OKLAHOMA CITY, OK—MARCH 17, 2020—Today the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission and the Oklahoma City Mayor directed the Remington Park Casino and on-track betting room to close temporarily in regard to precautions for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

According to OQHRA, live racing at Remington Park will continue with essential licensed personnel. This includes only OHRC licensed grooms, jockey’s, and trainers.

All public indoor facilities will be closed with exception of the racing lobby, which will only be accessible for restrooms and on-track teller. There will be no food or beverage, and everyone is encouraged to implement social distancing.

With the closing of the casino and reduction in our purse revenue, there will be a respective reduction in purse revenues along with a reduction in race count from 560 to 500 races.

According OQHRA Executive Director Kole Kennemer, the OQHRA office will keep everyone updated on what the purse reduction will be as these numbers become clearer over the next few days.

"We understand that the horsemen may have a lot of questions, but also feel a horsemen’s meeting would be too large of a gathering," Kennemer said in statement released late Tuesday.

Any questions can be directed to Krissy Bamberg at (405) 623-3234, Kole Kennemer (405) 551-5718, or Justin Rihard (405) 416-0310.

"We would like to expressly thank Remington Park for their solidarity with, and support of the horsemen," Kennemer added. "As they support our association and this industry, we ask that our horsemen respect and support the regulations put in place to ensure that our horses can continue running. Remington Park will still 'Uplink' the signal via Roberts Satellite for simulcasting."