Oaklawn has canceled this weekend's live racing due to winter storm Landon and temperatures near freezing forecast through the weekend, according to a release from the track.
After talks with the Arkansas Racing Commission and the Arkansas HBPA, the track will add three Thursday dates to the racing calendar on March 17, March 24 and March 31.
The Grade 3 $250,000 Bayakoa Stakes, which was scheduled for Saturday, will now be moved to Saturday, Feb. 12. The 1 1/16-mile race for older fillies and mares will now be the supporting feature on an 11-race card. The Grade 3 $600,000 Razorback Handicap for older horses, another 1 1/16-mile race, will highlight the card, and the first post for the card is scheduled for 1 p.m.
Last year, two-time Eclipse Award Champion Monomoy Girl won the Bayakoa while Mystic Guide won the Razorback en route to winning the Grade 1 $12 million Dubai World Cup in his next start.
"It's never an easy decision to cancel live racing, but it's the right decision for the safety of our horses and our fans traveling this weekend," said Wayne Smith, Oaklawn's general manager. "We're looking forward to an outstanding weekend February 11 – 13 featuring two graded stakes and the Voices of Rock concert in the Oaklawn Event Center next Saturday. We appreciate the cooperation from the horsemen and our commission in rescheduling the races."
Oaklawn's casino and resort will remain open.