Despite midday rain and constant threats of thunderstorms, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie attracted 41,087 customers through its turnstiles for live horse racing and post-race fireworks on July 3-4.

The two-day total for the 11th annual Lone Stars & Stripes Fireworks Celebration was a 7.1% increase from the 38,353 on comparable dates in 2006.

Wednesday's final count was 25,040 - the largest crowd at Lone Star Park since 53,717 attended the 2004 Breeders' Cup World Championships. It also ranked ninth all-time in track history.

On Tuesday, the crowd was 16,047.

"We were thrilled with the large turnout, especially with the record rainfall and severe flooding in the area," said Lone Star Park President & General Manager Drew Shubeck. "A great 11-year partnership with the City of Grand Prairie has made the Lone Stars & Stripes Fireworks Celebration two of the most attended racing days each Spring Thoroughbred Season."

More than 25 inches of rain has fallen in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since Lone Star Park's Spring Thoroughbred Season opened April 12. More rain fell Thursday afternoon, making the main track "muddy" by post time. Turf races were switched to the main track, bringing the total number of lost turf races to 53.

The condition of the main track and turf course has been labeled "fast and firm" on only 22 of the 52 race dates. The rainfall that has soaked the area for the last three weeks is expected to remain persistent through Sunday.

Live racing continues through July 29.