Nine trials are on tap for Friday for the 330-yard division of the Black Gold Futurity. These trials will include some of the best two-year-old Quarter Horses currently running in Oklahoma, Robin Akers, BRD marketing director, said.
Saturday's events will include the first running of the Jack Hammer Memorial Handicap for Thoroughbreds running five furlongs. Akers said the handicap is run in honor of Jack Hammer, long-time Blue Ribbon Downs trainer. Many of Hammer's family members will be on hand to commemorate the inaugural running of the race.
Upcoming events at BRD for the month of August will include the finals of the Black Gold Futurity for the 330-yard division, the trials of the Oklahoma Futurity and Derby for Quarter Horses, the Pot-O-Gold Futurity for Paints, the Oklahoma Frontier Futurity featuring Appaloosas, and the 18th running of the Judge Faulkner Handicap, which will pit the Thoroughbreds against each other, Akers said.
Also on the calendar for August will be Blue Ribbon Downs' 20th anniversary celebration set for Aug. 27, 28, and 29. BRD will also be honoring five "20-year employees" on anniversary weekend. BRD is the oldest pari-mutuel racetrack in Oklahoma. Akers said a pictorial history of the track will be on display in the clubhouse for the month of August in honor of BRD's 20 years.
BRD's fall meet will begin Friday and will finish up with Breeder's Cup Day on Oct. 30. Special live racing and the finals of the Oklahoma Futurity and Derby are scheduled on Labor Day, which is Sept. 6. Post time for live racing is at 1 p.m. Admission is still $2, and clubhouse seating is $3.50 per person. Special rates are also available for groups. For more information about racing at BRD, check out BRD's Web site at www.blueribbondowns.net or call the track office at (918) 775-7771.
