In an effort to maximize field size during the final days of its season, Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark. will once again offer a unique participation incentive for all overnight races beginning March 26, and lasting through the end of the season, April 10.
The participation incentive will offer a $1,000 per starter purse increase for every wagering interest greater than eight. As an example, a $15,500 purse would increase to $16,500 if there are nine wagering interests and continue to increase to as much as $19,500 for 12 wagering interests.
“We were able to offer this participation incentive last year, and believe it helped field sizes during the final days of racing,” Oaklawn racing secretary Pat Pope said in a release. “It is a way to reward those owners and trainers who race with us through the end of our season, and we hope it has as much of an impact this year as it did last year.
Oaklawn’s Racing Festival begins April 2, and runs through April 10. During the Festival, which features at least a stakes race per day, Oaklawn will distribute more than $4 million in total purses. Key stakes include the $300,000 Fantasy Stakes (gr. II) April 2, the $500,000 Oaklawn Handicap (gr. II) April 3, the $500,000 Apple Blossom (gr. I) April 9, and the $1,000,000 Arkansas Derby (gr. I) April 10.
