Business starts strong at Oaklawn Park meet

Oaklawn Park handled more than $16.6 million on its races over its three-day opening weekend, which ran from last Friday through Sunday, according to figures provided by the Hot Springs, Ark., track. The average daily handle from all sources was $5,544,881.

Oaklawn, which ran nine races each card, experienced its peak handle and attendance numbers Saturday. Handle from all sources reached $6,370,725, and the estimated attendance ontrack was 2,600. The handle ontrack was $365,000.

Over opening weekend, the average daily attendance was an estimated 2,100. Attendance has been limited to start the meet due to the ongoing pandemic. Last year, the meet was able to open without restrictions before the coronavirus pandemic emerged and the track went to spectator-free racing in March.

Jockeys Ricardo Santana Jr. and Florent Geroux finished the first week of racing tied atop the standings with seven wins each. Trainer Steve Asmussen won seven races to lead his division over opening weekend, while Brad Cox ranked second in wins with five. Cox won two of the three opening weekend stakes, as well as an allowance with Hidden Scroll. The leading owners are the Arkansas-based Alex and JoAnn Lieblong, who went 3 for 5.

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Claiming, as usual, was brisk. There were 27 horses haltered for a total of $490,000, according to figures from Oaklawn. Of those horses, there were multiple claims put in for 11 runners. Bossy Bride required an 11-way shake and went to Ten Strike Racing and trainer Jason Barkley. There also was a seven-way shake for Pickford and a six-way shake for Cave Run.

Racing resumes Friday.