By Fox23.com News Staff
CLAREMORE, Okla. — The 2026 thoroughbred season has drawn to a close at Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs.
This year’s season featured 28 days of live racing and over $20 million in wagers, which marks a 38% increase from last year.
To avoid potential severe weather delays, the racetrack chose to begin thoroughbred season in January.
Last year, thoroughbred season began on March 3rd, leading to several dates having to be rescheduled due to severe weather throughout the spring months.
The racetrack reported only three racing days in 2026 had to be rescheduled due to weather.
“We can credit our increase in wagers to the early season start,” said John Lies, the racing secretary, announcer and oddsmaker at Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs. “It provided Oklahoma horsemen the opportunity to continue racing seamlessly at the conclusion of prior circuits without relocating to another state. We also were able to give out-of-state horsemen another option during a slower time of the year. As a result, we saw increased field size and the bettors showed their appreciation.”
The 2026 Horse of the Meet was awarded to 4-year-old, Oklahoma-bred Classy Empire who won all three of his starts in the 1-mile handicap division and earned $65,760.
The leading jockey this season was David Cabrera with 57 wins from 179 mounts.
The Trainer of the Meet was given to Scott Young who received 31 wins from 139 starts.
The Owner of the Meet was tied and awarded to both Steve F. Williams and Steve and Wanda Dupy, who each earned 12 wins.
The season concluded with the Roger F. Engel and Will Rogers Stakes handicap races, which were held alongside viewing of the Kentucky Derby.
Lies said, “The addition of live racing on our track on Arkansas Derby Day in March set the table for a terrific Kentucky Derby Day, which surpassed last year’s expectations and was such a perfect way to close a positive season. We’re excited to see what the future holds for our Thoroughbred circuit next year.”
To learn more about the Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs, you can visit their website here or call 918-283-8800.
