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Oaklawn Park Reschedules Southwest Stakes Weekend to February 5–8

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Edited from Oaklawn Park’s Official Announcement

HOT SPRINGS, AR (January 27, 2026) — Due to forecasted inclement weather and an abundance of caution for the safety of both equine and human athletes, Oaklawn Park has announced a temporary cancellation of racing at Oaklawn for the dates of January 30 through February 1.

Southwest Stakes New Date

The move will preserve one of the most significant weekends of the winter season at Oaklawn, and the Southwest Stakes rescheduled 2026 announcement confirms that all affected race days will move to the following week, Feb. 5–8. The shift ensures that the points-earning potential of the Southwest Stakes for the Kentucky Derby remains intact, but alters the Kentucky Derby prep schedule at Oaklawn.

The $1 million Southwest Stakes (G3) will now be contested on Friday, Feb. 6. The card will remain exactly as originally drawn.

Nitrogen’s 2026 Debut

Saturday, Feb. 7, will now be the date for the featured American Beauty Stakes alongside the $250,000 Bayakoa Stakes (G3). The Bayakoa remains the highly anticipated 2026 debut for Nitrogen, the reigning Eclipse Award-winning 3-year-old filly.

Southwest Stakes New Date and Revised Schedule

  • Thursday, Feb. 5: Races originally scheduled for Friday, Jan. 30.
  • Friday, Feb. 6: The Southwest Stakes (G3) card (originally Jan. 31).
  • Saturday, Feb. 7: The Bayakoa (G3) and American Beauty Stakes.
  • Sunday, Feb. 8: Races originally scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 1.

“The safety of our horses and jockeys is always our top priority,” said Oaklawn President Louis A. Cella. “We appreciate the flexibility of our fans as we host the richest road to the Kentucky Derby.”

In addition to the racing schedule, Oaklawn’s premier horseplayer events have also been shifted:

  • The Southwest Showdown live-money contest will move to Friday, Feb. 6.
  • The Oaklawn Horseplayer Championship will now take place on Saturday, Feb. 7.

Monitor Oaklawn’s official website and social media platforms for further updates regarding promotions, on-track events, and dining reservations impacted by the rescheduling.

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