Tell me about Oaklawn

[Sandysmom]

Hot Springs is only about an hour and a half drive for me. I’ve got the bug to go to Oaklawn and watch the races but I haven’t been in around 40 years. I have found memories of a beautifully landscaped track and hanging out in the infield and eating corned beef sandwiches.

Tell me what I need to know to go with my adult daughter and have a fun day. I’ll probably wait until later in the season when the weather is better and I’ll want seats. Any trainers or horses I should watch for?

[dressagetraks]

I go every year for the Arkansas Derby for my one day a year at the live races (too far to go more often). It’s a very nice track. I’m only there on Ark Derby day, so not sure if the crowds are like that year round, but that day is definitely crowded. It’s in general a nice, polite crowd, though. I’ve been to the Kentucky Derby live in 1987, and that day at Churchill was not nearly as polite-feeling of a crowd as Oaklawn is. Oaklawn also has great paddock viewing, although to get right up to the rail for the Arkansas Derby, you have to skip the race ahead and stake out your spot.

Here’s my best picture of American Pharoah from Oaklawn in 2015. I was probably 12ish feet from him. Lucky shot, though, because the stall right in front of me wasn’t his assigned stall (note the mismatching numbers). His people had pulled him out of line for a quick tack adjustment.
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P.S.: A note on parking. At least on that day, the on-site parking way overflows. On-site parking is $2. There are businesses all around that happily advertise “park here for $20!” If you want to pay $2 instead of $20, get there a few hours before first post time. Probably the downtown area has grown up quite a bit in 40 years. You won’t have trouble finding a parking spot regardless, but if you miss the Oaklawn lot, you will pay a whole lot more for it.

[iberianfan]

I haven’t been there in 40 years either, but have wonderful memories!