Despite objections from horsemen across the state, Tulsa Fairgrounds Trustees today give final approval to a deal that will halt live race meets.
Joe Lucas with the Thoroughbred Racing Association believes the naming rights agreement with the Creek-Muscogee Nation will be costly to the industry and also the fairgrounds. He was one of several protestors to speak against the deal.
But Fairgrounds CEO Mark Andrus says the live meets are a financial drain, and Fair Meadows is at a distinct disadvantage because other tracks in Oklahoma allow gaming. He recommended the new contract, and Trustees agreed unanimously.
The horsemen say the deal jeopardizes tribal payments that support their industry. They plan to appeal to the Governor and the Indian Gaming Commission.