The 2022 American Quarter Horse Association racing season has successfully wrapped up at Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs in Claremore, Okla.
There were 290 total races, with an average field size of eight starters per race, conducted during the 27-day meet that concluded on Nov. 15. The meet saw more than $5.6 million in wagers, up 17 percent from 2021.
“We were encouraged by the wagering interest shown in our product this fall, thanks in large part to live coverage whenever possible,” said John Lies, racing secretary, announcer and oddsmaker at Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs. “Our experiment in racing on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays also allowed more horses and trainers to ship in from out of state on otherwise dark days.”
Queen for Cash, a 4-year-old Paint filly by He's Relentless, was selected as the 2022 Horse of the Meet. Owned by breeder Gary Vaughan and trained by Jesus Ruiz, Queen for Cash won two stakes at the meet.
Jockey Roman Cruz landed 39 wins from 200 total mounts to earn Jockey of the Meet honors, while Trainer of the Meet honors were awarded to Jason Olmstead, who garnered 27 victories with a win percentage of 26%.
Owner Double A Ranch Inc. is recognized with Leading Owner honors after earning nine wins, three second-place finishes and three third-place finishes from 31 starts at the meet.
Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs is located 3 miles east of Claremore on Highway 20. For more information, visit www.cherokeecasino.com and click on the Will Rogers Downs tab, or call (918) 283-8800.
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