CLAREMORE, Okla. (November 19, 2024) — Following an unprecedented spring and summer for Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs, the American Quarter Horse Association has officially completed the 2024 fall racing season at the premier racing facility.
A total of 276 total races ran on 28 regularly scheduled days, starting on Sept. 9. Fifty races were with mixed (Paint and Appaloosa) horses and 226 with Quarter Horses. The season concluded on Nov. 12, with more than $4.2 million in wagers.
“Despite the challenges we faced following the May tornado that hit the property and impacted things like training, registration and barn space, we were able to execute a very successful season that included 67 different trainers and 29 different jockeys winning at least one race at the meet,” said John Lies, racing secretary, announcer and oddsmaker at Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs. “We’re proud that we had an average Quarter Horse field size of a strong 8.1 and traditions such as the AQHA Challenge Finals and Black Gold Championships went off without a hitch. This is proof of the resiliency of Will Rogers Downs and the staff that have worked hard to make this track a destination for the entire racing community.”
Relentless American, a 2-year-old gelding bred in Oklahoma by Tom and Bill Maher and trained by Jason Olmstead, was named Horse of the Meet for the 2024 season. The gelding was perfect in winning four starts, all under jockey Ramiro Garcia, including the Mystery Futurity in September and the Black Gold Futurity Championship in November, while banking $229,509 for owner Tom Maher.
Roman Cruz was named Jockey of the Meet for the second year in a row with 39 wins, 41 seconds and 23 thirds from 192 total mounts, generating a 20 percent win clip with 54 percent finishing in the money.
Trainer of the Meet honors were awarded to Jason Olmstead, trainer of Relentless American, who was able to turn the tables following a runner-up standing last fall. He notched divisional honors this season with 30 wins, nine seconds and 15 thirds from 98 total starters for an impressive 31 percent win clip with 55 percent in the money.
The leading Owners of the Meet were Double A Ranch Inc. in connection with trainer Raymond Gonzalez. After winning just four races last season, their 37 starters this year garnered 11 wins, seven seconds and five thirds to earn them top billing.
The racetrack at Will Rogers Downs will open again in the spring as it welcomes thoroughbred racing to Claremore.
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.