For the third consecutive year, Oaklawn Park will offer a participation bonus from March 31 through the end of the meet on April 16 for all non-stakes races that draw more than eight wagering interests. The announcement of the bonus comes one week after the track announced its third purse increase of the season.
Oaklawn Park will add $1,000 to the purse for every horse that gives a race more than eight separate wagering interests. For example, a nine-horse field will have its purse increased by $1,000, while a full 12-horse field will have its purse increased by $4,000. This means that the minimum purse level for claiming races would be at least $17,500 for a nine-horse field receiving the participation bonus and a 12-horse maiden special weight race could be worth as much as $45,000.
“The participation bonus has been good for everyone – the track, the horsemen and the horseplayers,” said assistant general manager of racing David Longinotti. “Not only does it allow us to reward the horsemen who support our racing until the end, but the large fields are a more attractive product for fans watching our races live and at simulcast outlets. Since we started the bonus we have been able to cut the number of six-horse fields by nearly half.”
The Oaklawn Park season concludes with the Racing Festival of the South April 9-16, which will highlighted by the $1 million Arkansas Derby (gr. I) on closing day.
Oaklawn Park
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