Remington Park: Trainers survived tough times at track

By Robert Przybylo

Published: August 28, 2008

Times have not always been great at Remington Park. During the mid to late 1990s, it seemed like some people were trying to get off a sinking ship.

Not everyone. Those who have stayed have seen Remington turn its fortunes around and prosper.

As Remington celebrates its 20th anniversary this weekend, trainers who have been there from the beginning share some of their thoughts about how things used to be, how they are and how they might be in the future.

Brent Charlton took a gamble when he and his family moved from California to Oklahoma in 1988.

He had never been to Oklahoma but said living in California was just too expensive.

"We just fell in love with the place,” Charlton said. "The people were so nice. It was just so different from what we were used to.”

After 35 years training, Charlton is still going strong. He said he doesn't have any plans to retire and will keep going as long as his body lets him.

For trainer Kenny Nolen, Remington gave him a chance to come home. Originally from Stigler, Nolen was racing in Louisiana when he heard about Oklahoma City getting a track.

"It worked out perfect for me,” Nolen said. "It wasn't that I didn't love being in Louisiana, but of course, if you can go home, that's what you'd want to do.”

And when Remington was going through its down times, Nolen never thought about getting out or moving to another place.

"I just kept hope that things were going to get better,” Nolen said. "Now it has and everyone is upbeat again. It's a great place to be.”

When the tough times hit Joe Offolter, he knew horse racing wasn't the best business to be in. But he didn't know anything else to do.

Offolter, from Blanchard, used to race in Minnesota and Nebraska but has found a home at Remington. Especially now.

"I can't think of a time when there's been more excitement here,” he said. "I'm glad I stuck it out. I have a full barn here and am looking forward to this season.”

Offolter had a horse in the second race ever at Remington, placing third.

Trainer Donnie Von Hemel had a horse in the first race ever. His horse, Lucky Salvation, placed third, and it set the tone for Von Hemel's career. He is Remington's all-time leading trainer.

"This is a great track to be at with a great working environment,” Von Hemel said. "We've been through a lot, and it's great to think about where we can go in the future.”

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