CLAREMORE, OK—JULY 27, 2020—Many of you know that this year has been a tough year. However, our horsemen and women have yet again shown how tough and resilient you all are in the face of adversity.

We have seen a chain of unprecedented events and circumstances that have affected the worldwide economy, and you continue to get up each day and move forward without question. Horse racing has overcome because of our people and the tenacity that is part of our heritage.

Years ago, OQHRA’s Board of Directors decided to create a reserve account in the case that there were ever catastrophes that prohibited casinos from funding any of the horsemen’s purse accounts in Oklahoma. With this foresight, decision, and ultimate action, the people of OQHRA were aptly prepared for the financial issues brought on by COVID-19.

Today, it is a true pleasure to announce that because of the preparedness of OQHRA, we have not had to cancel any meets, and will be racing at Will Rogers Downs with little-to-no reductions over 2019.

We will be kicking off this meet with no reduction for Quarter Horse purses and only a ten percent reduction for Paints and Appaloosas. Had OQHRA not established the reserve policy, we would be looking at a potential reduction of purses of up to 45% in order to not overpay available monies.

It has always been a priority of OQHRA’s Board of Directors to serve the association’s membership with fiscal conservatism in order to ensure the longevity of year-round Quarter Horse, Paint & Appaloosa Racing within the great state of Oklahoma. This of course could not be accomplished without our incredible horsemen and women that walk through adversity, as we have seen this year.

We look forward to continuing to serve you through all circumstances.

CLICK HERE to view the 2020 Will Rogers Downs Purse Scale.