HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — After a weather-induced delay, live horse racing has returned to Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, bringing with it a packed weekend of events and the promise of significant cash prizes. The track resumed racing on , following a four-week break initially intended to be three weeks long, due to inclement weather.
“We had to reschedule a lot of things,” said Chris Ho, Vice President of Marketing at Oaklawn. “And we’re super excited to be back and ready to race.”
Ho emphasized the efforts of the Oaklawn team in preparing the track for the resumption of racing. “Our crews did a fantastic job on getting the track back in shape,” he said. “We were out as soon as we could, getting the ice scraped off, getting the dirt conditioned and ready and safe for horses to start training.”
The return isn’t just about the races themselves. Oaklawn is aiming to make the weekend a significant event for attendees. will feature additional races alongside a concert performance by artist Aaron Lewis. Saturday’s card is highlighted by a $100,000 Southwest Stakes Cash Giveaway, offering a substantial prize pool to lucky winners.
The festivities continue on with more racing and a Super Bowl watch party, capitalizing on the major sporting event taking place that day.
The return of racing is already drawing crowds. Greg Goforth, who traveled from Bentonville, expressed his enthusiasm for Oaklawn. “It’s a great place, great management, draws a lot of people,” he said.
Oaklawn is hoping for continued favorable weather conditions. Wally Samples of Bella Vista succinctly stated the desire of many attendees: “We need weather like this for the next three months.”
Beyond the immediate weekend events, Oaklawn is also promoting several ongoing giveaways and promotions. These include the “Win Your Mortgage Giveaway!” which offers the chance to have a mortgage paid off, and the “Win Your Dream Home Makeover Giveaway!” A $45,000 January Winners Drawing has already taken place, and a $45,000 February Winners Drawing is scheduled. Other promotions include the Oaklawn Cap Giveaway and Tier Drawings for Oaklawn Rewards members.
The track is also hosting Mardi Gras celebrations, offering a festive atmosphere for racegoers. Discount Thursdays are also available throughout February and March.
Oaklawn is also promoting its various accommodations, including Deluxe Double Queen Rooms (with and without trackside views), Deluxe King Rooms (also with and without trackside views), Junior Suites, and One Bedroom King Suites. The resort also offers a casino, hotel, spa, and dining options.
Joel Rosario is preparing for the upcoming racing season, reportedly “on the hunt for the next 3-year-old star,” according to a recent post on Oaklawn’s Facebook page.
For those interested in attending events or learning more about Oaklawn’s spring schedule, information is available at oaklawn.com.
