The New York Racing Association announced Oct. 30 a five-year extension of its partnership with Oaklawn Park, maintaining America’s Day at the Races on FOX Sports as the television home of the Hot Springs, Ark., track through 2031.
Beginning Nov. 27, America's Day at the Races will again provide viewers across the country with in-depth analysis and daily on-site coverage from the historic oval. America's Day at the Races will expand hours and coverage of the marquee events of the Oaklawn meet including opening weekend, Smarty Jones Day, Southwest and Rebel weekends, Arkansas Derby day, and Apple Blossom and Oaklawn Handicap weekends.
"Our presence on FOX Sports and NYRA's America's Day at the Races is an important part of Oaklawn's commitment to growing the sport of Thoroughbred racing and showcasing our racing program to a national audience," said Oaklawn president Louis A. Cella. "The broadcast provides an outstanding platform to highlight the quality of our racing, the strength of our stakes program, and the excitement that makes Oaklawn such a special destination for racing fans."
Oaklawn will kick off its highly anticipated live racing season Nov. 27, the day after Thanksgiving, and the earliest opening day in track history. The Holiday Meet runs through Jan. 10. Following a brief January break, the Classic Meet begins Jan. 22 and continues through May 1.
"We're proud to continue showcasing Oaklawn through our work with NYRA," said Michael Mulvihill, president, insights and analytics, for Fox Corporation. "Oaklawn has everything we look for in a premier racing destination: top stakes races, great on-track crowds and a beautiful setting in Hot Springs. The continued coverage of Oaklawn further cements America's Day at the Races as the premier destination for year-round coverage of the best in American racing."
Oaklawn is scheduled to distribute approximately $60 million in purses throughout the season, continuing its commitment to offering one of the strongest purse structures in Thoroughbred racing. The stakes schedule features a record 61 stakes races worth $18.79 million, highlighted by the $1.5 million Arkansas Derby (G1), $1.5 million Apple Blossom Handicap (G1), $1.5 million Oaklawn Handicap (G2), $1.25 million Rebel Stakes (G2), and $1 million Fantasy Stakes (G2).
"The growth of America's Day at the Races is made possible thanks to FOX Sports and our valued partners such as Oaklawn," said NYRA chief revenue officer Tony Allevato. "We look forward to presenting another terrific season from Hot Springs, and thank our friends at Oaklawn for their support."
NYRA and Oaklawn Park will offer a Cross-Country Pick 5 wager on most days when both venues offer live racing.
For the complete racing schedule at Oaklawn Park, visit oaklawn.com/racing/calendar/.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
