Oaklawn boosts purses 15 percent for remainder of meet

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Oaklawn Park on Tuesday announced plans to put an additional $2.5 million into overnight purses over the final eight weeks of the meet that closes May 1.

The move equates to a 15 percent purse increase and makes maiden special weight races worth $93,000; pushes high-end allowances to $110,000; and the bottom level purse value to $27,000.

It is the largest “mid-season” purse increase in the history of the track, according to a press release from Oaklawn.

“It’s been an interesting year to say the least, but it is very gratifying to announce this purse increase nearly a year after shutting the race meet and casino down to fans because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Lou Cella, president of Oaklawn, said in a press release. “I wasn’t sure we’d get here a couple weeks ago with all the bad winter weather, but our horsemen and fans are resilient.

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“February ended with a tremendous weekend of racing and it was exciting to see fans back in the Infield last week. I have no doubt the final eight weeks of racing are going to be exciting, especially with some of our marquee races still to come.”

Purses will be increased for the Rebel Day card on Saturday.