Blue Ribbon Downs Horse

- 04.21

Behind the Scenes at Remington Park: Highland Ice Inducted Into ...
photo src: remington-park.blogspot.com

Blue Ribbon Downs was an American horse racing track located in Sallisaw, Sequoyah County, Oklahoma. The facility hosted American Quarter Horse, and Thoroughbred flat racing events until it closed permanently in 2010.


Horsemen Reap Benefits of Oklahoma Training Track's Extended Dates ...
photo src: www.paulickreport.com


Maps, Directions, and Place Reviews



History

Blue Ribbon Downs started when Bill Hedge bought 102 acres just west of Sallisaw in 1960. The track soon became known as a proving ground and gained recognition from the American Quarter Horse Association in 1963. Hedge sold the track to an investment group in 1973.


Horse Racing Oklahoma Video



Parimutuel wagering

In 1982, Oklahoma voters approved pari-mutuel betting and the first pari-mutuel race at Blue Ribbon Downs occurred August 30, 1984, before twelve thousand spectators in a sweltering temperature above 100 degrees. The advent of legal gambling at the track caused a local construction boom with motels, restaurants, and other businesses locating near the track.


Texas Chrome All Heart In Thrilling Oklahoma Derby - Horse Racing ...
photo src: www.paulickreport.com


Bankruptcy

Over time, the popularity of gambling on horse racing waned and the track struggled financially with several owners, filing bankruptcy in 1997 and again in 2002. In 2003 the Cherokee Nation bought Blue Ribbon Downs and infused it with capital. In 2005 the new owners converted it to a "racino," a combination horse racetrack and casino. The track continued to struggle, and closed permanently in 2010.

Source of the article : Wikipedia



EmoticonEmoticon

 

Start typing and press Enter to search