Copyright © 2006 NLThomas
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News from the Cherokee Nation, OK
Copyright © 2006 CNO
CLAREMORE, OKLAHOMA - For the first time in almost five years, the newly remodeled track at Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs will offer live horse racing.“We are excited to offer live racing at Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “This facility will make a significant impact on the economy in northeastern Oklahoma, which in turn will further assist in funding education as well as creating jobs in rural Oklahoma’s horse racing industry.”
The 42-day mixed meet, offering live horse racing every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until May 28, will include eight Thoroughbred races per day. For the first time in the history of the track, two or more Quarter Horse, Paint and Appaloosa races will be held each day. The purses for Thoroughbred races total $80,000 per day, with an additional $21,000 allocated for other races.
“By offering a variety of races each day, I am confident even casual horse race fans will come to Will Rogers Downs to watch the horses run,” said David Stewart, CEO of Cherokee Nation Enterprises, which operates Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs. “It’s an exciting time for everyone involved.”
Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs is three miles east of Claremore just off the Will Rogers Expressway on Hwy. 20. CNE purchased the facility in March 2004. The 236-acre complex is the product of more than $4.5 million in improvements, including the addition of 250 compacted electronic games.
The one-mile long track has been resurfaced, and nearly 200 stalls have been added to the 456 already available on site. The outdoor grandstand has been renovated with visible improvements in the restrooms, concession, and back of house areas.
A brand new “Dog Iron Saloon” has been added; featuring a wide variety of made to order items such as old-fashioned hamburgers, chicken wings, and fresh salads. The facility also features an entertainment stage offering live acts every Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
On days without live racing, two new simulcast rooms are available for guests to wager on other races across the nation. Dozens of television screens line the wall for easy viewing.
“The upgrades, new construction and the creation of almost 100 new jobs at the track is proof positive that the Cherokee Nation is committed to offering live horse racing for years to come,” said Stewart.
Normal hours of operation are from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs is also home to the largest recreational vehicle (RV) park in Oklahoma, boasting over 400 full hook-up rigs and a separate clubhouse for RV guests.
Cherokee Nation Enterprises is the retail, gaming, entertainment and hospitality business for the Cherokee Nation and operates casinos in Catoosa, Roland, West Siloam Springs, Fort Gibson and Tahlequah, as well as two Cherokee Outpost convenience stores, seven retail tobacco shops, two gift shops and two golf courses. The company employs more than 2,600 people across Green Country.
| Related Cherokee Nation contact information: |
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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 |
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 |