Copyright © 2005 NLThomas
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CLAREMORE, OKLAHOMA - Will Rogers Downs received initial approval for gaming and racing licenses from the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission at the commission’s September meeting. The licenses mean that Will Rogers Downs could open for electronic game and simulcast wagering in early November, after the commission officially offers WRD the license on October 20, with live horse racing meets to follow. The official opening of WRD for electronic game and simulcast wagering won’t be announced until the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission approves games for use at horse tracks, which has not yet happened.

“This is a big step forward for Will Rogers Downs,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, which owns WRD through its wholly-owned tribal corporation, Cherokee Nation Enterprises (CNE). “We are ready for Will Rogers Downs to once again make a significant impact on the economy in northeastern Oklahoma.”

Will Rogers Downs will run 42 days of racing in 2006, from February through May. Will Rogers Downs is also scheduled to run live racing in 2005, and those details are still being worked out with horsemen.

CNE has spent more than $2 million renovating WRD since purchasing the facility in 2004, including upgrades to the grandstand and simulcast areas and added a gaming room and a bar. WRD has also made significant improvements to the facility for horsemen by renovating the barns and improving the track surface.

CNE is a tribally owned corporation of the Cherokee Nation. CNE provides revenue to the Cherokee Nation in the form of a dividend. That money is used to help fund tribal health, education and housing programs.

CNE operates casinos in Catoosa, West Siloam Springs, Roland, Fort Gibson and Tahlequah, as well as Cherokee Outpost Convenience stores, Cherokee retail tobacco shops, a gift shop and two golf courses. CNE employs more than 2700 people in northeastern Oklahoma.

Related Cherokee Nation contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org