Old Man Winter Forces Oaklawn To Push Back Weekend Southwest Card

[Wandering Eyes]

Due to inclement weather with projected temperatures ranging between 14 and 30 degrees, and out of an abundance of caution for the safety of both equine and human athletes, Oaklawn Park has canceled live racing scheduled for this weekend, Jan. 30-Feb. 1, which includes the GIII Southwest Stakes on Saturday, the Arkansas track said via a Tuesday release.

All affected race days and associated events will be rescheduled for the following weekend, Feb. 5-8.

The rescheduled weekend will offer the richest purse structure in North American racing, highlighted by championship-caliber fields.

The Southwest card, as originally drawn, will now be contested on Friday, Feb. 6.

The American Beauty Stakes will move to Saturday, Feb. 7, joining the GIII Bayakoa Stakes, which will also feature the highly anticipated 2026 debut of Nitrogen (Medaglia d'Oro), the reigning Eclipse Award-winning 3-year-old filly.

The originally scheduled Friday, Jan. 30 card, will move to Thursday, Feb. 2. Races originally planned for Sunday, Feb. 1, will be moved and run on Sunday, Feb. 8, an added race day.

Oaklawn's horseplayer events will also shift with the new schedule. The Southwest Showdown contest will move to Friday, Feb. 6, while the Oaklawn Horseplayer Championship will take place on Saturday, Feb. 7.

“We never take the decision to cancel racing lightly,” said President of Oaklawn Louis A. Cella. “However, the safety of our horses, jockeys, and all participants is always our top priority. We appreciate the understanding and flexibility of our fans and horsemen as we work to deliver an outstanding weekend of championship racing and host the richest road to the Kentucky Derby.”

The track also said that training was canceled for Wednesday, Jan. 28 and limited hours will be offered on Thursday between noon and 3:30 p.m. CT with a renovation break scheduled for 1:30 p.m. CT.

Additional information regarding promotions, on-track events, and adjusted schedules will be shared soon across Oaklawn's website and social media platforms.

The post Old Man Winter Forces Oaklawn To Push Back Weekend Southwest Card appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

View the full article