CLAREMORE, OK—AUGUST 25, 2015—The stables are filling up as quarter horse racing returns to Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs for a sixth consecutive year on Saturday, Sept. 12. The 2015 Will Rogers Downs racing schedule features 28 AQHA, Appaloosa and Paint stakes races through Nov. 14.

Races begin at noon every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with each day featuring 12 races. The Black Gold Division 350 Futurity Trials are part of the opening race cards on Sept. 12, featuring the top 2-year-old quarter horses in the country. The 10 fastest qualifiers will then compete in the futurity finals on Sept. 26, guaranteeing an added $150,375.

“We are expecting the top horsemen across the nation to participate again this year,” said Jesse Ullery, racing secretary and simulcast manager for Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs. “Trainers Eddie Willis, Rick Robinson, Brian Muse and Luis Villafranco are among a few of those already committed.”

Race fans visiting on Oct. 3 will witness the $10,000 added Lorelei Paint and Appaloosa Grade I Derby Finals, the $18,000 guaranteed Pot O’ Gold Futurity Finals, and the Cricket Bar ApHc Futurity, worth $17,500.

The final day of racing will showcase the $24,250 Oklahoma Horsemen’s Association Mystery Derby Finals; the Oklahoma Horsemen’s Association Mystery Futurity Restricted Grade III, worth $63,000; and the $150,375 Black Gold 440 Championship Futurity Finals.

“With roughly $100,000 a day in purses, I’m confident we’ll attract the very best quarter horse racing has to offer,” said Ullery. “The Black Gold futurity finals on Nov. 14 will bring in a large crowd. This will be a memorable meet.”

Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs is located 3 miles east of Claremore on Highway 20. For more information, visit www.cherokeecasino.com and click on the Will Rogers Downs tab, or call (918) 283-8800.