According to the Tulsa World, Mark Pace, 58, was aboard the 3-year-old filly Reep What You Sow, who hit the rail during the 5 1/2-furlong maiden claiming race. Pace was taken to Sequoyah County Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The newspaper reported that Pace, a replacement rider on the filly, had recently resumed riding after an extended break and had not ridden previously during the Blue Ribbon meet. The rest of the race card was cancelled following the second race.