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Oaklawn Opens 2025-26 Split Season
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Hot Springs, AR – December 11, 2025 – Oaklawn Park, the historic Thoroughbred racetrack nestled in the heart of Hot Springs National Park, open its gates tomorrow, December 12, for the kickoff of its eagerly anticipated 2025-26 winter meet. With record-breaking stall applications, purses surpassing $60 million, and a powerful lineup of stakes races ready to propel the meets best 3-year-olds toward the 2026 Kentucky Derby, the start of the season is highly anticipated by horsemen ready to pounce on the opportunity for success.
Holiday Meet and Classic Meet
In a new twist for the 121-year-old track, Oaklawn has divided its 64-day schedule into two distinct phases to optimize racing conditions and fan engagement. The “Holiday Meet” launches tomorrow and runs through January 4, 2026, delivering festive four-day-a-week action (Friday through Monday) complete with at least one stakes race per card. This mini-meet is designed to capture the holiday spirit while avoiding the harshest winter weather that can disrupt training.
Following a strategic three-week hiatus in mid-January—the action resumes with the “Classic Meet” from January 30 to May 2. This extended phase shifts to a Thursday-through-Sunday format from February onward, culminating in the annual “Racing Festival of the Stakes” in late April. The pause allows for track maintenance and gives horses a breather, ensuring peak performances as spring blooms.
Horses began arriving as early as October 24, with training kicking off on October 28. By all accounts, the facility is buzzing: a new 24-stall receiving and stakes barn, plus a 36-stall pony and outrider barn, are under construction to accommodate the influx. Weather forecasts for opening day call for highs in the low 50s—ideal for the 109 horses entered across 10 races, including seven overflow fields that promise competitive betting action.
Leading the Nation with Over $60 Million on Offer
What truly sets this season apart is the money. Oaklawn’s total purses eclipse $60 million, maintaining a daily average of nearly $1 million and solidifying its status as the nation’s leader in winter/spring distributions. This windfall, fueled in part by the track’s thriving casino operations featuring slots, table games, and sports betting, has drawn unprecedented interest from the racing community.
Stakes racing takes center stage with a record 62 events totaling more than $18.3 million—more than double the 2019 figure. For 3-year-olds eyeing the Road to the Kentucky Derby and Oaks, Oaklawn offers the richest preps in the land. The Grade 1 Arkansas Derby on March 28 remains the crown jewel, but supporting races like the $1.25 million Rebel Stakes (G2) and $900,000 Southwest Stakes (G3) provide lucrative points and prize money.
Fillies get equal billing on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks, with over $3 million in targeted purses. The Grade 2 Fantasy Stakes on March 27 skyrockets to $1 million—a launchpad famously used by 2024 Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna. The Grade 3 Honeybee Stakes on March 1 climbs to $750,000 (up from $500,000 last year), while the $300,000 Martha Washington Stakes on January 31 opens the series. These boosts underscore Oaklawn’s commitment to elevating the sport, drawing top talent from across the country.
Record Applications Signal Unmatched Demand
The numbers don’t lie: Oaklawn received applications from a staggering 130 trainers for just 1,470 stalls, including every one of last season’s top 10 earners. Nearly 2,500 horses vied for spots, with final allocations set in early October. This surge reflects the track’s magnetic pull, as noted by Louis A. Cella, Oaklawn’s president: “Oaklawn has always been committed to providing the very best racing experience for horsemen and fans alike. The record demand for stalls this season underscores the strength of our racing program, and our continued investments in facilities reflect that commitment.”
Trainers like Mark Casse, fresh off a 2025 Arkansas Derby win with Sandman, are poised for big runs. The backstretch will also welcome a revamped jockeys’ room, with stars like Luis Saez (fourth in 2025 national purse earnings) and Hall of Famer Joel Rosario committing to the meet. Local favorite Ricardo Santana Jr., an eight-time leading rider at Oaklawn, returns after a strong Saratoga/Aqueduct stint, ready to reclaim glory alongside connections like the Asmussen barn.
Opening Day Spotlight: Advent Stakes Sets the Pace
Tomorrow’s card explodes into life with the $150,000 Advent Stakes headlining for 2-year-olds at 5½ furlongs. Seven entrants, led by Kentucky shippers Ganaas and Spun D M C, face off in a sprint that could unearth future sprint sensations. With $3 million+ in total purses across the day, expect packed grandstands and electric wagering pools. Grandstand box seating for the season is already sold out, but simulcast viewing and carousel reservations remain available.
Beyond the Track
Oaklawn is an economic powerhouse for Hot Springs, pumping millions into local tourism, hospitality, and jobs. The track’s year-round casino keeps the energy high, while promotions like Rebel Day and Arkansas Derby packages (starting at $80, including buffets) enhance the experience. For handicappers, Oaklawn’s deep fields and dirt speed bias—favoring front-runners on a fast, one-mile oval—offer prime value plays.
As we race toward the end of the 2025 thoroughbred season, all eyes turn to Oaklawn, where history meets high-stakes drama. Whether you’re a die-hard Derby chaser or a casual fan chasing thrills, this winter meet promises to deliver. Gates open at 11 a.m. tomorrow—don’t miss the starting gate.
For more details, visit oaklawn.com or call 1-800-OAKLAWN.
