An executive with Oaklawn Park has recommended that the lines of communication between horsemen and upper management be improved at Prairie Meadows.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Oaklawn Park has signed an agreement to allow TrackNet Media Group to manage the track's simulcast sales, it was announced Oct. 15.
Monday, October 15, 2007In spite of unsatisfactory weather conditions throughout much of the winter-spring, business at Oaklawn Park stayed strong on track through the 2007 live racing season. While attendance and daily average slipped, on-track wagering remained strong.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007Wintry conditions which have made the racing surface at Oaklawn Park unsuitable for racing have forced the cancellation of this week's live racing. Racing has been cancelled through Feb.4, and will resume Feb. 8.
Thursday, February 01, 2007Following a nationwide search, Oaklawn Park named David Longinotti assistant general manager of racing. His appointment is effective Dec. 1.
Monday, November 13, 2006Jim Slade, a veteran of more than 25 years in security and surveillance, has been named director of surveillance at Oaklawn Park. Slade's appointment is the first of a number of positions to be filled in anticipation of the games of skill to be added to the Instant Racing gaming at the track. The new games are coming as a result of a citywide election this year.
Thursday, September 07, 2006A judge has dismissed a complaint against installation of "electronic games of skill" at Oaklawn Park, which was approved for the machines in a November 2005 ballot initiative.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006Highlighted by a record 72,464 on hand for Lawyer Ron's victory in the closing-day Arkansas Derby (gr. II), the 2006 meet at Oaklawn Park posted record wagering during its 53-day meet. The meet was originally scheduled for 56 days, but racing was canceled on three days of the Presidents' Day holiday weekend due to adverse weather conditions.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006Oaklawn Park raised overnight purses $700 per race effective March 1 because of an increase in Instant Racing revenue and overall handle.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006In a photo finish Tuesday, voters narrowly approved Oaklawn Park's request to bring additional electronic games of skill to the Hot Springs, Ark., track.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005The Hot Springs, Arkansas board of directors Tuesday night unanimously approved Oaklawn Park's request to hold a Nov. 8 special election that will give city residents the opportunity to decide if they want additional games of electronic skill at the track.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005Instant Racing--pari-mutuel wagering machines that closely resemble video lottery terminals--had its first $1-million day in handle Feb. 21 at Oaklawn Park. Instant Racing, a product of RaceTech, first began operating at the Hot Springs, Ark., racetrack in 2000.
Wednesday, February 23, 2005Oaklawn Park will increase purses for all non-stakes races by $1,500 through closing day, April 10, Eric Jackson, the general manager of Oaklawn Park, announced Saturday.
Saturday, March 27, 2004Brainstorming for ideas to celebrate Oaklawn Park's centennial in 2004, track owner Charles Cella turned into the $6-million man late last summer. At the ripe old age of 67, Cella stunned his colleagues when he said he was going to offer a $5-million bonus to any 3-year-old that swept Oaklawn's Rebel Stakes and Arkansas Derby (gr. II) and then won the Kentucky Derby (gr. I). He also raised the purse of the Arkansas Derby to $1 million.
Friday, January 23, 2004The 2003 Oaklawn Park meet started with cancellation of the opening weekend's cards due to terrible weather, but ended its 49-day run with an outstanding crowd of 61,752 for the Arkansas Derby program April 12.
Sunday, April 13, 2003Legislation to authorize electronic games of skill at Arkansas racetracks has been introduced by state lawmakers.
Tuesday, March 04, 2003Live racing at Oaklawn Park has been canceled for Thursday, Feb. 6..
Thursday, February 06, 2003Oaklawn Park will offer its highest purse structure ever when it opens Jan. 24, 2003 with daily average purses of $235,000 to $240,000.
Thursday, October 03, 2002Good weather and higher handles are driving up purses at Oaklawn Park and Turfway Park. Oaklawn will increase purses by $1,000 per race starting Saturday, while Turfway Park will increase purses 7% beginning with Friday's card. Both purse increases exclude stakes races.
Friday, February 22, 2002In the interest of the safety, Oaklawn Park has cancelled both live and simulcast programs for Wednesday, Feb. 6. The decision was made Wednesday morning following a four-inch snowfall overnight in the Hot Springs area.
Wednesday, February 06, 2002It has taken almost four years, but "Instant Racing" machines have become an overnight sensation at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark. In November, handle generated by the machines topped $1.2 million.
Tuesday, December 11, 2001The 2001 season hasn't been kind to Oaklawn Park, and Arkansas in general. Wild swings in weather since December have made it tough for the track maintenance crew and the state's residents, who aren't coming to the races as much as they used to. Track owner Charles Cella said he will continue to overpay purses in the hope relief is just around the corner.
Tuesday, March 06, 2001
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