Horse Racing Returns To Claremore Track

NewsOn6.com

CLAREMORE, OK -- Several of Toby Keith's horses are expected to be racing at the Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs, when it kicks off its racing season later this month.

Track officials say the track's increase in purse structure has attracted more horsemen than ever before, including Kenny Smith.

Smith is a seasoned Oklahoma trainer who trains mostly for Oklahoma owners, including country music celebrity Toby Keith.

This is the first time Smith has raced horses at the Claremore track.

"About half of my horses I'm bringing are Toby Keith's. I've been training for him since he started about 12 years ago," said Smith.

The track begins live racing on February 28.

"We have great staff running the show, and we continually hear compliments from horsemen about the operations and horses. By adding stakes races, which generate higher purse amounts, we've been able to increase the draw and quality of horses that will come to race. We also expect an increased amount of spectators," said David Stewart, CEO of Cherokee Nation Enterprises.

Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs race schedule runs February 28 - May 23.