Robin Akers, the racetrack director of marketing, said a horsemen's rally is scheduled for Friday evening with a barbecue dinner and a fundraiser planned for State Question 712. The question, which will be on the November general election ballot, will allow three of the state's racetracks to offer electronic gaming if approved. The proposed legislation would also allow the state to regulate Indian gaming and take a portion of the gambling profits which will be used for education. Also, horsemen will get a portion of the profits from gaming at the racetracks, and they argue the gaming will stabilize and improve the stumbling racing industry in the state, saving both jobs and racehorse-related industries.
Proponents of State Question 712, which is known as The Education and Jobs Referendum, also argue that gambling in the state will continue whether the proposition is approve or not because various Indian tribes operate over 80 casinos in the state at the present time. The state question, if approved, will allow the state to have a portion of the proceeds to support education and the horseracing industry, they argue, and at the same time allow the state to regulate gambling.
The rally is sponsored by the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Racing Association, which serves as the horsemen's representative at Blue Ribbon Downs.
A silent auction will be held during the evening to raise money to promote support for the state question. The auction will include a hand-made coffee table by Mike Cusimano, horse tack and horse-related items donated by the American Quarter Horse Association and the American Paint Horse Association, and other items.
Akers said Saturday's festivities will include a special ceremony to honor Blue Ribbon Downs' 20-year employees. Free pony rides for children will also be available, along with a vocal performance by Linda Brown of Mansfield, Ark. Door prizes will also be given away.
The Grade I Pot-O-Gold Futurity for paint horses, at 400 yards, will be featured Saturday.
Sunday's feature will be the Grade III Oklahoma Frontier Futurity for two-year-old Appaloosa horses at 350 yards.
Akers said, "Blue Ribbon Downs is the oldest pari-mutuel racetrack in Oklahoma. A pictorial history of the track is on display in the upper clubhouse in honor of the track's anniversary.
"Plenty of memorabilia is set up for our fans to see," Akers said. "The display highlights some of our favorite events from the past 20 years."
Blue Ribbon Downs' fall meet will run through Oct. 20, when the season ends with the annual Breeders' Cup Day.
Live racing is also scheduled for Labor Day on Sept. 6.
For more information telephone the racetrack at (918) 775-7771 or visit the Blue Ribbon Downs' Web site at www.blueribbondowns.net.
