Oaklawn Horseracing
Nestled in the historic city of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort - long celebrated as Oaklawn Park - has stood as a pillar of American thoroughbred racing since 1904. Over the past century, this iconic venue has evolved from a classic seasonal racetrack into a world-class, year-round entertainment destination, successfully merging its legendary racing heritage with modern resort luxury.
Oaklawn is widely recognized as a critical stop on the "Road to the Kentucky Derby." From January through May, the track hosts elite three-year-olds competing for vital qualifying points. Whether you are a seasoned handicapper or a first-time spectator, the energy of the live racing season is an experience unlike any other.
The track is proud to host a spectacular lineup of stakes races, including:
- Arkansas Derby: The track's signature event and a major highlight of the racing calendar.
- Fantasy Stakes: A prestigious contest for three-year-old fillies and a key prep for the Kentucky Oaks.
- Razorback Handicap: A premier Grade 3 event for older horses.
- Essex Handicap: A significant challenge for veteran dirt horses.
- Hot Springs Stakes: A high-speed showcase for top sprint talent.
- Carousel Stakes: A top-tier sprint race dedicated to fillies and mares.
Today, Oaklawn has transformed into a world-class, year-round entertainment hub. Beyond the excitement of the grandstand, guests can enjoy a state-of-the-art casino floor, relax at the luxury on-site hotel, and indulge in a variety of fine dining experiences. Whether you are coming for the thunder of the hooves or a getaway at the resort, Oaklawn offers an unforgettable Arkansas experience.
Oaklawn Park Information
- Main Track
- Track Shape: Oval
- Track Length: 1 mile
- Homestretch Length: 1,155 feet
Selected Oaklawn Park Records
| Largest Single Day Attendance | 73,000 (2026 Arkansas Derby) |
| Largest Season Attendance | 1,419,650 (1984) |
| Largest Daily Average Attendance | 23,271 (1983) |
| Largest Opening Day Attendance | 33,108 (Feb 10, 1984) |
| Largest Single Day Handle | $15,133,537 (2000) |
| Largest Season Handle | $275,574,697 (2002) |
| Largest Daily Average Handle | $5,299,513 (2002) |
| Largest Opening Day Handle | $5,489,483 (Jan 12, 1996) |
| Largest Season Purse Distribution | $13,272,480 (1994) |
| Largest Daily Average Purses | $224,840 (2002) |
| Largest Daily Double Handle | $654,528 (1985) |
Major Milestones in the history of Oaklawn Park
1905
On February 24, Oaklawn Park opened its doors to horseracing enthusiasts. A crowd of some 3,000 attended as the day was declared a half-day holiday by Hot Springs Mayor John Belding. Duelest won the first race at the new track.
1907
Due to political problems in the state, racing was suspended.
1916
Racing resumed at Oaklawn. The track is now owned by Louis Cella.
1936
The Arkansas Derby was born with a purse $5,000. First winner was Holl Image.
1945
Racing throughout the United States ended for an indefinite period at the request of War Mobilization Director James F. Byrnes. However, the ban was lifted May 9 of the same year. A 30-day season was held on November 5 through December 8 for the lost Spring season. On opening day, an estimated crowd of 4,200 attended, and $189,289 was wagered.
1952
Oaklawn gained national attention when its handle rose from a daily average of $336,341 to $434,667. Attendance climbs from 7,057 a day to 7,739.
1959
The Meeting reached two milestones when its averages reached 10,000 in attendance and $500,000 pari-mutuel handle.
1965
Arkansas Derby purse increased to $50,000.
1970
Records continue to be broken. During the 50-day meeting, a total crowd of 556,000 attended and bet $43,366,921. The averages were 11,120 and $867,338.
1973
The first running of the Fantasy Stakes, for 3-year-old fillies, took place.
1974
The Racing Festival of the South was born. The pari-mutuel handle for the meeting amounted to $80,199,719.
1980
More than 250,000 fans attended the Racing Festival of the South. Temperence Hill won the Arkansas Derby.
1984
The purse for the Arkansas Derby was increased to $500,000.
1986
A record single day attendance of 71,203 saw Nancy and John Reed's Rampage win the Golden Anniversary running of the $500,000 guaranteed Arkansas Derby.
1991
The Oaklawn Club was completely renovated.
1996
Oaklawn Park achieved a record handle of $10,653,518 on Arkansas Derby Day.
2000
Instant Racing, a pari-mutuel electronic system which allows players to wager on previously-run races, was introduced and field-tested at Oaklawn Park.
2002
Oaklawn Park saw across-the-board increases in attendance and mutuel handle.
2004
In its centennial year, Oaklawn makes history when Smarty Jones wins the Arkansas Derby, setting off an incredible run to the Kentucky Derby that earns him a $5 million bonus for sweeping the Oaklawn series.
2005
Oaklawn Park becomes the first racetrack in the nation to receive the prestigious Eclipse Award of Merit. Arkansas legislation authorizes "games of skill," launching a new era of gaming.
2015
Triple Crown winner American Pharoah dominates the Rebel Stakes and Arkansas Derby, placing Oaklawn at the center of the horse racing world.
2018–2019
Voters approve an amendment for full-scale casino gaming. Oaklawn officially brands as Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort and introduces live table games.
2021
A $100 million expansion project is completed, featuring a new eight-story luxury hotel, event center, and expanded gaming floor.
2023
Legendary trainer Steve Asmussen reaches his 10,000th career victory at Oaklawn.
2026
Oaklawn continues its legacy, setting a modern-era attendance record of 73,000 during the Arkansas Derby and maintaining record-breaking purse distributions that attract the nation's best thoroughbreds.