Will Rogers Downs has announced a new opening day of Monday September 12. Race days will shift from the traditional Friday-Sunday to Mondays and Tuesdays in September and then in October and November race days will be Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. The shift in days was made in hopes of increasing off-track handle through simulcasting when competition is not as strong, and fans and handicappers are looking for wagering opportunities. This will also allow jockeys and trainers the ability to go back and forth between meets more easily as many of them compete at other tracks. The fall race meet will culminate with a card loaded with stakes races on Tuesday, Nov. 15.

Also, this fall horsemen will notice an increase in purse levels across the board with maidens running for $16,000 (QH) and $8,000 (P/A). The stakes schedule includes the Mystery Futurity and Derby, four races from the AQHA’s Bank of America Racing Challenge program, the Black Gold Futurity and the Black Gold Oaks and the Speedhorse Paint and Appaloosa Futurity Championship.

Another benefit for horsemen this meet will be that hair tests will be good for 90 days and will be reciprocal between Will Rogers Downs and Lone Star Park. Testing will begin August 3 and one test will give a horse the opportunity to start at either track where a specific race’s condition might be more beneficial for a horse that cannot get in at the other track.