Oaklawn casino closed until April 30 due to coronavirus

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Oaklawn announced Tuesday its casino will remain closed until April 30. During the same period, the track will continue its policy of racing spectator-free on-site, according to Jennifer Hoyt, spokeswoman for Oaklawn.

Oaklawn is scheduled to race through May 2, which is the new date of the Grade 1, $750,000 Arkansas Derby.

Oaklawn originally closed its casino for the second half of March due to the coronavirus pandemic. Hoyt said the track extended the closure this week after President Donald Trump announced Monday that social-distancing policies should continue to the end of April.

Hoyt said Oaklawn has just produced a video piece with Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas meant to inspire folks during these times. It debuted on Twitter.

◗ McDowell Farm has been recognized as the 2019 breeder of the year in Arkansas, according to Deana Echols, executive secretary of the Arkansas Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Horsemen’s Association. The award was to be given out at a banquet Friday night, but the event has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Echols said.

McDowell lead all peers in registered Arkansas-bred earnings in North America in 2019, with horses McDowell bred earning nearly $1.5 million in that category. The leading 2019 stallion in Arkansas, using the same earnings standards, is Primary Suspect. He is the sire of K J’s Nobility, winner of the recent $100,000 Nodouble Stakes at Oaklawn.