New meet brings facility upgrades

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – The new meet is bringing some upgrades across the property, including the Jockey Club, according to Oaklawn president Lou Cella.

“On the club side, we’ve now completed renovation of all new televisions on every table,” he said. “Every table in the club has a brand new, beautiful television. We also put a gift shop in the club.”

Oaklawn also is offering club members an Oaklawn credit card. It’s an account for which they can charge anything on the property.

“It’s just a little perk,” said Cella.

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In other upgrades, there is a new hospitality lounge for horsemen in the grandstand and new offerings from food and beverage, said Cella. There also is upgraded landscaping around the property, including at the entrance area to the stable gate. Right next door, a pair of new barns are nearing completion.

“When you come to Oaklawn this year, we have completely rebranded our landcscaping,” Cella said. “We’ve changed the landscaping. You’ll know you’re on Oaklawn property.

“This was the year that we were not supposed to do anything major, yet we find ourselves, year after year at Oaklawn, adding on and doing things that help our horsemen and help our patrons.”

◗ Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen and his son, jockey Erik Asmussen, teamed up to win four races Thursday night at Remington Park and will be teaming together on a regular basis Sunday at Oaklawn. Erik is tied for second in the standing at Remington, which closes next Saturday.

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