Oaklawn expands gift shop, concession stand to apron

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Patrons returning to Oaklawn for the new meet will see some changes near the sixteenth pole area of the apron.

“We’ve been around for over 100 years, so we always have to do something, and this year we’re expanding the Winning Colors Gift Shop and the Pony Express Grill,” track president Lou Cella said in late November.

“They’re extended out into the apron area now so our patrons on the apron can access concessions and gift shop apparel. That’s been a summer project that we’ve been told will be finished by opening day. If not, by the third day of racing.”

Also during the offseason, Oaklawn performed its typical maintenance of the track racing surface.

“What we do every year – and we did it again – we picked up the cushion in its entirety. We remixed it, tested it, and then put it back down. And while it was all up, we inspected the base, which looks great, knock on wood.”

◗ The Arkansas HBPA has paid to install Internet service to all 38 barns at Oaklawn and will cover the monthly usage bill, according to a press release.

:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.