Complete Guide to Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse Racing & Betting in the Sooner State
Active Racing Tracks
Racing Types
Annual Stakes Purses
Racing Available
Oklahoma boasts a rich and vibrant horse racing heritage deeply rooted in the state's ranching and frontier traditions. The Sooner State is particularly renowned for American Quarter Horse racing, a breed developed in Texas but celebrated nationwide at Oklahoma's premier venue, Remington Park. With three active pari-mutuel racing facilities offering both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing, Oklahoma provides year-round racing opportunities featuring world-class competition and prestigious stakes races with combined purses exceeding $5 million annually.
Pari-mutuel horse racing wagering was legalized in Oklahoma via a 1982 ballot initiative, with the Oklahoma Horse Racing Act becoming effective on March 22, 1983. The Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission oversees all pari-mutuel racing activities in the state. Today, Oklahoma's racetracks serve as major economic engines, supporting thousands of jobs and contributing significantly to regional economies through racing operations, casino gaming, dining, and entertainment.
Location: 1 Remington Place, Oklahoma City, OK 73111
Website: remingtonpark.com
Phone: (405) 424-1000
Racing Types: Thoroughbred & Quarter Horse Racing
History: Opened September 1, 1988, as Oklahoma's first world-class pari-mutuel racing facility, built by Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. Remington Park conducted its first American Quarter Horse racing season in summer 1989 and has since become the flagship racing venue in Oklahoma.
Thoroughbred Season: August through December (32 racing dates in 2025)
Track Details: Modern 1-mile dirt oval with full racing amenities and casino gaming
Major Thoroughbred Races:
Racing Schedule: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday racing with post times at 6 p.m.; Wednesdays added in December. Oklahoma Derby Day in late September features eight stakes races with total purses exceeding $1 million.
Amenities: Full-service casino gaming, multiple dining options, premium seating, simulcast wagering year-round
Admission: Reasonable general admission pricing; casino and gaming access available
Location: 20900 S 4200 Road, Claremore, OK 74019
Website: cherokeecasino.com/will-rogers-downs
Operator: Cherokee Nation
Racing Types: Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse, Paint & Appaloosa Racing
Facility Details: 1-mile dirt track with 60,000 square foot covered/open-air grandstand featuring 2,700 seats. Located three miles east of Claremore in Rogers County.
Thoroughbred Racing Season: January through May (32 racing days in 2025)
Quarter Horse Season: September through November (40 racing days, 2024)
Racing Schedule: Thursday-Sunday racing with post times varying by meet. Recent 2024 quarter horse season included 276 total races (231 Quarter Horse races and 45 mixed Paint/Appaloosa races)
Major Stakes Races: Multi-race stakes cards throughout both thoroughbred and quarter horse seasons
Amenities: Full Cherokee Casino gaming facility with 250 electronic gaming machines, dining, simulcast wagering, family-friendly atmosphere
Location Benefits: Convenient to Tulsa and northeast Oklahoma residents, scenic setting near Will Rogers town
Location: 4609 E 21st St, Tulsa, OK 74114
Website: exposquare.com
Facility: Part of Tulsa's Expo Square complex
Racing Types: Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse, Paint & Appaloosa Racing
Racing Season: June 6 through July 19 (live racing Thursday-Sunday)
Post Times: 6:00 p.m. Central Thursday-Saturday; 4:05 p.m. Central on Sunday
Season Highlights (2025): Increased overnight purses with $2,000 bump for all Quarter Horse, Paint, and Appaloosa races. Friday and Saturday evenings feature premium racing programs.
Unique Feature: Operates during and associated with major regional fair events (Tulsa County Fair and Tulsa State Fair)
Simulcasting: Daily simulcast wagering year-round on races from throughout North America
Amenities: Fair atmosphere combined with racing, dining, entertainment, family-friendly environment
Location Benefits: Centrally located in Tulsa, accessible to central Oklahoma racing fans
American Quarter Horse racing holds special significance in Oklahoma, particularly at Remington Park. The Heritage Place Futurity, established by horsemen seeking a premier quarter horse sales and racing venue, has become one of the richest Quarter Horse races in America. This prestigious race reached million-dollar status for the first time in 2008 and is conducted annually during Remington Park's final day of quarter horse season in May.
Racing Schedule: Thursday-Sunday with first post at 6 p.m. weeknights and 4 p.m. Sundays (50 racing dates)
Total Stakes Purses: Nearly $5.4 million
Premier Stakes Races:
Champions Night (May 31): Season finale featuring 12 stakes races with combined purses topping $2 million, showcasing the best quarter horses competing in Oklahoma.
Famous Graduates: Legendary quarter horse champions including Refrigerator, Junos Request, Winalota Cash, SLM Big Daddy, Tailor Fit, Cold Cash 123, Jess Good Candy, and Jessies First Down have all established major stakes scores at Remington Park on their way to national championship status.
Will Rogers Downs: Hosts quarter horse racing from September through November with competitive racing programs and multi-race stakes cards.
Fair Meadows: Features quarter horse, paint, and appaloosa racing during June and July meets with enhanced purses and competitive cards on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Oklahoma offers year-round racing opportunities with distinct seasons at each venue, providing diverse racing experiences throughout the calendar year:
| Season | Track | Race Type | Dates | Key Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter/Early Spring | Will Rogers Downs | Thoroughbred | Jan - May | Thoroughbred season with multiple stakes cards |
| Spring | Remington Park | Quarter Horse | Mar 6 - May 31 | 50 racing dates, $5.4M in purses, Heritage Place Futurity ($1M) |
| Summer | Fair Meadows | QH/Paint/App | Jun 6 - Jul 19 | Concurrent with Tulsa fairs, increased purses |
| Fall | Will Rogers Downs | Quarter Horse | Sep - Nov | 40+ racing days with competitive stakes |
| Fall/Winter | Remington Park | Thoroughbred | Aug - Dec | 32 racing dates, Oklahoma Derby Day in September ($1M+ purses) |
Horse racing has deep roots in Oklahoma history, dating back to the early 20th century when racing was integral to frontier culture and economic life in Indian Territory. Various racing venues operated throughout the state during this period.
Like many states, Oklahoma prohibited horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering for much of the 20th century. For 50 years, organized horse racing ceased in the state, significantly impacting the racing community and economic activity.
A pivotal moment in Oklahoma horse racing came when voters approved pari-mutuel betting via a 1982 ballot initiative. The Oklahoma Horse Racing Act became effective on March 22, 1983, establishing the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission and a nine-member board to oversee racing operations.
Blue Ribbon Downs in Sallisaw was Oklahoma's oldest racing facility and first pari-mutuel racetrack. Bill Hedge purchased 102 acres west of Sallisaw in 1960, and the track gained recognition from the American Quarter Horse Association in 1963. The first pari-mutuel race occurred August 30, 1984, before twelve thousand spectators in scorching 100+ degree heat. Blue Ribbon Downs operated as a significant racing venue until permanently closing in 2009, leaving behind a historic legacy in Oklahoma racing.
Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. built Remington Park, which opened September 1, 1988, as Oklahoma's first world-class pari-mutuel racing facility. The track revolutionized horse racing in Oklahoma by offering modern facilities, championship-quality racing, and casino gaming under one roof. Remington Park's first American Quarter Horse season in summer 1989 established the track as Oklahoma's premier quarter horse venue.
The Heritage Place Futurity, established by Oklahoma horsemen seeking a premier quarter horse sales and racing venue, reached million-dollar status for the first time in 2008. This race has become one of the most prestigious and richest quarter horse competitions in America, conducted annually during the final day of Remington Park's quarter horse season.
Today, Oklahoma features three active pari-mutuel racing facilities offering year-round racing opportunities. The state has established itself as a premier quarter horse racing destination, with Remington Park hosting national-caliber competitions and attracting horsemen and racing enthusiasts from across the nation.
Pari-mutuel horse racing wagering is fully legal in Oklahoma, regulated under the Oklahoma Horse Racing Act. Bettors may place wagers at racing tracks, visit off-track betting facilities (OTBs) for simulcast wagering, and bet on horse races online through approved operators.
Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission (OKHRC): Established under the Oklahoma Horse Racing Act, the Commission oversees all pari-mutuel horse racing activities in Oklahoma. A nine-member board sets policy, regulates operations, approves race dates annually, and enforces racing rules to ensure fair competition and public safety.
County Jurisdiction: Local municipalities retain authority to prohibit pari-mutuel wagering within county jurisdictions by presenting citizens with a countywide vote. Currently, twelve Oklahoma counties have authorized pari-mutuel horse racing: Beckham, Comanche, Creek, Garfield, Lincoln, Love, Marshall, Oklahoma, Okmulgee, Rogers, Sequoyah, and Tulsa.
Remington Park: Reasonable general admission with casino access. Premium seating available.
Will Rogers Downs: General admission pricing with full Cherokee Casino facility access.
Fair Meadows: Affordable general admission during summer racing season with fair atmosphere.
Simulcast Wagering: Low-cost or free admission for simulcast wagering at OTBs statewide
Oklahoma has three active pari-mutuel racing facilities: Remington Park in Oklahoma City (thoroughbred August-December, quarter horse March-May), Will Rogers Downs in Claremore (thoroughbred January-May, quarter horse September-November), and Fair Meadows in Tulsa (mixed racing June-July during fair season). Each track offers distinct racing experiences and schedule.
The Heritage Place Futurity is Remington Park's signature race and one of the richest quarter horse races in America, featuring a $1 million purse. The race is conducted on the final day of Remington Park's quarter horse season each May and has been a prestigious championship event since reaching million-dollar status in 2008. It showcases elite American Quarter Horses competing at the highest level.
The Grade 3 Oklahoma Derby is held in late September at Remington Park during the thoroughbred racing season. This prestigious race carries a $400,000 purse and is the premier thoroughbred stakes event in Oklahoma. Oklahoma Derby Day features eight stakes races with combined purses exceeding $1 million, making it a major event on the Oklahoma racing calendar.
Yes, pari-mutuel horse racing betting is fully legal in Oklahoma, regulated under the Oklahoma Horse Racing Act effective since March 22, 1983. Betting is available at the three racing tracks, at licensed off-track betting facilities (OTBs) throughout the state, and online through approved operators. You must be 18 years old to place bets. Year-round simulcast wagering is available on races from tracks nationwide.
Oklahoma offers three primary types of pari-mutuel racing: Thoroughbred racing (flat racing with jockeys on traditional racehorses), American Quarter Horse racing (short-distance sprint racing of 350-870 yards), and Paint/Appaloosa racing (specialty breeds). Most tracks offer multiple types throughout the year with separate seasons, allowing racing fans to experience diverse racing formats.
Remington Park is ideal for first-time visitors as Oklahoma's largest and most modern facility, offering world-class amenities, casino gaming, fine dining, diverse racing events, and championship-quality thoroughbred and quarter horse competition. Located in Oklahoma City with excellent facilities. Fair Meadows provides a more casual, family-friendly summer racing atmosphere during fair season in Tulsa.
General admission is affordable at all Oklahoma racing tracks. Remington Park and Will Rogers Downs offer reasonable general admission with casino access included at no charge. Fair Meadows offers budget-friendly summer racing during fair season. Simulcast-only betting at OTBs statewide is typically free or very low cost. Parking is free at all venues. Premium seating and dining are available for additional fees.
The Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission (OKHRC) is the state regulatory body established under the Oklahoma Horse Racing Act to oversee all pari-mutuel horse racing activities. A nine-member board sets racing policy, regulates track operations, approves race dates annually, oversees wagering, ensures fair competition, protects public safety, and enforces compliance with Oklahoma racing laws and regulations.
Yes, online horse racing betting is legal in Oklahoma. Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW) operators are licensed and regulated by the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission. You must be 18 years old and registered with an approved online operator to place bets on horse races. Online betting provides convenient year-round access to wagering on races from Oklahoma tracks and national racing events.
Horse racing makes significant contributions to Oklahoma's economy, directly supporting thousands of jobs in racing operations, stable work, training, veterinary services, and track employment. Indirectly, racing supports hospitality, dining, entertainment, and vendor businesses. Racing facilities generate substantial revenue through pari-mutuel wagering, casino gaming, and related activities. State and local governments receive tax revenue from racing operations, making horse racing an important economic component of Oklahoma's sports and entertainment industry.
Last updated on November 27, 2025