News Oaklawn Moves Arkansas Derby to May 2 March 20, 2020 2019 Arkansas Derby field (Credit: Coady Photography) News Oaklawn Moves Arkansas Derby to May 2 March 20, 2020 By: Press Release email Share: share on facebook share on twitter share on linkedin email this article HOT SPRINGS, AR – Oaklawn announced today that it is moving its signature race – the Arkansas Derby (G1) – from Saturday, April 11, to Saturday, May 2, closing day of the 2020 live meet. Due to the closing of the casino and racetrack to the public, Oaklawn could have raced with purses intact through April 18 but, upon discussions with the HBPA, decided instead to reduce purses across the board and “stay until May.” As a result, the Arkansas Derby purse will be reduced to $750,000. ( Content Continues Below Ad ) “Churchill Downs understands the circumstances created by the current health crisis, and, therefore, will allow the full 170 points towards Kentucky Derby (G1) eligibility (now scheduled for Saturday, September 5) as long as we meet the minimum purse threshold of $750,000,” Oaklawn President Louis Cella said. “The purse reductions are across the board. If operations return to normal between now and May, we will adjust them accordingly.” Of the total 170 points towards Kentucky Derby eligibility, 100 points will be awarded to the winner of the Arkansas Derby. Oaklawn is also moving the Fantasy Stakes (G3) for 3-year-old fillies to Friday, May 1, and will reduce its purse to $400,000 but, like the Arkansas Derby, it will still offer the full 170 points towards eligibility in the Kentucky Oaks (G1), which is now scheduled for Friday, September 4. The Arkansas Derby and Fantasy are among 15 remaining stakes that have had their purses reduced along with all overnight purses. Other date changes: The Oaklawn Invitational moves to Saturday, April 11, and will carry a $200,000 purse. The Count Fleet Sprint Handicap (G3) moves to Saturday, April 18, and now shares the card with the Apple Blossom Handicap (G1). The Oaklawn Handicap (G2) moves to Saturday, May 2, and now shares the card with the Arkansas Derby. “We are trying to make best of a bad situation,” continued Cella. “And we greatly appreciate the cooperation we have received from our horsemen and the Arkansas Racing Commission.” An announcement regarding all ticket sales and dining reservations will be made at a later date.
Keeneland Pick 5 | The Magic Mike Show 542 The Magic Mike Show guys preview & give their tickets… Read More
NBA & NHL Playoff Previews & Picks | Dudes Who Bet Sports 188 Aaron and Papa Dude discuss OJ Simpson, UConn’s national championship… Read More
2024 Kentucky Derby Top 10 & Rapid-Fire Picks | Blinkers Off 661 The Racing Dudes reveal their Top 10 Kentucky Derby prospects… Read More
Keeneland Pick 5 [Lexington Stakes Day] | The Magic Mike Show 541 The Magic Mike Show guys preview & give their tickets… Read More
Kentucky Derby Prep Results [Blue Grass, Santa Anita Derby, & Wood Memorial] | The Magic Mike Show 540 The Magic Mike Show guys discuss last week’s Kentucky Derby… Read More
Doubledogdare Stakes 2024 | Keeneland Picks Alpha Delta Stables’ Raging Sea heads a field of seven… Read More
Keeneland Pick 5 | The Magic Mike Show 542 The Magic Mike Show guys preview & give their tickets… Read More
Ben Ali Stakes 2024 | Keeneland Picks Spendthrift Farm’s Kingsbarns, winner of the Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby (G2)… Read More
Elkhorn Stakes 2024 | Keeneland Picks Bold Act (IRE) and Silver Knott (GB), two overseas invaders… Read More
Federico Tesio Stakes 2024 | Laurel Park Picks [Preakness Stakes] Having rediscovered his stakes-winning form in dramatic fashion last month… Read More