CLAREMORE, Okla. (May 4, 2026) — The 2026 spring thoroughbred racing season has officially concluded at Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs after 28 days of live racing and more than $20 million in wagers, a significant 38% increase from last year.

The season kicked off in January, nearly two months earlier than last year’s March 3 opening, to avoid potential weather delays and better align with the schedules and needs of local trainers. This year, only three racing days were rescheduled because of extreme weather conditions.

"We can credit our increase in wagers to the early season start. It provided Oklahoma horsemen the opportunity to continue racing seamlessly at the conclusion of prior circuits without relocating to another state,” said John Lies, racing secretary, announcer and oddsmaker at Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs. “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.”

Classy Empire, an accredited, Oklahoma-bred, 4-year-old gelding by the sire Classic Empire, was named the 2026 Horse of the Meet. The gelding, trained by Mike Biehler and owned by Hilltop Stables and Eleanor Martin, won all three of his starts in the 1-mile handicap division this meet, earning $65,760.

Jockey David Cabrera was the leading jockey with 57 wins from 179 mounts, 31 more than Ronnie Huckaby, who was an apprentice this year.

Trainer of the Meet honors were awarded to Scott Young with 31 wins from 139 total starters, only 11 more than the second-place finisher.

Owner of the Meet honors were tied and awarded consecutively to owner and trainer Steve F. Williams and Steve and Wanda Dupy, with 12 wins apiece.

The season concluded on May 2, with the Roger F. Engel and Will Rogers Stakes handicap races. Spectators also watched Kentucky Derby and celebrated the “Run For the Roses” with a Derby Hat contest.

“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,” said Lies. “We’re excited to see what the future holds for our Thoroughbred circuit next year.”

Located 3 miles east of Claremore on Highway 20, Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs is northeast Oklahoma’s home to on and off track betting, Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred races, live entertainment, and more. For more information, visit www.cherokeecasino.com and click on the Will Rogers Downs tab or call (918) 283-8800.

PHOTO CUTLINE: 2026 Horse of the Meet Classy Empire crosses the finish line with jockey Weston Hamilton in the Cherokee Nation Handicap at Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs. Classy Empire won all three of his starts in the 1-mile handicap division, earning $65,760. Photo by Coady Photography.

About Cherokee Nation Entertainment

Cherokee Nation Entertainment is the gaming and hospitality company of the Cherokee Nation. What began as a small bingo hall in Roland, Oklahoma, has evolved into one of the region’s largest and most dynamic gaming and hospitality enterprises, generating more than $1 billion in annual revenue, employing over 4,000 people, and welcoming more than 10 million visitors each year. With more than three decades of experience delivering world-class entertainment, CNE owns and operates the renowned Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa and nine Cherokee Casinos throughout Oklahoma, including a racino, three resort hotels, a championship golf course, and a variety of dining, retail and entertainment venues. CNE also operates Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica, Mississippi, one of the most recognized gaming destinations in the Mid-South. As a key economic engine for the Cherokee Nation, CNE is deeply committed to improving the lives of Cherokee citizens and strengthening communities through job creation, cultural preservation and reinvestment in vital services. For more information, visit HardRockCasinoTulsa.com, CherokeeCasino.com and GoldStrike.com.