Oaklawn forced to abandon opening day
Oaklawn Park is expected to open the gates on its 2011 racing season Saturday (Coady Photography)Oaklawn officials have made the decision to cancel Friday's opening day program due to lingering affects from six inches of snow that fell last Sunday and bitterly cold temperatures that have kept the track closed for training since Monday.
Temperatures were expected to gradually rise over the next 24 hours, which will allow the track crews to open the track for training Friday and racing for Saturday. Live racing will be conducted Saturday through Monday as planned. The facility will be open Friday for simulcast racing and gaming.
"It was an extremely difficult decision to cancel, but our first concern is always the safety of the horses, jockeys and our patrons," said David Longinotti, assistant general manger of racing. "Not only have the blusterly conditions been a challenge for our track maintenance crew, but there are still roads throughout the state that remain unsafe for travel due to icy conditions.
"We are confident that the warming temperatures expected over the next few days will allow us to safely hold the other three live programs."
Saturday will feature the traditional 50 cent corned beef sandwiches and the $50,000 Dixie Belle S. for three-year-old fillies. The $75,000 Fifth Season S., originally scheduled for Friday, will be offered for horsemen as a part of Sunday's racing program.
Monday will be highlighted by a Zenyatta bobblehorse giveaway and the $100,000 Smarty Jones S., the first major step toward the April 16 Arkansas Derby (G1) for three-year-old colts and geldings.
First post will be 1 p.m. (CST) on Saturday and Monday, and 1:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Oaklawn Park is expected to open the gates on its 2011 racing season Saturday (Coady Photography)Oaklawn officials have made the decision to cancel Friday's opening day program due to lingering affects from six inches of snow that fell last Sunday and bitterly cold temperatures that have kept the track closed for training since Monday.Temperatures were expected to gradually rise over the next 24 hours, which will allow the track crews to open the track for training Friday and racing for Saturday. Live racing will be conducted Saturday through Monday as planned. The facility will be open Friday for simulcast racing and gaming.
"It was an extremely difficult decision to cancel, but our first concern is always the safety of the horses, jockeys and our patrons," said David Longinotti, assistant general manger of racing. "Not only have the blusterly conditions been a challenge for our track maintenance crew, but there are still roads throughout the state that remain unsafe for travel due to icy conditions.
"We are confident that the warming temperatures expected over the next few days will allow us to safely hold the other three live programs."
Saturday will feature the traditional 50 cent corned beef sandwiches and the $50,000 Dixie Belle S. for three-year-old fillies. The $75,000 Fifth Season S., originally scheduled for Friday, will be offered for horsemen as a part of Sunday's racing program.
Monday will be highlighted by a Zenyatta bobblehorse giveaway and the $100,000 Smarty Jones S., the first major step toward the April 16 Arkansas Derby (G1) for three-year-old colts and geldings.
First post will be 1 p.m. (CST) on Saturday and Monday, and 1:30 p.m. on Sunday.
