Oaklawn racing is hot in Arkansas

Oaklawn racing is hot in Arkansas

Oaklawn Racing and Gaming is in beautiful Hot Springs, AR. Two accolades that Oaklawn celebrates are its ranking and a horse that made history.

First, annually the Horseplayers Association of North America (HANA) ranks thoroughbred racetracks. Of the 63 North American tracks in 2017, Oaklawn ranks in the top 5. At #5 it is in the company of the following tracks: Del Mar #4; Suffolk #3; Saratoga #2; Kentucky Downs #1.

Second, American Pharoah did his 2015 Triple Crown prepping at Oaklawn. The horse owned by Zayat Stables and trained by Bob Baffert won the Arkansas Derby and the Rebel. He then went on to win the 2015 Kentucky Derby, Preakness stakes and Belmont Stakes. Becoming the first horse in 37 years to achieve a Triple Crown win.

As a matter of fact, in January 2018 Oaklawn honored American Pharoah. By unveiling a bronze statue of the Triple Crown winner by artist James Peniston. As part of the grandstand entrance renovation, this statue greets visitors. Peniston designed the statue under the instruction of the late Charles Cella (August 27, 1936-December 6, 2017).

In fact, Charles Cella was a third generation Cella family member heading up Oaklawn Jockey Club Inc. He became president in 1968 following his father’s passing. This club owns and operates Oaklawn Park. Additionally Cella, himself, was a horse owner. His horse Northern Spur had raced in France, trained in the U.S. and won the 1995 Breeder’s Cup Turf. A contribution of his to the success of the track was the Racing Festival of the South. The family and the racetrack were the recipients of the 2005 Eclipse Award of Merit.

In a word, when it comes to accomplishments and success Oaklawn has seen them. Keep checking back in the weeks to come as we visit Kentucky Derby prep races at this track.