Rating:

0.0 (0 votes)

MISSOULA- "I'll Have Another" crossed the finish line first in Saturday's running of the Preakness Stakes and that made some Missoula betters very happy.

Simulcast racing returned to Montana just a few days ago and bettors crowded into the Katie O'Keefe casino, one of seven locations in the state of Montana to have simulcast racing to catch the big race.

The return of the simulcast after being put on hold for about six months caused for some anxious and excited bettors.

"The most exciting thing about having simulcast back? Look around. That's what it is. This is something that people want," Montana Board of Horse Racing Chairman Dale Malhum observed.

"It's exciting to be back up with action and it's put a lot of people back to work and we're happy about that," Bruce Micklus added.

Simulcast racing takes place in Missoula at the Katie O'Keefe Casino Thursday through Sunday.

Meanwhile a Kalispell bar is now giving Flathead residents the opportunity to bet on live horse races going on all over the country, with the action returning to the screens at Scotty's Bar and Restaurant last week.

Owner Karla Levengood says that up until January 1, 2012 the races had been running live for three years at her bar and added she's very grateful to the people who worked to bring it back because it's also helped bring back customers.

"We've got a great following of people that love to bet on the horses. It's kind of a small family in itself. It's just nice to have some more good clean fun to add the bar-along with the casino, restaurant, and bar. It's nice to add to our establishment," Levengood said.

Simulcast racing will also air Thursdays through Sundays at Scotty's bar in Kalispell.