You now have to pay $2 to watch horse racing at Marquis Downs

Saskatchewan's only horse racing track has introduced a $2 entry fee, partly in response to the growing number of spectators joining gamblers as they cheer on the thoroughbreds.

After years of opening its gates for free, Marquis Downs is now asking people 19 and older to pay an admission fee.

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Kristy Rempel, the marketing manager for Saskatoon's Prairieland Park, said the track had noticed a rising number of people coming to watch the horses without placing a bet.

"We don't get to make people bet more so this is one of those ways that we can continue to offer this as the entertainment option that it's now becoming, as opposed to so much the gaming piece that it was before," said Rempel.

She added that the club was not in "dire straits" but a certain budget was required to maintain a quality of racing that would continue to attract jockeys.

Mixed reaction

Rempel said the reaction to the new fee has been mixed.

"We do have a few people that are obviously not crazy happy about having to pay an admission but we actually have lots and lots of really great champions for Marquis Downs that understand why we might be [adding] this charge," she said.

"And lots of them want to see horse racing continue in Saskatchewan."

Rempel said Marquis Downs has also given its program a makeover, with a new magazine format that includes coupons and interviews with jockeys. The new program costs $5 and includes the cost of entry.

Racing starts Friday night at 6:35 p.m. CST, with more race meetings scheduled throughout the summer.