Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort canceled its last two live races Friday because of severe weather in the area.
It was the first weather-related races lost at the track since Feb. 4-6, 2022, following a cancellation Jan. 21 during its first season with a December start. The four days were made up and a 66-day season completed.
The storm struck Hot Springs on the eve of an 11-race card at Oaklawn, including the $150,000 Purple Martin Stakes for 3-year-old filly sprinters. The season's biggest day is seven days off with four stakes including the Grade 1 $1.25 million Arkansas Derby for 3-year-olds and the Grade 3 $600,000 Fantasy for 3-year-old fillies April 1. Entries are to be drawn Sunday for both races with two other stakes scheduled April 1, plus a stake race each Friday and April 2.
An estimated 4,200, same as Thursday, attended Friday's card. Money wagered inside the track on the local product was slightly up over Thursday's totals.
Conditions deteriorated after only 30 horses were timed in morning workouts.
The Oaklawn season runs through Saturday, May 6, coinciding with the 149th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. With no previous weather stoppages this season, the track traditionally adds extra races as days become longer. First post today is 12:35 p.m.