Oaklawn Park has made the decision to cancel live racing for Thursday, Feb. 10 after another snow storm hit Hot Springs, Ark. on Wednesday.
As of 10 a.m., nearly four inches of snow had fallen and up to eight inches is expected by nightfall. Oaklawn will remain open for simulcast racing and gaming on Wednesday and Thursday.
“I’m starting to feel like the movie ‘Ground Hog Day’,” said assistant general manager David Longinotti. “We certainly hate to cancel, but this heavy snow fall leaves us no choice. We are fortunate that we have a great group of horsemen and racing officials that understand the challenges this weather has caused for our track. Looking at the forecast, we are very encourgaged for the other three days of racing this week.”
With temperatures expected to rise, Oaklawn Park officials remain confident that live racing will be held Friday through Sunday. The weekend will feature the $75,000 Martha Washington Stakes for 3-year-old fillies on Saturday and the $100,000 Essex Handicap for 4-year-olds and up on Sunday. The Essex had been originally scheduled for Feb. 5.
Thursday’s cancellation is a record seventh of the meet for Oaklawn. The track had previously lost opening day Jan. 14, Jan. 20 and Thursday, Feb. 2-6.