Oaklawn Park, which has enjoyed favorable weather and large crowds in the
last month after being hampered by snow and cold early in the season, announced
the second purse increase of the meet effective with Saturday’s 10-race card.
Daily purses will be increased approximately $10,000 a day and four stakes
races are getting at least a $15,000 increase. Oaklawn announced the first
increase of $10,000 a day February 5.
The daily purse increase is for overnight races only. Purses will be
increased a minimum of $500 for claiming races and a minimum of $2,000 for
non-claiming races. In addition, the purse of the March 19 Azeri S. (G3), a
leading stepping stone for the $500,000 Apple Blossom H. (G1) April 15, will be
increased from $100,000 to $150,000 and three other stakes — the March 20 Hot
Springs, the March 26 Prima Donna, and the March 27 Carousel — will have their
purses bumped from $60,000 to $75,000. Oaklawn had previously announced a purse
increase for the March 12 Razorback H. (G3) from $100,000 to $125,000.
“The horsemen are naturally grateful for this second purse increase,” said
Bill Walmsley, President of the Arkansas H.B.P.A. “We are very encouraged to see
Oaklawn prosper as is demonstrated in this purse increase. We are very pleased
to be part of a program that is succeeding and are happy they continue to buck a
declining national trend.”
“Oaklawn has been fortunate to have strong on-track handle as well as
increased business on the Instant Racing and gaming side despite challenges with
the weather early in the season,” Assistant General Manager of Racing David
Longinotti said. “We appreciate the support we have received from our horsemen,
which is reflected in the large fields, and we look forward to even better
racing as we move closer to our Racing Festival of the South.”
The live racing season continues through April 16.