Judy Allen, Choctaw Nation spokesman, said, "Due to 17 inches of rain received in the past 90 days, this summer's resurfacing of the Blue Ribbon Downs racetrack is not quite complete. A joint decision has been reached by the racetrack administration, the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Racing Association (OQHRA) and the Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma (TRAO) to delay the track opening by one week."
Allen said the track was originally slated to open Aug. 3. The decision to delay the opening weekend until Aug. 10 has been approved by the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission.
The first live racing at Blue Ribbon Downs for this season will be conducted Aug. 10 with a first post at 1 p.m. On Aug. 11, 110 horses will contest in the 11 trials for the first division of the Oklahoma Black Gold Futurity. The 10 fastest qualifying will proceed to a $100,000 guaranteed purse finals on Aug. 25.
"We anticipate when the construction on the track is complete, BRD will have one of the best racing surfaces in Oklahoma," Debbie Schauf, OQHRA executive director, said. "We support the decision to postpone the opening by one week so that the track can be completed successfully."
Blaine Story, BRD general manager, said, "Blue Ribbon Downs and the Choctaw Nation have the utmost concern for the welfare and safety of racing participants, and we want to provide a track that is conducive to the safest possible standards for both the horse and rider."
Allen said live racing will continue at BRD through Dec. 9. The Sallisaw track is also open daily for simulcast wagering and gaming in the racetrack casino.
