Oklahoma Derby Day 2016: A Time For Remington Park To Shine

Oklahoma Derby Day 2016: A Time For Remington Park To Shine by Kari Ward– Oklahoma, here I come again, back to my place of birth. I have been waiting to go back to Remington Park after I had such a fantastic time last year at this wonderful track and got to finally meet many twitter friends for the first time. The track is located in Oklahoma City, which is 50 miles away from my home town of Stillwater, Oklahoma. So not only do I get to see family and friends, I also get to spend two full days at this beautiful racetrack. That was my first time to visit Remington Park and I have to say, I was highly impressed.

We are only a few weeks away from the 28th running of the GIII $400,000 Oklahoma Derby which headlines the 2016 Remington Park Stakes schedule on Sunday, September 25. This big day for Oklahoma racing just keeps getting bigger and better. This year there are 10 Stakes races on the program of 12 worth $1,325,000. That is an increase of 3 more stakes races from 7 last year. They will also feature, for the first time, a guaranteed $50,000 all Stakes Primetime Pick 4.

The stakes races will be as follows: the $400,000 GIII Oklahoma Derby for 3year-old and up at 1 1/16 on the dirt; the $200,000 Remington Park Oaks for 3 year-old fillies going 1 1/16 on the dirt; the $175,000 Governor’s Cup for 3 year-olds and up going 1 1/8 on the dirt; the $150,000 David M. Vance Sprint for 3 years and up going 6 furlongs on the dirt; the $100,000 Remington Green Stakes for 3 years and up going 1 1/8 on the grass; the $75,000 Ricks Memorial Stakes for fillies & mares 3 years and up at 1 1/16 on the grass; the $75,000 Kip Deville Stakes for 2 year-olds at 6 furlongs on the dirt; the $50,000 Flashy Lady Stakes for fillies & mares 3 years and up at 6 furlongs on the dirt; the $50,000 Bob Barry Memorial for fillies & mares 3 years and up going 7 ½ furlongs on the turf (Oklahoma bred); and last but not least the $50,000 Red Earth Stakes for 3 year olds and up at 7 ½ furlongs on the turf (Oklahoma bred). Whew.

In addition to all of the great stakes racing on the 25th, Remington Park has numerous festivities planned for a top-notch day at the races. There will be the Derby Day Hat & Bowtie Style Contest, free to enter with thousands in cash prizes in multiple categories, 2pm on the Clubhouse level. Derby Day Wine Festival on the Plaza where $10 gets you tastings from various Wineries and a commemorative glass. Proceeds from the winetasting event will go to the Permanently Disabled Jockey Fund and the Oklahoma Thoroughbred Retirement Program. We have the Oklahoma Derby Win-Place-Show contest with $1000 (win) $500 (place) and $250 (show) where you select your horse, put it in a drawing to be held at the end of the day, if you get picked, you win. There will once again be a live band on hand all day and lots of food, fun and more.

The Sunday, September 25th card kicks off at 3 pm this year so we will get to see some great night-time racing and you couldn’t ask for a better time of year for that than Oklahoma in September. I plan on arriving mid-day Saturday to kick-off the festivities. That weekend can’t get here soon enough. Myself, and my friend and co-worker Robin will be there for Lady and the Track to keep you covered for the 2016 Oklahoma Derby, so get on board.

Make your plans now to come out and meet us! You can call 405-424-1000 for more information. For details on booking a group in the Suites or Fortunes Terrace for that day, contact 405-425-3270. For reservations in the Silks Restaurant or Club 1 on the Clubhouse level or the Bricktown Brewery on the Casino Floor, please contact Group Sales at 405-425-3280. Remington Park opens daily at 10:30 am for casino gaming and simulcast racing. Admission, Parking & Valet are always free. See you there!