| WELCOME TO RED EARTH TRAINING CENTER |
One of the Southwest's Most Innovative Thoroughbred Training Facilities
Located in the heart of Oklahoma's horse country, Red Earth Training Center offers the finest in breaking,
training and rehabilitation of thoroughbred horses. Spanning over 120 acres of neatly groomed and
well-maintained grounds, Red Earth is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care and training
services available.
training and rehabilitation of thoroughbred horses. Spanning over 120 acres of neatly groomed and
well-maintained grounds, Red Earth is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care and training
services available.
Click on the Facilities Link to see more photos.
This unique facility, established in 1990, can handle every aspect of your horse's needs.
Amenities:
 | 5/8 mile racetrack with rail | |
| Insulated/ventilated barns with 42 12 x 12 stalls | |
| Starting gates | |
| Daily Racing Form and Equibase recognized time works | |
| Covered Equi-ciser (90ft diameter with rubber safety walls) | |
| 22 individual paddocks of various sizes, all with shelters | |
Services:
| Breaking and Training | |
| Sales Preps (Yearling & 2 y.o. in training) | |
| Lay-Up and Professional Rehabilitation Services | |
| 24 Hr Experienced Care and Monitoring | |
| Regularly Scheduled Farrier Services | |
| Two Veterinary Surgical Clinics are located less than a mile away | |
About the Owner
Red Earth Training Center is owned and operated by its founder,
Joe Lucas. Joe is the current president of the Thoroughbred
Racing Association of Oklahoma and is one of the states' most
recognized trainers.
Joe Lucas. Joe is the current president of the Thoroughbred
Racing Association of Oklahoma and is one of the states' most
recognized trainers.
Joe and his staff are trained professionals who are dedicated to
ensuring the finest care and service will be given to the horses
entrusted to them. Red Earth Training Center is well-equipped to
handle each horse's individual needs.
ensuring the finest care and service will be given to the horses
entrusted to them. Red Earth Training Center is well-equipped to
handle each horse's individual needs.
| Millionaires Mr. Ross, Bein Nicole and Maysville Slew, as well as Multiple Stakes Winners, Hershey Kisses, Custer, Fly Love and Pike Pass prepared for their racing careers at Red Earth Training Center. |
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| 3056 S. Ladd Ave., Goldsby, Oklahoma 73093 ph. (405) 288-6128 |
| Arial Photo of Red Earth Training Center, featuring it's 5/8 mile racetrack, barns, paddocks, equi-ciser and more. |
Location:
Red Earth Training Center is located between Norman and Purcell, Oklahoma just West of I-35 at Exit 101
(Ladd Rd).
Red Earth Training Center is located between Norman and Purcell, Oklahoma just West of I-35 at Exit 101
(Ladd Rd).
| Owner/Trainer, Joe Lucas |
2008 OKLAHOMA TRACK REPORTS
REMINGTON PARK
Remington Park (RP) has been awarded 67 Thoroughbred race days for 2008
(August 21st through December 14th). Live racing will be conducted Thursday
through Sunday, except for an additional Labor Day card and no live racing on
Thanksgiving Day.
After hearing evidence presented by the TRAO and OQHRA at the November
Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission (OHRC) meeting, Thoroughbred horsemen
were awarded a 90% share of Remington Park’s simulcast-in revenue for 2008.
This reflects a 10% increase for Thoroughbred’s from years past and will add an
estimated $500,000 to Thoroughbred purses and breeder awards each year. The
TRAO is expecting total Thoroughbred purse distributions at Remington Park to
average $220,000 per day during this fall’s 2008 race meet.
As a result of prior negotiations between the TRAO and Magna Entertainment
(MEC), Remington Park has begun the process of building (2) new barns.
Construction is expected to be completed prior to the Thoroughbred horsemen’s
return in mid-July.
It’s been widely publicized that Remington Park is for sale. However, this is not a
situation where Oklahoma’s premier racing facility is not proving to be cost
effective for its owner -- in fact, it is quite the opposite. MEC is attempting to
liquidate one of its more lucrative properties (RP) to assist them in relieving a
portion of debt the parent company has accrued through unrelated investment
ventures. At this time, it is not known who will operate the facility in 2008 but the
TRAO anticipates having a favorable working relationship with whomever it might
be to ensure successful and competitive Thoroughbred race meets continue to
be offered at Remington Park.
The TRAO is confident the OHRC Board members and staff will do everything
within their power to protect the interest of Oklahoma horsemen during any
acquisition and/or licensing procedures that may take place in the event
Remington Park is sold.
FAIR MEADOWS TULSA
Fair Meadows Tulsa (FMT) has been awarded 32 race days for 2008 (June 5th
through July 26th). Live racing will be offered Thursday through Sunday nights,
except for certain “mixed breed” trial days.
The TRAO once again lobbied for Thoroughbred horsemen to receive an 80%
share of FMT’s simulcast-in revenue. The OQHRA had requested the 50/50 split
used in 2006 to be reinstated. After both organizations presented their
arguments, the Commission voted for the 80/20 split, implemented in 2007, to
remain in place for 2008. As such, the TRAO anticipates Thoroughbred purses to
average $75,000 per day, based on the (5) daily Thoroughbred races FMT will
average conducting during its 2008 race meet.
WILL ROGERS DOWNS
Will Rogers Downs (WRD) has been awarded 44 race days for 2008 (February 23rd
through May 27th) with live racing on Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday, with (8)
Thoroughbred races scheduled each day. There will also be two Sunday cards
held on March 23rd and May 11th.
Even though the division of simulcast-in revenue at WRD remains at 45% to
Thoroughbreds and 55% to “mixed breeds” in 2008, the purse structure for the
WRD spring meet reflects a substantial increase from 2007 as total daily purse
distribution for Thoroughbreds is expected to reach $120,000 by meets end. The
meet will feature (2) $50,000 Thoroughbred stakes races and (2) $35,000 “Classic
Preps” for both males and females. Purse increases at WRD was made possible,
in part, because of the TRAO’s success in gaining a more favorable percentage
of simulcast revenue for Thoroughbred horsemen at Remington Park and Fair
Meadows. Besides the obvious benefits horsemen competing at those two
tracks will realize, the additional simulcast revenue gained at RP and FMT
allowed for a larger portion of the Participating Tribal Funds (PTF) to remain
available for the Thoroughbred industry to utilize. This will hopefully provide a
means for the TRAO to increase purses to more competitive levels at all
racetracks in the state.
Since the 2007 race meet ended, Will Rogers Downs removed, mixed, and
screened its track cushion. In addition, the limestone base was tested for
density and repairs were made where needed. Afterwards, it was re-tested and
given a stamp of approval by an engineering firm before the refurbished sub-
base and cushion were re-applied. Additional “containment boards” and silt
screens have been placed under the inside rail which should reduce wash-outs
during heavy rains. Horsemen began training on the new surface in December
with favorable reviews about the new surface. Extensive landscaping projects
have also taken place on the backside and infield in hopes of improving various
drainage issues of the past.
An area of concern for horsemen at WRD has been the lack of sleeping quarters
for our labor force. That concern was somewhat lessened in 2008 as WRD
constructed a (26) room dormitory during the off season. Additional dorm rooms,
showers, and other backside conveniences are still needed but the addition of
(26) rooms were greatly appreciated by participating horsemen.
BLUE RIBBON DOWNS
In addition to a three day meet restricted to “mixed breeds” in March, Blue
Ribbon Downs (BRD) has also been awarded 67 race days from August 1st
through November 30th that will offer 134 Thoroughbred races. Live racing will
be held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday’s in August, with Monday’s being added
to the schedule from September through the end of the meet.
The division of simulcast-in revenue at BRD will remain at 45% to Thoroughbreds
and 55% to “mixed breeds” in 2008. The TRAO is estimating an average purse
distribution of $9,000 per race for the limited number of Thoroughbred races BRD
will offer during its fall meet (average 2 per day). The proposed purse increase
at BRD was made possible because of the additional PTF revenue the TRAO
anticipates to be available to transfer there. Once again, the ripple effect of the
Thoroughbred industry receiving a larger share of simulcast revenue at RP and
FMT will be felt by Thoroughbred horsemen who compete at all racetracks in our
state.
Obviously, competition from various tribal casinos in the area, who are able to
offer their patrons more machines and a variety of card games, has had a
negative effect on BRD’s ability to reach its projected gaming revenue levels.
This, combined with competition from the Choctaw’s Pocola OTB for area horse
players, has lessened the chances of BRD becoming the facility horsemen had
hoped for when gaming legislation was approved. On the surface, it appears
BRD may also be less than profitable for its owner, Backstretch LLC, who
purchased the facility just prior to the gaming measure’s passage in 2004.
Not surprisingly, BRD has been listed for sale by Backstretch LLC, which is
owned by the Choctaw Nation. However, at a recent OHRC meeting, BRD General
Manager Blaine Story, assured horsemen and the Commission that the race days
allotted in 2008 will be conducted as scheduled if the facility is not sold. At this
time, it is not certain if potential buyers exist or what the future might hold for
the historical facility.
The TRAO remains optimistic “something” can and will be done with BRD that
benefits the horsemen of this state, as well as its owner. Regardless who
operates the facility in the future, the TRAO is hopeful their management team
will be able to increase the revenue its gaming machines are currently
generating.
REMINGTON PARK
Remington Park (RP) has been awarded 67 Thoroughbred race days for 2008
(August 21st through December 14th). Live racing will be conducted Thursday
through Sunday, except for an additional Labor Day card and no live racing on
Thanksgiving Day.
After hearing evidence presented by the TRAO and OQHRA at the November
Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission (OHRC) meeting, Thoroughbred horsemen
were awarded a 90% share of Remington Park’s simulcast-in revenue for 2008.
This reflects a 10% increase for Thoroughbred’s from years past and will add an
estimated $500,000 to Thoroughbred purses and breeder awards each year. The
TRAO is expecting total Thoroughbred purse distributions at Remington Park to
average $220,000 per day during this fall’s 2008 race meet.
As a result of prior negotiations between the TRAO and Magna Entertainment
(MEC), Remington Park has begun the process of building (2) new barns.
Construction is expected to be completed prior to the Thoroughbred horsemen’s
return in mid-July.
It’s been widely publicized that Remington Park is for sale. However, this is not a
situation where Oklahoma’s premier racing facility is not proving to be cost
effective for its owner -- in fact, it is quite the opposite. MEC is attempting to
liquidate one of its more lucrative properties (RP) to assist them in relieving a
portion of debt the parent company has accrued through unrelated investment
ventures. At this time, it is not known who will operate the facility in 2008 but the
TRAO anticipates having a favorable working relationship with whomever it might
be to ensure successful and competitive Thoroughbred race meets continue to
be offered at Remington Park.
The TRAO is confident the OHRC Board members and staff will do everything
within their power to protect the interest of Oklahoma horsemen during any
acquisition and/or licensing procedures that may take place in the event
Remington Park is sold.
FAIR MEADOWS TULSA
Fair Meadows Tulsa (FMT) has been awarded 32 race days for 2008 (June 5th
through July 26th). Live racing will be offered Thursday through Sunday nights,
except for certain “mixed breed” trial days.
The TRAO once again lobbied for Thoroughbred horsemen to receive an 80%
share of FMT’s simulcast-in revenue. The OQHRA had requested the 50/50 split
used in 2006 to be reinstated. After both organizations presented their
arguments, the Commission voted for the 80/20 split, implemented in 2007, to
remain in place for 2008. As such, the TRAO anticipates Thoroughbred purses to
average $75,000 per day, based on the (5) daily Thoroughbred races FMT will
average conducting during its 2008 race meet.
WILL ROGERS DOWNS
Will Rogers Downs (WRD) has been awarded 44 race days for 2008 (February 23rd
through May 27th) with live racing on Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday, with (8)
Thoroughbred races scheduled each day. There will also be two Sunday cards
held on March 23rd and May 11th.
Even though the division of simulcast-in revenue at WRD remains at 45% to
Thoroughbreds and 55% to “mixed breeds” in 2008, the purse structure for the
WRD spring meet reflects a substantial increase from 2007 as total daily purse
distribution for Thoroughbreds is expected to reach $120,000 by meets end. The
meet will feature (2) $50,000 Thoroughbred stakes races and (2) $35,000 “Classic
Preps” for both males and females. Purse increases at WRD was made possible,
in part, because of the TRAO’s success in gaining a more favorable percentage
of simulcast revenue for Thoroughbred horsemen at Remington Park and Fair
Meadows. Besides the obvious benefits horsemen competing at those two
tracks will realize, the additional simulcast revenue gained at RP and FMT
allowed for a larger portion of the Participating Tribal Funds (PTF) to remain
available for the Thoroughbred industry to utilize. This will hopefully provide a
means for the TRAO to increase purses to more competitive levels at all
racetracks in the state.
Since the 2007 race meet ended, Will Rogers Downs removed, mixed, and
screened its track cushion. In addition, the limestone base was tested for
density and repairs were made where needed. Afterwards, it was re-tested and
given a stamp of approval by an engineering firm before the refurbished sub-
base and cushion were re-applied. Additional “containment boards” and silt
screens have been placed under the inside rail which should reduce wash-outs
during heavy rains. Horsemen began training on the new surface in December
with favorable reviews about the new surface. Extensive landscaping projects
have also taken place on the backside and infield in hopes of improving various
drainage issues of the past.
An area of concern for horsemen at WRD has been the lack of sleeping quarters
for our labor force. That concern was somewhat lessened in 2008 as WRD
constructed a (26) room dormitory during the off season. Additional dorm rooms,
showers, and other backside conveniences are still needed but the addition of
(26) rooms were greatly appreciated by participating horsemen.
BLUE RIBBON DOWNS
In addition to a three day meet restricted to “mixed breeds” in March, Blue
Ribbon Downs (BRD) has also been awarded 67 race days from August 1st
through November 30th that will offer 134 Thoroughbred races. Live racing will
be held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday’s in August, with Monday’s being added
to the schedule from September through the end of the meet.
The division of simulcast-in revenue at BRD will remain at 45% to Thoroughbreds
and 55% to “mixed breeds” in 2008. The TRAO is estimating an average purse
distribution of $9,000 per race for the limited number of Thoroughbred races BRD
will offer during its fall meet (average 2 per day). The proposed purse increase
at BRD was made possible because of the additional PTF revenue the TRAO
anticipates to be available to transfer there. Once again, the ripple effect of the
Thoroughbred industry receiving a larger share of simulcast revenue at RP and
FMT will be felt by Thoroughbred horsemen who compete at all racetracks in our
state.
Obviously, competition from various tribal casinos in the area, who are able to
offer their patrons more machines and a variety of card games, has had a
negative effect on BRD’s ability to reach its projected gaming revenue levels.
This, combined with competition from the Choctaw’s Pocola OTB for area horse
players, has lessened the chances of BRD becoming the facility horsemen had
hoped for when gaming legislation was approved. On the surface, it appears
BRD may also be less than profitable for its owner, Backstretch LLC, who
purchased the facility just prior to the gaming measure’s passage in 2004.
Not surprisingly, BRD has been listed for sale by Backstretch LLC, which is
owned by the Choctaw Nation. However, at a recent OHRC meeting, BRD General
Manager Blaine Story, assured horsemen and the Commission that the race days
allotted in 2008 will be conducted as scheduled if the facility is not sold. At this
time, it is not certain if potential buyers exist or what the future might hold for
the historical facility.
The TRAO remains optimistic “something” can and will be done with BRD that
benefits the horsemen of this state, as well as its owner. Regardless who
operates the facility in the future, the TRAO is hopeful their management team
will be able to increase the revenue its gaming machines are currently
generating.
