Blue Ribbon Downs in Sallisaw owned by the Choctaw Nation under the name Backstretch LLC, requested a 60-day meet in 2005. The Cherokee Nation, which purchased Will Rogers Downs from Cottonwood Racing LLC in Claremore in March, requested a new license for 12 racing days between Nov. 5 and Dec. 11.
Remington Park in Oklahoma City is asking for 98 days and Fair Meadows in Tulsa requested 28 days for two fair meets next year.
OHRC Executive Director Gordon Hare said that some of the dates requested at Will Rogers Downs overlap with eight days at Remington Park.
John Parris, U.S. Justice Department attorney, said he suspected the delay may be related to the question over the tribes' sovereign immunity, which would preclude lawsuits against the tribe-owned tracks. Although the tribes verbally agreed to forego the immunity, Parris said it needed to be spelled out in writing.
The OHRC's next meeting will be Aug. 19 at Blue Ribbon Downs.
The Choctaw Nation continues to make improvements at Blue Ribbon Downs, including reworking the racetrack, upgrading the clubhouse and construction of new barns.
Cherokee Nation officials said the Cherokees initial investment in Will Rogers Downs is $1 million. They anticipate another $2.7 million in improvements if a bill to allow electronic gaming at three of the four racetracks is approved by voters in the Nov. 2 general election. The bill, if approved, would also give the state regulatory control over Indian gaming. Proceeds from the gaming are earmarked for education by Gov. Brad Henry.
Fair Meadows will not offer electronic gaming if State Question 712 is passed, but will share in the profits from area Indian-owned casinos.
Debbie Schauf, Oklahoma Quarter Horse Racing Association executive director, spoke in favor of racing at Will Rogers Downs. She noted that Fair Meadows, has between 400 and 500 attempted entries per day, but can only run about 120 horses per day.
Schauf noted that re-opening Will Rogers Downs would open the job market and improve economic development growth.
Ron Canady, Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma executive director, said licensing Will Rogers Downs would expand opportunities for Thoroughbred racing.
