Ice Storm: Oaklawn Cancels Weekend Racing, Adds Dates In March
Oaklawn is canceling this weekend’s live racing due to winter storm Landon and frigid temperatures throughout the weekend. After working with the Arkansas Racing Commission and the Arkansas H.B.P.A., Oaklawn will bring back this weekend’s live race days Thursday, March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day), Thursday, March 24 and Thursday, March 31.
In addition, the $250,000 Bayakoa Stakes (G3), scheduled for Feb. 5, will now move to Saturday, Feb. 12. The Bayakoa, a 1 1/16-mile race for older fillies and mares, will now be the supporting feature on a card highlighted by the $600,000 Razorback Handicap (G3) for older horses at the same distance. First post for the 11-race card will be 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 $12 million Dubai World Cup (G1) 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,” General Manager Wayne Smith said. “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.”
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Oaklawn’s casino and resort remains open this weekend.
Both Sam Houston Race Park in Texas and Turfway Park in Florence, Ky. also cancelled their Thursday cards due to lingering effects of winter weather.