Cella's idea provides big helping hand to backstretch workers at Oaklawn

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Oaklawn Park President Lou Cella was picking up a few grocery items near the track before the start of the holiday meet in December when he had an experience that led him to roll out a new subsidized meal program for backstretch workers.

It’s been a hit.

Oaklawn has been offering hot meals at prices of $2, $3 and $5 to licensed backstretch workers at the track kitchen since the third week in December. Cella said the track had been selling about 40 “units a day” in a number that increased when the ice storm hit in late January.

“To show you just how important this is to our backside, the majority of the [units] are the $2 hot meal,” Cella said. “So, these guys, all they’re looking for is a simple hot meal and a Coke. And for two bucks, they can afford that. I’m really pleased with this, and I think it’s only going to grow.”

Cella saw an immediate need for such a program when he was at the grocery store near Oaklawn.

“I was in Hot Springs getting ready for our meet,” he said. “I saw a groom with his wife trying to cobble together enough money for some simple groceries and he didn’t have enough. I actually was behind him and he had to literally give up a loaf of bread because the money they collected wasn’t enough.”

Cella bought the groceries for the extremely grateful couple and upon returning to his car called his management about a concept to provide hot meals to those who work in the stable area. He also bounced the idea off longtime Oaklawn trainer Ron Moquett.

“He said, ‘That would go a long way for these guys,’” Cella recalled.

Cella said the plan is to continue the program through the end of the meet May 2. Oaklawn will then review how it was received and determine if there is enough interest to renew it for next season.

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