In a tragic turn of events, a tornado ripped through Will Rogers Downs, a popular horse racing track in Claremore, Oklahoma, on Monday afternoon, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The powerful storm claimed the lives of three horses and left several others injured.
The tornado touched down around 3:00 pm local time, catching many by surprise as severe weather warnings had been issued earlier in the day. The fierce winds tore through the horse barns and training facilities at the track, destroying buildings and leaving debris scattered across the property.
Officials at Will Rogers Downs worked quickly to assess the damage and attend to the injured animals. Veterinarians and rescue teams were called in to provide emergency care to the horses affected by the storm. Despite their best efforts, three horses could not be saved and succumbed to their injuries.
“We are heartbroken over the loss of these beautiful animals,” said John Hayes, president of Will Rogers Downs. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the owners and caretakers of the horses who were affected by this tragedy.”
In addition to the loss of life, several horses were also seriously injured in the tornado. They were immediately taken to a nearby equine hospital for further treatment and observation. The extent of their injuries is not yet known, but officials are hopeful for their recovery.
The track itself sustained significant damage, with many of the barns and training facilities being completely destroyed. Clean-up efforts have already begun, with crews working tirelessly to clear the debris and assess the full extent of the damage.
While the exact cause of the tornado is still being investigated, meteorologists have confirmed that multiple tornados touched down in the Claremore area on Monday. The storms were part of a larger severe weather system that swept through the region, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and hail.
The community has been rallying around Will Rogers Downs in the aftermath of the tornado, offering their support and condolences to those affected by the tragedy. A fundraiser has been launched to help cover the costs of caring for the injured horses and rebuilding the damaged facilities.
Despite the devastation, officials at Will Rogers Downs remain committed to the safety and well-being of their animals. They are determined to rebuild and continue their operations, ensuring that their racing community remains strong in the face of adversity.
