CLAREMORE, Okla. (Feb. 26, 2025) — Thoroughbreds are officially back on the track as Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs welcomes the 2025 spring racing season to Claremore. The season runs from Monday, March 3, through Wednesday, May 14.
The 28-day season includes a total of seven stakes races, including the return of the Blue Ribbon and Welder stakes. Daily races will post at 1:15 p.m. every Monday and Tuesday, select Wednesdays and Saturday, May 3, during the simulcast of the Kentucky Derby. Daily average purses are estimated at $170,000, with raises in the handicap, maiden and allowance categories.
“Horsemen are anxious to get back to racing at WRD this spring. Last season we inaugurated the Blue Ribbon and Welder stakes races for Oklahoma-bred 3-year-olds in March that were well received. They are back on the schedule, and we’ve added a pair of overnight handicap races for those same horses to run back in April,” said John Lies, racing secretary, announcer and oddsmaker at Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs. “The atmosphere provided by the on-track crowd on Kentucky Derby Day was undoubtedly one of the highlights here last spring, and we look forward to live racing on that day again this year.”
Will Rogers Downs features all new barns this spring, after a tornado following the 2024 season heavily damaged the property. The barns were completed earlier this year and are already at capacity for the season.
“Spring is such an exciting time for us as we gear up for the new season at Will Rogers Downs. It’s incredible to see the resiliency of this property and the hard work put in by the staff to build it back more beautiful than ever,” said Danielle Barber, executive director of the Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma. “We can’t wait to welcome fans, owners and trainers for what promises to be an outstanding season.”
Stakes races begin on March 17 with the running of the $50,000 guaranteed Blue Ribbon Stakes. A $50,000 purse is also guaranteed on the next day with the Welder Stakes.
The $55,000 guaranteed purses are available on March 24 with the Miranda Diane Stakes and on March 25 with the TRAO Classic Sprint. The Wilma Mankiller Stakes on April 14 and the Highland Ice Stakes on April 15 will both feature $50,000 guaranteed purses. Stakes wrap on May 6 with the $55,000 guaranteed More Than Even Stakes.
With more than 250 games, live music, heart-pounding horse racing action and impeccable service, Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs is your source of entertainment. The casino and track are both located three miles east of Claremore on Hwy. 20. For more information, visit www.cherokeecasino.com and click on the Will Rogers Downs tab, or call (918) 283-8800.