BLUE RIBBON DOWNS
Blue Ribbon Downs started when Bill Hedge bought 102 acres just west of Sallisaw in 1960.
The track soon became known as a proving ground and gained recognition from the American Quarter Horse Association in 1963. In the early years It was known as the richest non-parimutuel track in the country In 1984, Blue Ribbon Downs became the first parimutuel track in Oklahoma. It would see crowds of over 20,000 spectators swell it’s stands to watch some of the top quarter horses compete. Home to several of the nation's most prestigious race programs like the Oklahoma Futurity, Blue Ribbon Downs Futurity, Black Gold Futurity and Heritage Place Futurity, Blue Ribbon Downs drew racing enthusiasts from all over the world to Oklahoma.
Many trainers and jockeys proved themselves at Blue Ribbons Downs. Jockeys like Champion G.R. Carter; and trainers such as Rex Brooks, Jack Brooks and Eddie Willis all started their racing careers at Blue Ribbon Downs.
Though the track is now closed it is still home to many Oklahoma trainers, Now owned by the Cherokee Nation , Blue Ribbon Downs is one of the states great training tracks. The sense of community that continues to reside with the trainers, owners, jockeys and grooms of today is a testament to Blue-Ribbon Downs deep-rooted history in Oklahoma.