The highly anticipated season runs to May 15 and will include updated technology and new individual jockey silks this year.

The 28-day season includes a total of seven stakes races worth $415,000, with Blue Ribbon and Welder stakes added this year. Daily races will post at 1:15 p.m. every Monday, Tuesday, select Wednesdays and on Saturday, May 4, during the simulcast of the Kentucky Derby. Daily average purses are estimated at $170,000, with raises in the handicap, maiden and allowance categories.

Additionally, Will Rogers Downs will feature a brand-new message board on the track and will allow for horse owners to use their own jockey silks this year in lieu of house silks traditionally used in Claremore.

“Oklahoma horsemen have been looking forward to the return of live racing in Claremore, and we are ready to hit the ground running. Purses have never been better, and we have introduced two new stakes of Oklahoma-bred 3-year-olds early in the season,” said John Lies, racing secretary, announcer and oddsmaker at Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs. “We’re proud to honor Welder, one of the best Oklahoma-bred thoroughbreds of all time and a Will Rogers Downs legend, with these stakes. We also feel our new message board and more regular use of owners’ silks will enhance the appearance of our product and the overall experience of our fans.”

Stakes races begin on March 18 with the running of the new $75,000 guaranteed Blue Ribbon Stakes. A $75,000 purse is also guaranteed on the next day with the inaugural Welder Stakes.

The $55,000 guaranteed purses are available on March 25 with the Miranda Diane Stakes and on March 26 with the TRAO Classic Sprint. The Wilma Mankiller Stakes on April 15 and the Highland Ice Stakes on April 16 will both feature $50,000 guaranteed purses. Stakes wrap on May 7 with the $55,000 guaranteed More Than Even Stakes.

With 250 games, live music, heart-pounding horse racing action and impeccable service, Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs is your source of entertainment. The casino and track are both located 3 miles east of Claremore on Hwy. 20. For more information, visit www.cherokeecasino.com and click on the Will Rogers Downs tab, or call (918) 283-8800.

About Cherokee Nation Entertainment: Cherokee Nation Entertainment is the gaming and hospitality company of the Cherokee Nation. With three decades of expertise in providing exceptional gaming experiences, the company owns and operates Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa and nine Cherokee Casinos in Oklahoma, including a racino, three resort hotels, three golf courses and other retail operations. CNE operates Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica, Miss., one of the most recognizable gaming destinations in the region. For more information, visit www.HardRockCasinoTulsa.com, www.CherokeeCasino.com and www.GoldStrike.com.