Horse racing enthusiasts, get ready! Oaklawn Racing & Gaming has just announced its exciting stakes schedule for the 2025 season. With a total purse of $17.65 million, this year's schedule is packed with thrilling events that will surely captivate fans from all over.
One of the highlights of the season is the Arkansas Derby (G1), which will be run on Saturday, March 29. This prestigious event is one of three graded stakes races at Oaklawn, along with the Smarty Jones and Rebel. The Arkansas Derby, to be run at 1 1/8-miles, promises to be an electrifying competition.
In addition to the 47 traditional stakes races that offer a total purse of $16.2 million, Oaklawn has also announced the addition of 10 restricted overnight stakes races, each with a purse of $145,000. These new events will strengthen the racing cards on premiere race days like Southwest Stakes Day, Rebel Stakes Day, and Arkansas Derby Day.
The stakes schedule kicks off with the Martha Washington Stakes on Saturday, January 25, followed by the Honeybee Stakes (G3) on February 22. The $750,000 Fantasy Stakes (G2), a launching pad for Kentucky Oaks winner Thorpedo Anna, is another highly anticipated event in the series.
"We're thrilled to announce our 2025 stakes schedule," said Oaklawn's Racing Secretary, David Cella. "With the success of Arkansas-owned Mystik Dan and Thorpedo Anna, the facts speak for themselves and echo what we've been saying for a number of years – there is no better place for horsemen to prepare Thoroughbreds for future success than Oaklawn."
Other premiere races on the 2025 schedule include the $1,250,000 Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) for older fillies and mares on Saturday, April 12, and the $1,250,000 Oaklawn Handicap (G2) on Saturday, April 19.
Prep races for these events are already in full swing. The $250,000 Bayakoa (G3) will be run on Saturday, February 8, while the $400,000 Azeri (G2) takes place on Saturday, March 8. The $500,000 Razorback (G3) and $500,000 Essex (G3) are both set for February 22 and March 22, respectively.
The season opener is scheduled for Friday, December 6, with live racing taking place from December to May. With the exception of Martin Luther King Day and Presidents' Day, racing will be conducted on a Friday-Sunday basis throughout the stand. There will also be no racing on Super Bowl Sunday and Easter Sunday.
Founded in 1904, Oaklawn Racing & Gaming is one of the premier Thoroughbred racetracks in the country. Located in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, the track features slots, live table games, and sports betting year-round. Live racing takes place between December and May, while simulcast racing is conducted throughout the year.
For more information about Oaklawn Racing & Gaming, including the full 2025 stakes schedule, visit their website at www.oaklawn.com or call 1-800-OAKLAWN.