June 16, 2025

logo
google_play
app_store
Login Subscribe
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinions
  • Sports
  • E-edition
    • Special Sections
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinions
    • Sports
    • E-edition
      • Special Sections
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
Trainer
Sports
August 15, 2023
HORSE RACING

Trainer with county ties enjoying notoriety after winning special award

By DAVID SEELEY SPORTS EDITOR 

Last year, Troy Carter, who has horse racing trainer ties to Sequoyah County, won the Leading Trainer of the Year Award at Fair Meadows Race Track in Tulsa to become the first African American to earn such an award.

Last year, Troy Carter, who has horse racing trainer ties to Sequoyah County, won the Leading Trainer of the Year Award at Fair Meadows Race Track in Tulsa to become the first African American to earn such an award.

“It made me feel real good,” Carter said. “Here’s the story. We had a horse in the (2022) Speedhorse Futurity. He qualified. Two weeks later, he turned around and won the Speedhorse Futility. His name was Teller Ima Eagle.”

Ever since, he’s been getting a lot of notoriety, which also has pleased the veteran trainer.

“I’m at a loss of words,” Carter said. “It makes me feel good. Nothing like this (notoriety) has ever happened to me like this before. It makes me feel real good. People come up and talk to me about it.”

Carter was a leading trainer when Remington Park opened Sept. 1, 1988, and for the last few years has been in the same role at Fair Meadows Race Track.

Carter said he grew up in the business. “My uncle Jesse Carter was an award-winning trainer who worked for (Blue Ribbon Downs creator) Bill Hedge,” he said. “I worked around my uncle, Bill Hedge, Albert Whitmore and Sallisaw trainer) Rex Brooks — those were the main ones.”

Over the years, Carter has seen numerous changes, some for the best.

“I’ve seen some good changes, and I’ve seen some bad changes,” Carter said. “The horses are a lot faster and are bred well, but you can’t take anything away from the horses from back then because they were bred well and ran good. It’s the breeding now. I think all the changes have been for the better (of horse racing). I think it’s made horse racing better.”

However, Carter has stepped away from being a trainer, and he’s not certain when — of if — he will return to a profession he loved so well.

“I’m not a trainer right now,” Carter said. “I’m helping another trainer, Matt Whitekiller of Tahlequah. It’s hard to tell. I really don’t know (about returning to horse training). I really can’t say. I’m 60 years old. I was gone all the time and away from my family. My wife is in bad health, but she’s doing better. I’m enjoying the free time.”

There was one bit of prophetic insight Carter did give.

“I’ll probably be around it until the last breath I take,” he said about being involved in some fashion in the horse racing industry. “Some day I might train again, but right now I’m just enjoying my family — and my grandkids.”

this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
City adopts $91M budget for FY26
A: Main, Main, News
City adopts $91M budget for FY26
Ollie’s Bargain Center coming to Sallisaw
By Lynn Adams Staff Writer 
June 12, 2025
The City of Sallisaw will be working with a budget of almost $91 million for the fiscal year that ends June 30, 2026, after city commissioners at their monthly meeting Monday adopted a budget for the ...
this is a test
Roland Police apprehend armed robbery suspect
A: Main, Main, News
Roland Police apprehend armed robbery suspect
By Amie Cato-Remer Editor 
June 12, 2025
A man wanted in connection with an armed robbery and domestic battery in Fort Smith, Ark. is now in custody after being apprehended last week across the state line in Oklahoma. Kenneth M. Byrd, 28, of...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Sallisaw man dies weeks after collision
A: Main
Sallisaw man dies weeks after collision
By Amie Cato-Remer Editor 
June 12, 2025
A Sallisaw man has reportedly died nearly four weeks after a serious motorcycle crash on Highway 82 near South Indian Road in Keys. The collision, which occurred on the evening of May 2, has now been ...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Here’s your sign
News
Here’s your sign
June 12, 2025
A high-flying crew, hoisted by a crane, on Wednesday completed installation of signage drawing attention to 7Brew Drive Thru Coffee, Taco Bell and Whataburger, located on South Kerr Boulevard in Salli...
this is a test
Today’s the day when  superstition is highest
A: Main, Main, News
Today’s the day when superstition is highest
It's Friday the 13th
By Lynn Adams Staff Writer 
June 12, 2025
Are you superstitious? No? Are you sure? Do you knock on wood or never open an umbrella indoors or never walk under a ladder or avoid breaking a mirror or avoid stepping on a crack in the sidewalk or ...
this is a test
Savannah Cunningham
A: Main, Just Folks, Main, ...
JUST FOLKS
Savannah Cunningham
By JACIE EUBANKS TIMES INTERN 
June 12, 2025
Savannah Cunningham, at only 18-years-old, has already attained the crowning achievement of becoming the second runner-up for the Strawberry Queen Pageant during the 78th annual Strawberry Festival in...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}



SEQUOYAH COUNTY TIMES
111 N. Oak
Sallisaw OK
74955

918.775.4433

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Sequoyah County Times

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy