Oklahoma claiming rule addressed

The Oklahoma Racing Commission has approved a change to the state's claiming rule that will eliminate the requirement that a horse be raised in claiming price a minimum of 25 percent in the 30 days following a claim. The rule will now go through the administrative process, said Tino Rieger, the executive director for the commission. The earliest it would go into effect is late spring, 2011.

The commission, which met Thursday, could approve Oklahoma race dates for 2011 at its next meeting Nov. 18. The panel took preliminary action on a proposed calendar Thursday, by authorizing its staff to draw up orders for final approvals of dates.

Remington Park is seeking its traditional 67-date fall Thoroughbred meet, from Aug. 17 to Dec. 10. The track has also asked for 50 dates for Quarter Horses from March 4 to May 30.

Will Rogers Downs has requested a 32-date Thoroughbred meet from Feb. 21-May 7, and a 28-date Quarter Horse meet from Sept. 9-Nov. 12. Fair Meadows has asked a 34-date mixed meet from June 2 to July 23.