By Associated Press
Catoosa, OK – CATOOSA, Okla. (AP) 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 that the track has been unsuccessful under several ownership groups during the past two decades. He says the tribe bought the 100 acres of land on which Blue Ribbon Downs sits for its assets, not to continue operating it as a 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.