Tornado Damages Will Rogers' Barn Area
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Photo: Tammy Wright/Thoroughbred Racing Assoc. Okla.
Tornado damage at Will Rogers Downs
The barn area at Will Rogers Downs in Claremore, Okla., sustained extensive damage and two horses were injured when a tornado hit the area March 30.
According to CNN.com, at least seven people were injured when several tornadoes moved through the area, uprooting trees, damaging buildings, and causing flooding.
Eric Hamelback, CEO of the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association that is helping organize collection and distribution of stable items to send to Will Rogers horsemen, said he has been told that one of the horses had severe, but undetermined, injuries.
Based on information he received from Danielle Barber, executive director of the Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma, Hamelback said there "was quite extensive damage to the barn area." Television video of Will Rogers Downs showed at least half of the roof ripped off one barn and significant roof damage to another.
Will Rogers Downs' mixed meet of Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses runs from March 14 through May 21.
In an effort to assist Will Rogers Downs horsemen, Hamelback said the NHBPA is collecting essential stable and barn items, such as feed and water buckets, to be sent via a horse transportation company going to the area.
Those interested in assisting can contact the National HBPA at 859-259-0451 or email .