Thoroughbred horse racing in Arkansas is a popular sport that has been around for over 100 years. The state's only racetrack, Oaklawn Park, is located in Hot Springs and is home to some of the most prestigious races in the country, including the Arkansas Derby.
Oaklawn Park was founded in 1904 and has been hosting horse races ever since. The track is a one-mile dirt oval with a seven-furlong chute. It is known for its fast track and has been called "the fastest track in the South."
The Arkansas Derby is a Grade I stakes race that is run annually at Oaklawn Park. It is one of the most important races in the country for three-year-old Thoroughbreds, as it is a major stepping stone to the Kentucky Derby. The Arkansas Derby was first run in 1936 and has been won by some of the greatest horses in history, including Smarty Jones, Curlin, and American Pharoah.
In addition to the Arkansas Derby, Oaklawn Park also hosts a number of other Grade I stakes races, including the Rebel Stakes, the Fantasy Stakes, and the Oaklawn Handicap. The track also hosts a variety of other races, including overnight stakes, allowance races, and claiming races.
Thoroughbred horse racing is a popular sport in Arkansas and is enjoyed by people of all ages. The races at Oaklawn Park are a great way to spend a day out and enjoy the excitement of horse racing.
Here are some other facts about thoroughbred horse racing in Arkansas:
- The Arkansas Thoroughbred Breeders' & Horsemen's Association (ATBHA) was founded in 1961 and is the official breed registry for all Registered Arkansas-bred Thoroughbreds.
- The ATBHA offers a number of programs and services to its members, including registration, stud fees, and awards.
- The Arkansas Derby is the most prestigious race in the state, but there are a number of other Grade I stakes races that are also held at Oaklawn Park.
Thoroughbred horse racing is a popular tourist destination in Arkansas and brings in millions of dollars each year.
