Oaklawn cancels remainder of card due to extensive rain

Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark., canceled its final five races on Saturday after extensive rainfall in the area. The track plans to race on Sunday and also is scheduled to race on Monday.

Oaklawn had canceled training Saturday morning due to the rainfall, but was able to race as scheduled. The horses were in the track’s indoor paddock for the sixth race – saddled and with riders by their sides – when a weather delay developed as the rains were raging outside.

The feature Saturday, the $150,000 Dixie Belle for 3-year-old fillies at six furlongs, was among the races canceled. It will be brought back for next Sunday's card, Feb. 23, said Jason Milligan, vice president of racing operations for Oaklawn. Entries for the race will be taken on Monday and it will be redrawn. Milligan said the other lost races from Saturday are expected to be offered as extras for upcoming cards.

Oaklawn has been hit with some harsh weather patterns this season. A snowstorm cost the track a weekend of racing in January.

Officials plan to open for training Sunday morning, with a special period to be set aside for stakes horses to train. The track is gearing up for Rebel Day next Saturday. Entries for the card will be drawn Sunday.

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