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Hot Springs Horse Racing: A Thrilling Experience
Horse racing enthusiasts, mark your calendars because the season is about to start in Hot Springs, Arkansas! Prepare for an exhilarating spectacle as the horses thunder down the track, giving you an unforgettable experience. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming season:
Preparations for the Arkansas Derby
- Intense training and conditioning of horses
- Arrival of top jockeys and trainers
- Finalization of the race schedule and stakes purses
Schedule and Highlights
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 25 | First day of racing |
| April 2 | Southwest Stakes (G3) |
| April 15 | Arkansas Derby (G1) |
| April 16 | Oaklawn Handicap (G2) |
Tips for Enjoying the Races
- Dress warmly, as temperatures can fluctuate
- Bring binoculars for a closer view
- Place bets responsibly
- Stay hydrated and consume snacks throughout the day
- Have fun and embrace the excitement!
Prepare for an incredible horse racing season in Hot Springs. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a first-time visitor, the Arkansas Derby and other thrilling events promise an unforgettable experience.
Hot Springs Racing Season Dates
The live racing season at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs, Arkansas, typically runs from late January through early May. The 2023 season will begin on Friday, January 27 and conclude on Saturday, May 6.
- Opening Day: Friday, January 27, 2023
- Closing Day: Saturday, May 6, 2023
The racing schedule includes a mix of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse races, with stakes races offered throughout the season. Oaklawn is also home to the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes, a key prep race for the Kentucky Derby.
| Month | Number of Racing Days |
|---|---|
| February | 18 |
| March | 27 |
| April | 27 |
| May | 17 |
Annual Oaklawn Racing Festival
The Oaklawn Racing Festival is an annual horse racing event that takes place at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The festival is held over three weeks in April and May, and features some of the best horses and jockeys in the world.
Key Event Details
- Dates: March 4 – May 6, 2023
- Location: Oaklawn Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas
- Admission: Tickets start at $10
The festival is known for its prestigious races, including the Arkansas Derby and the Oaklawn Handicap. The Arkansas Derby is a Grade 1 race for three-year-old colts and fillies, and is considered to be one of the most important prep races for the Kentucky Derby. The Oaklawn Handicap is a Grade 2 race for older horses, and is one of the most prestigious races in the country.
Races & Stakes Schedule
| Date | Race | Grade | Distance | Purse |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 12 | Southwest Stakes | G3 | 1 1/16 miles | $500,000 |
| March 25 | Arkansas Derby | G1 | 1 1/8 miles | |
| April 15 | Oaklawn Handicap | G2 | 1 1/8 miles |
In addition to the races, the festival also features a variety of other events, including concerts, parties, and family-friendly activities. The festival is a major economic driver for Hot Springs, and attracts visitors from all over the country.
National Horse Racing Calendar
Horse racing is a popular sport enjoyed by many people around the world. In the United States, there are many different horse racing tracks that host races throughout the year. One of the most popular horse racing tracks in the United States is Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
The 2023 racing season at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort begins on January 25th and runs through April 15th.
- The track is open for racing five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday.
- Post time for the first race each day is 1:05 p.m. CT.
- The track offers a variety of different races, including stakes races, allowance races, and claiming races.
If you are interested in attending a horse race at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, you can purchase tickets online or at the track. General admission tickets start at $5.00.
Other Horse Racing Tracks in the United States
In addition to Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, there are many other horse racing tracks in the United States. Some of the most popular tracks include:
| Track | Location | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Anita Park | Arcadia, California | December through June |
| Churchill Downs | Louisville, Kentucky | April through September |
| Belmont Park | Elmont, New York | April through October |
| Saratoga Race Course | Saratoga Springs, New York | July through September |
| Keeneland Racecourse | Lexington, Kentucky | April and October |
And there you have it, folks! If you’ve been wondering when the hoof-pounding excitement of horse racing returns to Hot Springs, now you know. Mark your calendars, get your bets ready, and come on down to Oaklawn Park for some thrilling action. For the latest updates and racing schedules, be sure to visit our website or follow us on social media. Thanks for hanging out with us today, and we can’t wait to see you at the track!