The damage to Oaklawn Park's track caused by exceptionally heavy rain Saturday has been repaired and the track is now ready for racing. Oaklawn will open Thursday, Jan. 17, for the first of five straight race days culminating with the $150,000 Smarty Jones Stakes Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
"Fortunately, the damage looked worse than it really was, and we were able to get the track repaired quickly," said assistant general manager of racing David Longinotti. "We had hoped to have it back open for training this morning, but another round of winter weather hit us. Oaklawn and the HBPA track surface committee made the joint decision not to train because of the icy conditions, but the forecast for the rest of the week through Monday looks very good."
First post is 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Sunday and 1 p.m. Saturday and Monday. Monday also will feature a free baseball cap giveaway with paid admission while supplies last.
