With extreme cold temperatures and the possibility of ice in and around Hot Springs, Arkansas, Oaklawn park has cancelled its live racing programs from Saturday, Feb. 13 through Monday, Feb. 15, and will reschedule the three graded and one listed stakes that were set to take place.
“The weather forecast does not look promising this weekend between the ice and frigid temperatures, so out of consideration for the safety of the horses, our horsemen and fans, we wanted to make this call as soon as possible,” Oaklawn General Manager Wayne Smith said. “We appreciate the cooperation we have received from our horsemen and Racing Commission. Though we are frustrated Mother Nature has thrown us a curveball, our rescheduled stakes will create a spectacular weekend of racing next week.”
The GIII Bayakoa S., the GIII Razorback H. and the GIII Southwest S. have been pushed back to Saturday, Feb. 20, while the Dixie Belle S. and Downthedustyroad S. will now run Sunday, Feb. 21. Entries for the Feb. 20 program will be taken Sunday, Feb. 14. The track will stage 11 live races Feb. 20 and 10 races Feb. 21.
Oaklawn is expected to conduct live racing Thursday and Friday, Feb. 11 and 12, with post time at 1 p.m. CT each day. The casino and simulcast racing will remain open all weekend. No reservations will be required for seating in the simulcast area for this weekend only and will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
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