More on the scene from Oaklawn where trainer Ron Moquett said the transition would be Oaklawn into Churchill into Saratoga. Think about that for a moment.
I mentioned Oaklawn a few times in recent years. It is that solid of a facility. It received national attention even from non-racing entities for its handling of the sport during the virus. Local officials needed to be commended, too. Arkansas did a wonderful job as did track president Louis Cella. Now, perhaps, comes additional rewards.
Oaklawn announces plans to add December live race dates
Oaklawn announced Monday that it intends to add December race dates to its calendar and host a 66-day season from Friday, Dec. 3, to Sunday, May 8, 2022.
"For many years, horsemen have wanted to race here in December to fill a gap in their racing schedule," Oaklawn President Louis A. Cella said in a news release.
"We have completed our resort expansion, including the opening of our luxury hotel, spa and event center. Therefore, the timing is right for another expansion – to our live racing season."
The 66-day season will be conducted largely on a Friday-Sunday basis, with some exceptions. There will be no racing Dec. 24 through Dec. 26 during the Christmas holiday and also no racing on Easter Sunday, April 17. Racing will continue to be offered on Presidents Day on Monday, Feb. 21, 2022.
Oaklawn plans to present the new proposed racing schedule to the Arkansas Racing Commission at its next meeting for approval, the release said.
"We are looking forward to the new format," Cella said. "The additional days will provide a huge economic impact for horsemen, Arkansas Thoroughbred breeders and tourism in Central Arkansas."
"Oaklawn's decision to add racing days in December is wonderful news for Hot Springs and Garland County," Steve Arrison, CEO of Visit Hot Springs, said in the release.
"The expansion of its casino and its addition of a world-class hotel this year already provided Hot Springs with an exciting new feature in its attractions menu. The additional live racing dates will further cement Oaklawn's status as a premier economic engine for our city. We all look forward to this great new reason for everyone to visit Hot Springs."
Purses for the season are projected to be $45 million to $50 million, "the highest in America at that time of year," with all allowance races starting at $100,000.