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Major Racing Opportunities Await at 2025 Will Rogers Downs Fall Meet

OQHRA

July 11, 2025 – Claremore, OK — The 2025 Will Rogers Downs Fall Meet is quickly approaching, and horsemen across the country are encouraged to consider the incredible racing opportunities Oklahoma has to offer. With a full meet of Quarter Horse, Paint, and Appaloosa racing on the calendar, strong purses, and premier late-season futurities, Will Rogers Downs remains a standout destination for fall racing—and it’s not too late to get involved.

The meet will officially begin on September 8, with horses permitted on the grounds starting July 26. As in previous meets, all horses must complete the required pre-entry hair testing prior to racing, a policy designed to uphold the integrity of the sport and ensure a level playing field for all participants.

This year’s meet will feature a competitive purse structure consistent with 2024 levels and offers a wide range of stakes events designed to support both Oklahoma-Breds and top national contenders. Among the highlights of the meet is the $100,000-added Mystery Futurity & Derby, a highly regarded series exclusively for Oklahoma-Bred horses. These races provide an excellent showcase for local breeding programs and give owners and trainers a valuable opportunity to compete for significant money later in the year.

Another highlight is the prestigious Black Gold Futurity and Fillies Championships, with estimated purses of more than $240,000 for the Futurity and $500,000 for the Fillies Division. The Black Gold Fillies Futurity was the richest race in the country for two-year-old fillies in 2024, and it’s on track to repeat that honor in 2025. Late nomination opportunities remain available through August 15 or at time of entry, making this series a great option to horsemen still finalizing their fall racing plans.

The season will conclude on November 11 with the Black Gold Championship Finals, a day that will now be even more special with a live broadcast by The Cowboy Channel, bringing national attention to the power and prestige of Oklahoma racing. The closing day will also feature the Speedhorse Paint & Appaloosa Futurity Championship Finals, the Mystery Derby Finals, making it one of the most exciting days of racing in the region. As the fall season nears, stall applications are still being accepted until July 19th.

For nomination assistance, or more information, please contact OQHRA at (405) 216-0440 or email oqhraoffice@oqhra.com. Additional information is available at www.oqhra.com.

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70 Ranch Performance Horses recently shared the heartbreaking news of the passing of Shawne Bug Leo, a stallion whose influence will be felt for generations to come.

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More than a producer of winners, Shawne Bug Leo was known for his strength, intelligence, and the kind, wise eyes that reflected his gentle nature. He was a horse whose quiet presence spoke volumes.

While he may have left this world, his story continues. 70 Ranch Performance Horses has shared that frozen semen will remain available, ensuring that Shawne Bug Leo’s legacy, and the bloodlines he so proudly carried, will continue to shape the future of performance horses.

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A first time stakes winner will be crowned in the running of the $30,000 Town Policy Handicap on Saturday night at Los Alamitos. Eight sophomores will compete in this 400-yard race and while no horse in the field has already won a stakes race, there are several Grade 1 stakes finalists in this event.

J. Francisco Diaz’s Cowboy Bolt is one of those with experience in Grade 1 stakes events. The gelding by Flying Cowboy 123 won his trial to the Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity last December, an effort that earned him a spot in the meet’s richest race. After running in that Grade 1 futurity, the Lindolfo Diaz-trainee has made three appearances this season, his best effort being a fifth-place finish against Lethal Cowboy 123 in the Sgt Pepper Feature on August 23. 

Dunn Ranch LLC’s Firey Eagle is another one with Grade 1 experience after running in the Texas Classic Futurity, which was won by FDD Dreams in November 2024 at Lone Star Park. He picked up an allowance win here on September 27.

Juan Moya’s Nationalist competed in the Restricted Grade 1 Spencer Childers California Breeders Championship Handicap at 400 yards on July 26 and has since posted an allowance win at 350 yards and a second-place finish at 550 yards. 

Edward Melzer Revocable Trust’s Clareets Boy, who was second in the Sgt Pepper Feature, is among the others in this event. Astronomical 123, Gimy A Reason, Fourstreakingeagle and Autamatic will also race.

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