CLAREMORE, Okla. (May 19, 2025) — The 2025 spring thoroughbred racing season is officially in the books at Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs with 225 races run over 28 days and nearly $15 million in wagers. Nearly one year after a tornado tore through the track, thoroughbreds returned in full force to the newly constructed barns with an increased average field size compared to the 2024 season.
“One of the biggest positives this season was how spread out the wins were across the board. We didn’t see only two or three big barns dominating the Winners’ Circle; almost every one won more than a few races. Even the trainer division was contentious from day one and went right down to the last race in determining the season’s leader,” said John Lies, racing secretary, announcer and oddsmaker at Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs.
A young colt named Mister Omaha stole the season spotlight from the more experienced horses as the most notable runner and was named the 2025 Horse of the Meet. Following an effortless victory in the Welder Stakes in March, his 18-length romp in the $55,000 Will Rogers Handicap for Oklahoma-bred 3-year-olds on Kentucky Derby Day came under a 127-pound high weight and was completed in one mile with ease.
“Mister Omaha is one to watch as he steps up to take on graded stakes outside of Oklahoma this year,” said Lies. “His win in the Will Rogers Handicap was a cut above the typical stakes-winning performances we expect in Claremore. Overall, it headlined our most shining moments in the stakes and handicap divisions this year.”
Joe Offolter, who trains Mister Omaha, earned leading trainer honors by one win over Eusebio Rufino with 14 wins from 67 starters. Bryan Hawk, who both owns and breeds Mister Omaha, was the leading owner with 10 wins, 13 seconds and four thirds from 48 overall runners, earning over $276,000.
Alfredo Triana Jr. finished as the leading jockey this season with 27 wins from 164 mounts, six more than runners-up Richard Eramia and Elvin Gonzalez.
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.