have the same tastebuds, and any chef will tell you that items don’t make it to the menu unless you try them first as a daily special.”
The wager startup cost was sponsored and presented by Pat O’Neill, a Fonner Park director and local business owner.