Blue Ribbon keeps license, sets dates

Blue Ribbon Downs in Sallisaw, Okla., averted a possible suspension of its racing license on Thursday when it presented the Oklahoma Racing Commission with proof of workers' compensation. Instead, the track was given preliminary approval for 45 dates of racing in 2004.

Remington Park in Oklahoma City and Fair Meadows in Tulsa also had their dates requests on the agenda, and both received final approval for their 2004 schedules.

Remington was awarded a 65-date Thoroughbred meet from July 30 to Nov. 28. The track was also granted a 28-date Quarter Horse meet from April 2 to May 31, with a special day of trials to be run March 20.

Remington's meet for Thorough-breds reflects an increase in dates compared to 2003.

Fair Meadows was granted two continuous meets for mixed-breed racing. A 10-day meeting will be held from May 27 to June 17, followed by a 20-day meet from June 18 to July 24.

Blue Ribbon, which usually runs from February through December, was given preliminary approval for a shorter meet for Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses next year. The track proposed a split season, running from March 6 to May 1, then Sept. 3 to Oct. 31.

Blue Ribbon also owes repayment of a loan to the city of Sallisaw. The small track's request for a new bankruptcy trial was dismissed in the past month, but Blue Ribbon is expected to appeal the decision.