Successful season set for growth spurge, purses to increase beginning April 9

 OKLAHOMA CITY – While tougher economic times are hindering many aspects of the racing industry on a national basis, Remington Park and its 2009 American Quarter Horse & Mixed-breed Season is making higher marks on an already impressive growth chart.

The purse elevation goes into effect on Thursday, April 9, by a substantial amount for the overnight events. Races for Quarter Horses will increase by $2,000 per race while the contests featuring Paint and Appaloosa breeds will grow by $1,000 per race. Records were already set to be toppled for the current 50-date season for both total horsemen’s purses and daily average purses. This purse increase will reflect growth of more than 10% for overnight races for the remainder of the season.

Through the first 14 days of the season, wagering on Remington Park’s races is up 7.9% compared to the same 14 days of the 2008 season. The increased pari-mutuel handle along with the success of the Remington Park casino has allowed for the upcoming jump in purse money.

Overnight races are those that do not require horsemen to pay an entry fee in order to have their horse participate. This purse increase will not affect the already lucrative Remington Park stakes race schedule. Entering the second month of the three-month season, optimism is abundant with many large racing/event days still on the schedule, including:

April 18 - $638,600 Remington Park Futurity
May 2 – Kentucky Derby Simulcast Day
May 10 – Oklahoma Regional Challenge Championships
May 16 – Preakness Stakes Simulcast Day
May 25 – Memorial Day
May 30 - $1,000,000 Heritage Place Futurity and $200,000 Remington Park Championship
May 31 – G.R. Carter Bobblehead Night

The first race at Remington Park, Thursday thru Sunday, is normally scheduled for 6:25pm (central). Doors open daily at 10am for simulcast racing and casino gaming.

Remington Park is a Top 3 North American Racetrack according to the Horseplayers Association of North America rating system. A division of Magna Entertainment Corp., Remington Park is Oklahoma City’s only Racetrack & Casino, located at the junction of Interstates 35 & 44, in the heart of the Oklahoma City Adventure District. For more information, reservations and group bookings please call 405-424-1000, 866-456-9880 or visit remingtonpark.com.