In 2019, Oaklawn will open Jan. 25 and run through May 4, three weeks beyond the track's usual conclusion date of GI Arkansas Derby day in mid-April.
“This is a sea-change in our scheduling,” Oaklawn President Louis Cella said. “This is an idea that has been discussed internally for a number of years and now the time seems right to make the change. The quality of our program is calling on us to present racing in the most favorable weather conditions. There is nowhere in America more beautiful for great racing than Arkansas in the spring.”
The change to the racing calendar will also impact the local economy in Hot Springs, A.R.
“Oaklawn has always been one of the pillars of our economy,” said Gary Troutman, President of the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce and Metro Partnership. “This change to the racing schedule will greatly enhance our local businesses that rely on racing fans coming to town.”
Oaklawn will continue to run on a Thursday to Sunday schedule and will also race on Presidents' Day, Monday, Feb. 18.
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