For the fourth consecutive year, Oaklawn Park’s newly released first
condition book will reflect an increase in purses from the start of the previous
meet. For the first time in track history, maiden allowance races will start out
carrying a minimum purse of $40,000 and the minimum claiming race purse will be
$15,300. Last year, maiden allowance races started at $36,000 and the minimum
purse was $15,200.
The announcement of purses comes on the heels of the previously announced
record 34-race stakes schedule worth nearly $5.2 million. This includes raising
the Rebel Stakes (G2) from $300,000 to $500,000 and a condensed four-day,
nine-stakes Racing Festival of the South.
“The continued success of Instant Racing and our Gaming Center keeps
delivering as promised in the form higher purses, which allows us to improve our
racing product every year,” said David Longinotti, Assistant General Manager of
Racing. “Oaklawn is very proud that we continue to buck the national trend and
can offer these record purses.”
The first condition book and stakes book are available upon request by
calling 501-701-5570 and these can also be found at
www.oaklawn.com along with stall
applications, which are due October 27. Oaklawn Racing Secretary Pat Pope will
make his first recruiting trip to Chicago beginning Tuesday, and Longinotti will
be visiting with horsemen during the Keeneland sales on September 12 and 13.
Oaklawn Park’s barn area will open November 14 and the track will open for
training on November 21.