Cherokee chief says no more racing at Blue Ribbon Downs, but use as training track possible

Cherokee chief: Racing done at Blue Ribbon Downs

CATOOSA, Okla. — Cherokee Nation Chief Chad Smith says the American Indian tribe has no plans to reopen Blue Ribbon Downs in Sallisaw as a racetrack.

Smith told The Associated Press the track has been unsuccessful under several ownership groups during the past two decades. He says the tribe bought the 100 acres under the track as an asset, not to continue operating the track.

Smith says the Cherokees are considering different options for the facility that include using it as a training track. A Sallisaw horseman says he’s interested in leasing the facility for that purpose.

The tribe bought the track on Dec. 10 from the Choctaw Nation, which had owned Blue Ribbon Downs for six years but closed it in November.