Free slot games: Oaklawn Park Race Track

Oaklawn Park Race Track
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tolik008 on 14 July, 2009 11:42:00
 
Oaklawn Park is an American thoroughbred racetrack in Hot Springs, Arkansas. It
is the home to The Racing Festival of the South.  In 2009, the Horseplayers
Association of North America introduced a rating system for 65 Thoroughbred
racetracks in North America. Of the top Ten, Oaklawn was ranked.  Oaklawn Park
officially opened on February 24, 1905. More than 3,000 people attended as a
holiday had been declared in Hot Springs. During these early years the track
only ran six races a day, similar to British cards. Political problems in the
state forced the closure of Oaklawn in 1907.
During this time of closure, the track was sold to Louis Cella as the original
business partners had both died. The track reopened in 1916 under the auspices
of Business Men's League of Hot Springs.  In 1918, Louis Cella died and the
ownership of the track was transferred to his brother, Charles. Following this
transfer the track ran off and on due to the Arkansas political climate racing
returned to the track permanently. In 1934, the track began a modern meeting
with a larger card and attracted many horse racing fans to the "Spa." The track
increased purses in 1935 to become competitive with the best tracks across the
country.  The first Arkansas Derby was run in 1936 for a purse of $5,000. By
this time the track ran a thirty-day race meeting. On October 29, 1940, Charles
G.
Cella died and the presidency of Oaklawn transferred to his son, John G. Cella
(1909-1968). In 1941 purses again hit a record for the largest purses in Oaklawn
history. By 1943, the Arkansas Derby had a purse of $10,000. Unlike most
American tracks Oaklawn stayed open in 1944 but World War II caught up with
Oaklawn Park and the track was closed in 1945. Following the defeat of Japan a
30-day late autumn and winter season was held at Oaklawn.  After the end of the
war the track hit unprecedented levels of prosperity. This financed a major
clubhouse renovation and a resurfacing of the track. Throughout the 1950's the
track continued to climb in handle, attendance and purses. In 1961, the track
extended the season to 43 days. In 1962 the track had such a good year that it
reached the five spot on the most profitable and successful tracks in North
America.
Location - Hot Springs, Arkansas - United States
Owner - Oaklawn Jockey Club, Inc.
Opened - 1904
Race type - Thoroughbred