Thoroughbreds are hitting the track early as Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs kicks off spring racing season on Jan. 12. The earlier start —nearly two months ahead of last year's March 3 opening—will conclude on Kentucky Derby Day, May 2.
The 28-day season will race primarily on Mondays and Tuesdays, with a 1:15 p.m. CT first post daily. Two special Saturday racing days will also be set for Arkansas Derby Day on March 28 and Kentucky Derby Day on May 2. Seven stakes races will be featured, including the Wilma Mankiller Stakes to open the season on Jan. 12 and the Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma Classic Sprint on March 28.
"With our January start, Oklahoma horsemen now have the opportunity to continue racing seamlessly without relocating to another circuit. We're optimistic that the timing of the Wilma Mankiller and Highland Ice stakes will draw quality entries during the mid-winter weeks and encourage local trainers to keep their top horses in condition," said John Lies, racing secretary, announcer and oddsmaker at Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs. "Historically, the most severe weather in Oklahoma occurs in April and May, so shifting dates to January and February could also enhance our national visibility and wagering potential during a slow time in the calendar without the future concern of weather."
Workouts began on Dec. 15. The 2026 stakes schedule also includes the running of the Highland Ice Stakes on Jan. 19, the Blue Ribbon Stakes on March 9, the Welder Stakes on March 10, the Miranda Diane Stakes on March 28 and the More Than Even Stakes on April 21. All stakes races have a $50,000 purse guaranteed.
"We plan to have about the same $4 million in purse money as we did last year, but horsemen will find increases in many class levels in the condition books," said Lies. "Live racing here on Kentucky Derby Day has been so well received the last two seasons that we're doing it again this year, plus adding another on Arkansas Derby Day, March 28. We're looking forward to seeing more people visit us as a result."
No live racing will be scheduled for Feb. 16, in observation of President's Day, along with Feb. 17, March 30, or March 31, which are designated as contingency dates for any potential weather cancellations.
With 250 games, live music, heart-pounding horse racing action and impeccable service, Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs is your source of entertainment. The casino and track are both located 3 miles east of Claremore on Hwy. 20. For more information, visit www.cherokeecasino.com and click on the Will Rogers Downs tab, or call (918) 283-8800
