Oklahoma approves dates for 2011 season

Remington Park in Oklahoma City will race its typical 67-date Thoroughbred meet in 2011 after the Oklahoma Racing Commission approved a racing calendar for the state’s tracks. Remington’s meet will open on Aug. 17 and continue through Dec. 10.

The current meet runs through Dec. 11.

Remington was also awarded a 50-date Quarter Horse meet from March 4 to May 30.

Will Rogers Downs near Tulsa was granted a 32-date Thoroughbred meet for next year, from Feb. 21-May 7. The track was also awarded a 28-date Quarter Horse meet from Sept. 9-Nov. 12. Fair Meadows in Tulsa received approval for a 34-date mixed meet for Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses from June 2 to July 23.

Fair Meadows also received conditional approval from the commission to tear down the south side of its grandstand, which is a portion of the facility that has not been used in years. The track will be making improvements to its entrance area.

◗ Remington has expanded to 11 races a card for the remainder of the meet after offering nine on weekdays and 10 on weekends. The track has also shifted its post to 5:30 p.m. Central, an hour earlier than usual, to accommodate the added races. The lone exception is Friday, when there will be a special day post of 1:30 p.m.

– Mary Rampellini