Turnstiles And Betting Slips: Oaklawn Concludes A Record Holiday Meet

[Wandering Eyes]

Oaklawn Park, who welcomed a total attendance of 104,250, highlighted by average Saturday crowds of more than 13,000, featured 132 races, including 15 stakes races over 13 race days, with an average field size of 9.78 horses per race during it's new Holiday Meet, the Hot Springs track said in a Tuesday press release.

“The Holiday Meet delivered exactly what we strive for at Oaklawn–great racing, strong fan engagement, and meaningful momentum,” said Louis A. Cella, President of Oaklawn. “The competitiveness of our fields and the enthusiasm from both on-track and off-track players reinforce Oaklawn's position as a premier winter racing destination.”

Total wagering and purses paid reached $10,052,000, averaging $773,230 per day. The on-track handle was up 17 percent while the total handle for the thirteen-day meet totaled $93,484,232, representing a nearly 27 percent increase year-over-year, despite being conducted over one fewer race day. By comparison, the handle from Dec. 6, 2024, through Jan. 5, 2025, totaled $73,765,539 across 14 days, underscoring the continued growth in wagering engagement from both on-track fans and horseplayers nationwide.

Competition remained deep with 52 jockeys participating in at least one race and 30 earning a victory. One hundred forty-nine trainers started a horse during the meet, with 64 trainers represented in the winner's circle. Ownership participation was equally robust, as 661 owners started a horse, and 117 earned at least one victory.

A total of 1,066 horses made at least one start during the meet, with 223 horses going out twice. One hundred thirty horses found the winner's circle, including three that recorded multiple victories.

Oaklawn returns to action with the Classic Race Meet beginning Friday, Jan. 30.

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