Oaklawn Park
Located in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Oaklawn Park has a long history with horse racing that started back on February 24, 1905. It was on this day that Oaklawn horse racing came alive before a crowd of some 3,000 horse racing fans. It’s the premier racing facility in the southern US.
Oaklawn Park Track Layout
Oaklawn features a one-mile dirt oval, and somewhat unique to major US tracks, does not have a turf race course.
Track History & Facts
1907 was a special year at Oaklawn Park. That was a time when only six races were run per day. During a four day span in February, between the 20th and 23rd, super jockey Herman Radtke won 16 out of 24 races. In a funny twist, Herman Radtke returned to Oaklawn Park in the 1940's as a pari-mutuels clerk.
In 1917, a powerhouse of a horse named Old Rosebud graced the track at Oaklawn Park. Old Rosebud was the 1914 winner of the Kentucky Derby. Much to the delight of the crowd, the highly anticipated race also featured Pan Zareta, who was one of the greatest mares in America, with over 75 wins. The race went off without a hitch and it was mighty Pan Zareta winning by a head of Colonel Vennie. Kentucky Derby winner, Old Rosebud, finished third. However, Old Rosebud would get the better of Pan Zareta in a meeting later in the year.
In 2004, Oaklawn Park celebrated its centennial year and the horse racing was outstanding. Track president, Charles J. Cella, called it "the most exciting season we've ever had." The season featured well-known Smarty Jones. Smarty Jones owned the Oaklawn Park racetrack sweeping the Arkansas Derby and other races. It was the first glimpse at greatness. Smarty Jones went on to capture the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. He quickly became a household name in America.
Oaklawn Park Betting Odds
When you can’t get to the track, wagering through an online racebook is the best way to get in on the action. Our recommended racebooks give competitive odds, and guaranteed customer service.
