Tornado strikes Will Rogers Downs

Will Rogers Downs was struck by a tornado that ripped through Claremore, Oklahoma, Saturday night. According to preliminary National Weather Service surveys, the tornado that inflicted significant damage to local houses and businesses was an EF-2. Tornadoes are rated on the Enhanced Fujita Wind Scale from zero to five, with five representing the strongest.

“The property was in the path of the tornado,” Travis Noland, a spokesman for Will Rogers Downs, told Daily Racing Form Sunday. “At the property itself, there is some pretty significant damage, but we're grateful from a life, safety respect, there were no reports of any serious injuries.”

Will Rogers ended its Thoroughbred meet on May 15. Horses who remained on the grounds Saturday were transferred to other facilities throughout the Sunday morning.

On Sunday morning, the track's Facebook page stated, "Will Rogers Downs remains closed as we continue assessing the damage from last night's storm.”