Oaklawn training scratched again

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Freezing temperatures forced the cancellation of training for the second straight morning Friday at Oaklawn Park, which had to push back its opening from Friday to Jan. 31 because of a cold air system that has left the track frozen.

The track was scheduled to be closed again Saturday so crews could work on the surface, with training expected to resume Sunday. Early Friday morning, the temperature in Hot Springs was 15 degrees, and there were patches of ice around the stable area. Many horses walked their shed rows under tack.

The temperature was expected to remain frigid through the weekend, but warm up to the 50's on Monday. Bad weather has forced the cancellation of five days of training since the track opened for training Dec. 1.