CLAREMORE \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>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.<\/p>\n The season kicked off in January, nearly two months earlier than last year\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWe 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,\u201d said John Lies, racing secretary, announcer and odds maker at Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs. \u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Jockey David Cabrera was the leading jockey with 57 wins from 179 mounts, 31 more than Ronnie Huckaby, who was an apprentice this year.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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 \u201cRun For the Roses\u201d with a Derby Hat contest.<\/p>\n \u201cThe 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\u2019s expectations and was such a perfect way to close a positive season,\u201d Lies said. \u201cWe\u2019re excited to see what the future holds for our Thoroughbred circuit next year.\u201d<\/p>\n