Record business on Rebel Day

Oaklawn announced Wednesday that the $10.7 million bet on the Rebel Day program from all sources last Saturday was a record for a March program at the track and a record outside of an Arkansas Derby Day. The 10-race program featured the Rebel, the Azeri, and the Essex. Handle on the Rebel, won by Magnum Moon, was $1,169,195.

“Our Rebel Day has grown into the second-biggest day and it’s fighting to be first, just right behind our derby,” said Oaklawn president Lou Cella. “It is a huge day.”

Attendance ontrack was an estimated 37,500.

◗ The Arkansas Racetrack Chaplaincy will hold its annual benefit dinner Friday night at the Hot Springs Convention Center. There will be a host of auction items available, including a box for the Kentucky Derby and Oaks at Churchill Downs; Gun Runner art and one of his halters; and a racing memorabilia quilt. Tickets are $65, and those who are interested in attending can contact Robi Heffington at (405) 388-9026.