Will Rogers Downs suffered major damage when an EF-3 tornado stuck the Claremore, Oklahoma area Saturday night.

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CLAREMORE, OK–MAY 25, 2024–Will Rogers Downs in Claremore, Oklahoma, was hit by an EF-3 tornado that caused massive damage in the State on Saturday (May 25) according to the National Weather Service.

According to Travis Noland, director of communications for Cherokee Nation Entertainment, which owns the track, the tornado moved east from Claremore along Highway 20 to the south end of the property.

"We have about 14 barns, 10 of them experienced significant damage. The others also experienced some damage, but not as significant," Noland told Sean Collins of The Bloodhorse. "The grandstand did experience some significant damage."

The property's casino and RV park also experienced damage.

"It was a pretty busy night at the casino and the RV park," Noland said. "There were no severe injuries reported. We were able to use our severe weather protocols—which was move people to shelter before the storm hit—the majority of them were moved to shelter. We really focused on life and safety of the guests."

According to Noland, the facility will be closed while crews assess damage and devise a plan.

The barn area took a major hit as multiple barns had their roofs torn off, trailers were overturned, and debris covered the ground.

Approximately 200 horses were in the Will Rogers barn area at the time of the storm. The facility, with a housing capacity of around 640, was luckily not full because the spring Thoroughbred meet ended on May 15. Quarter Horses race there in the fall.

One horse was reported euthanized, and five were transported to Oklahoma State University for medical treatment. Many horses were transferred to nearby Fair Meadows Race Track in Tulsa.

The Oklahoma Quarter Horse Racing Association (OQHRA) and the Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma (TRAO) have partnered to create a disaster relief fund. CLICK HERE to contribute to the relief effort for horses impacted by this tornado at Will Rogers Downs.