1. Overview of Oaklawn
Oaklawn is a renowned thoroughbred racetrack and gaming center situated in Hot Springs National Park. Established in 1904, it is famous for hosting the $1 million Arkansas Derby, which is among the top prep races for the Kentucky Derby and the other two Triple Crown races.
2. Notable Achievements
In 2015, Oaklawn’s 3-year-old stakes program produced the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years, American Pharoah, who triumphed in the $750,000 Rebel Stakes and the $1 million Arkansas Derby. Other recent champions originating from the Arkansas Derby include Smarty Jones, Afleet Alex, Curlin, and Summer Bird.
3. Racing Schedule and Venue
Oaklawn conducts an annual live race meet from mid-January to mid-April, while remaining open year-round for premier gaming and simulcast racing from across the nation.
Basic Information
Located in Hot Springs, AR, Oaklawn is approximately an hour’s drive from Little Rock. The racetrack can be found at 2705 Central Ave, Highway 7, just south of Historic downtown Hot Springs.
Post Times
- Weekdays & Sundays – 1:30 p.m.
- Saturdays – 1:00 p.m.
- Opening and Closing Days – 12:30 p.m.
Families, including children, are welcomed at the park, although only those 18 and older may place bets. Children enjoy watching the horses, making it a popular outing for families.
Parking prices can vary depending on the location, but there are options for free parking available. Additionally, you don’t have to place a bet to enjoy watching the races.
It’s important to remember that the races are meant to be enjoyable, and any winnings are simply an added bonus!
Special Giveaways and Events
Dawn at Oaklawn: Every Saturday morning, guests can participate in barn tours, offering a “behind the scenes” look at Thoroughbred racing. This program is free and includes complimentary coffee and pastries. Reservations are unnecessary. The last “Dawn at Oaklawn” of the season occurs on the Friday before Derby Day, though no tours are available on Derby Day itself.
Special Events at Oaklawn
Some examples of special events during the racing season include:
- Corned Beef Day: Enjoy famous corned beef sandwiches for only 50 cents.
- Bobblehead Day: Get American Pharoah bobblehorses while supplies last.
- President’s Day: Participate in a progressive cash giveaway.
- Rebel Stakes Day: Watch a thrilling $900,000 stakes race.
- Boat and Truck Giveaway
- Racing Festival of the South
- Arkansas Derby: The next Arkansas Derby is scheduled for Saturday, April 14th, 2018.
Electronic Gaming at Oaklawn
Oaklawn offers an extensive selection of electronic games at its casino, including Wheel of Fortune, The Flintstones, Dragon Rising, and Reel ’em In. Additionally, visitors can enjoy traditional games like Black Jack, Poker, and a High Limits area, along with video poker and instant racing options. On Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, Plinko is also available.
Simulcast Racing
Oaklawn regularly simulcasts races from tracks all over the country. From April to December, it features a Vegas-style racebook in the Post Time Pavilion, complete with large screen monitors and carol seats equipped with individual TVs for a premium viewing experience.
Understanding Betting
Bettors have various options, such as placing a win, place, or show bet. A win bet requires your horse to finish first, a place bet means your horse can finish first or second, while a show bet allows your horse to finish in the top three.
In addition, Oaklawn offers various betting options including daily doubles, Pick3s, and CLASSIX®, a Pick 6 wager, as well as exactas and trifectas. The daily double involves picking the winner of two consecutive races, while a Pick3 requires selecting the winners of three races in a row.
Exacta bets involve selecting the top two finishers in the precise order, while trifecta bets involve predicting the top three finishers in the exact order. Both types of bets can be made in any race.
Betting Anywhere with Oaklawn
Fans of Oaklawn can follow the races from anywhere by logging into Oaklawn Anywhere using their smartphone, tablet, or personal computer. This platform enables users to track horses and bet on races, ensuring that all funds remain within Arkansas. Access is free, and members can engage with all Oaklawn races, as well as popular races from U.S. and international tracks. Note that this is exclusively available to Arkansas residents.
