Oaklawn Park Announces Record-Breaking 2026-27 Racing Season with Increased Purses and Early Opening
Oaklawn Park has revealed its ambitious stakes calendar for the 2026-27 racing season, showcasing an impressive lineup of 61 events with a monumental total purse of $18.79 million. This upcoming season is particularly notable for its early start date of November 27, a first in the track's long history. The decision to inaugurate the season ahead of schedule and augment prize money reflects a concerted effort to support participants in the sport and to reinforce Oaklawn's standing as a leading venue for thoroughbred racing.
Louis A. Cella, the esteemed president of Oaklawn, emphasized the organization's unwavering commitment to the horsemen. He articulated that the goal extends beyond mere financial investment, aiming to craft a race schedule that not only draws significant attention but also elevates the quality of the 3-year-old and older horse stakes competitions. This strategic vision is designed to captivate both dedicated fans and seasoned horsemen, ensuring an exhilarating and competitive racing experience.
A cornerstone of the new schedule is the 3-year-old series, meticulously designed as a pathway to the prestigious Kentucky Derby. This series kicks off with the $250,000 Smarty Jones Stakes on January 2, followed by the Grade 3, $750,000 Southwest Stakes on February 6. A significant highlight is the Rebel Stakes (G2) on March 13, which sees its purse increased by $250,000 to a grand total of $1.25 million, alongside an extended distance of 1 1/8 miles. The series culminates with the $1.5 million Arkansas Derby (G1) on April 10, offering a crucial 100-point qualifying race for the Kentucky Derby contenders.
Oaklawn is also set to maintain its leadership in offering the most lucrative program for 3-year-old fillies across the nation. This includes the $300,000 Martha Washington Stakes on January 23, the $750,000 Honeybee Stakes (G3) on February 20, and the $1 million Fantasy Stakes (G2) on March 27, ensuring top-tier competition for promising young female thoroughbreds.
The program for older horses reaches its climax on April 17, with the Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) and Oaklawn Handicap (G2) each boasting a $1.5 million purse, representing an increase of $250,000 for each race. These two events will anchor consecutive weekends, showcasing some of the finest thoroughbreds in the country. Additionally, the Azeri Stakes (G2) will see its prize money increase from $400,000 to $500,000, further enhancing the appeal of the older horse division.
The complete stakes schedule and the initial condition book, covering the period from November 27 through January 10, are now accessible online. Further announcements regarding special promotions and events for the 2026-2027 season are anticipated in the forthcoming months, promising an even more engaging experience for all attendees.
In sum, the upcoming 2026-27 racing season at Oaklawn Park signifies a new era of expansion and enhanced competition. With a record number of races, unprecedented prize money, and an earlier start, the track is poised to deliver an exceptional season for horsemen and racing enthusiasts alike, reinforcing its status as a premier racing destination.