• HOME
• BLOG
• NEWS
• RACE TRACKS
• JOCKEYS
• HORSES
• HANDICAPPING
• CONTACT US
• SITE INFO
  • About Us
  • Site Credits

Mother Nature has blessed Oaklawn with much better weather this season, and as a result the track is raising overnight purses $5,000 per day beginning with Thursday's nine-race card. Oaklawn was due some good fortune in the weather department after losing a record eight days to cold, snow and ice in 2011.

Through Sunday, the 16th day of the 56-day meet, the Oaklawn was enjoying a 42 percent increase in attendance compared to 2011 and a 40 percent increase in on-track handle. Off-track handle is up 47 percent. At the same point during the 2011 racing season, Oaklawn had only been able to race 10 of its scheduled 16 days.

"We have not lost one single day of training or racing, which has led to competitive field sizes and the nice weather has brought the crowds out that we don't typically see until later in the season," said David Longinotti, Assistant General Manager of Racing. "We are excited to share our good fortune with the horsemen and are hopeful these positive trends will continue as we head into our bigger races."

The $5,000 purse increase will be divided as follows: $200 will be added to all claiming races; $1,000 will be added to all maiden special weight and starter allowance races; and $1,500 will be added to all allowance races.

The live racing season continues through April 14.

Comments (0)