The leader of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma confirmed the tribe won't resume horse races at the Blue Ribbon Downs.
The tribe bought the property in December for $2.5 million, the Associated Press reported, citing county documents. Chief Chad Smith said the primary goal was to acquire land, not to run a track.
"We didn't buy a track. We bought 100 acres that had a track on it," Smith told the AP. Smith said the tribe might lease it as a training facility.
The Choctaw Nation bought the track in 2003 for $4.25 million and closed it last year, saying it couldn't keep the operation going.
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Cherokee chief: Racing done at Blue Ribbon Downs
(AP 2/24)