Thoroughbred racing returns to Remington Park Aug. 8

Remington Park’s 2025 Thoroughbred Season kicks off Friday, Aug. 8, and runs through Saturday, Dec. 20, with 62 scheduled race dates and several headline events. 

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the casino’s opening, which will be recognized in November during the season. The schedule includes Oklahoma Derby Week, Oklahoma Classics and the return of the Extreme Holiday Showdown. 

The season’s biggest races include the Grade 3, $400,000 Oklahoma Derby and the $300,000 Remington Park Springboard Mile. A new race joins the lineup this year: the $250,000 Great West Turf Sprint, the track’s first high-stakes turf sprint. 

“Thoroughbred Season combines the thrill of competition from our sport’s top athletes – both human and equine – with fun, family-friendly activities and events that raise money for community nonprofits. This year is particularly special as we’ll celebrate the 20th anniversary of our casino and its positive economic impact for the Oklahoma community,” said Matt Vance, Remington Park’s executive vice president of racing. “Our races attract top trainers, jockeys and horses, from our region and beyond, giving our patrons a quality experience throughout the season.” 

Oklahoma Derby Week 

Oklahoma Derby Week, which begins Sept. 22, builds to Derby Day on Sunday, Sept. 28, when top horses from around the country compete for more than $1 million in total purses across eight stakes races. Coal Battle, the 2024 Springboard Mile winner, could be among the Derby contenders. 

Week highlights include: 

• Riders Cup Charity Golf Tournament 
  Monday, Sept. 22, 8:30 a.m. at Lincoln Park Golf Course 
  The tournament is Remington Park Charities’ largest fundraiser of the year. Details on teams and sponsorships are available at RemingtonPark.com/riderscup. 
• Oklahoma Derby Hat & Bowtie Contest 
  Sunday, Sept. 28, 3 to 5 p.m. 
  Fans compete for $3,600 in cash prizes across four categories. The event is free to enter and held at Track Level–North. 
• Oklahoma Derby Day Wine Festival 
  Sunday, Sept. 28, 3 to 7 p.m. 
  Wineries from across Oklahoma will participate. VIP entry begins at 3 p.m. and general admission opens at 4 p.m. Attendees must be 21 or older. A portion of the proceeds will support Remington Park Charities. 

Oklahoma Classics 

Oklahoma Classics, held on Friday, Oct. 17, celebrates the state’s Thoroughbred racing with more than $1.1 million in purses for Oklahoma-bred horses. Races begin at 6 p.m. 

Extreme Holiday Showdown 

This fan-favorite event mixes live racing with holiday-themed fun. Expect appearances from Santa Claus, the Grinch and Buddy the Elf, as well as stick horse races, adoptable dogs and a Merry Market with local vendors. Held on Saturday, Nov. 8, the activities begin at 5 p.m. and are free to the public. 

During the 2025 season, races begin at 6 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, with Wednesday races added starting Dec. 3. Special post times include: 

• Oklahoma Derby – 3 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 28 
• Springboard Mile – 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 20 

Remington Park is located at 1 Remington Place in Oklahoma City. For full schedules, post times and promotions, visit RemingtonPark.com.