In August 1987, the track opened as the second pari-mutuel track in Oklahoma, located at Highway 20 just 3 miles east of Claremore in Rogers County, Oklahoma, near Tulsa, currently owned and operated by the Cherokee Nation. It was considered the showcase of Oklahoma horse racing during its opening year, but in 1988, such title no longer existed when the great racetrack Remington Park was unveiled in Oklahoma City, added with the fast deterioration of the track. It was the beginning of their distress, added with financial adversities for many years, resulting in bankruptcy and closure in 2001. In 2004, the Cherokee Nation purchased the track and renovated it, adding casino gaming. It officially opened again on December 4, 2005. Then on February 24, 2006, live racing returned, holding two separate meets, one for thoroughbred and the other is for quarter horse and mixed breed.