Lack of horse racing program in the state of Oklahoma has led to the decision by the officials of the Blue Ribbon Downs, the pari-mutuel horse racing track in the state, to shut down its operations for good by November. Another major factor was the lack of support from the public due to financial crisis or other patrons may have ventured to other forms of entertainment – such as online casinos.

Blue Ribbon Downs owner Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma released the official statement on Thursday, stating that the horse racing track will close for good on November 28.

The racetrack has served as an icon in the state, having started in the 1960s and started offering pari-mutuel bets in 1984, the first in the state. Choctaw bought the track six years ago after the previous owner was forced to file for bankruptcy due to financial struggles over the years.

Live horse racing has seen a decline through the years in terms of revenues and audience. However, abolishing the state racing office is not a reasonable move for the government, per officials from Michigan’s horse racing industry are concerned.

Reports surfaced that the officials are planning a move to oppose the recent executive order issued by the state governor abolishing the racing office and transferring the leadership to the board that regulates casino operations.

Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Association General Manager Dan Rakieten said that the horse racing industry is an agribusiness and as such should not be classified together with the casinos.
The organization is now looking for state lawmakers to oppose the executive order.

Rakieten said that the gaming board officials can’t understand pari-mutuel wagering thus their opposition on the move by the governor, adding that live horse racing is a different form of gaming.

Sea The Stars has been hailed as one of the greatest racing horses in history following a thrilling victory in the most prestigious horse racing event in Europe.

The victory by the three-year old cold has cost the bookmakers £25 million, a record-breaking paycheck sent out to those who betted correctly since the said horse’s prior victory last May – the 2000 Guineas. This is more than any other earnings made by other horses in history.

Sea The Stars won the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France last weekend which was the horse’s record sixth victory. Christopher Tsui, a 27-year old owner of the horse, easily got £2.2 million for this latest victory.

The colt also set the record as the first horse ever to clinch the 2000 Guineas, Epsom Derby and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the three most prestigious horse racing events in Europe.

In an effort to regain the interest of the public to horse racing, the officials in Churchill Downs have decided to conduct live horse racing sessions at night beginning June 19, Friday. The sessions, dubbed as “Downs After Dark,” will run for three nights for the meantime. This move is the first of its kind for the Kentucky Derby’s 135-year history.

The other two sessions will take place on June 26 and July 2. The third and last live horse racing event will serve as a kickoff for the Independence Day weekend. The sessions will start at 6 pm and will each have 11-race card lineup.

Churchill Downs Inc. Senior Vice President Kevin Flanery said that live horse racing has been the core of the establishment’s operations. He added that after more than a century, changes must be made in order to keep up with the customers’ demands.

Some of the best horse racers in the US and abroad are expected to take part in this rare event. The racetrack is said to undergo some changes to fit the night session experience. A red carpet event where customers can walk on by will take place before the sessions.