The first Arkansas Derby was run in 1936 for a purse of $5,000. In 1935, Oaklawn increased purses to become competitive with the best tracks across the country. In the 1930s, the track and 'Spa' combined attracted many horse racing fans. Upon his return, Cobb cast the tie-breaking vote to allow racing and betting at the track. The only Republican member of the state House at the time, Osro Cobb of Montgomery County, had been out of the chamber when his name was called. In 1929, during the Arkansas legislative session, a bill to allow horse racing and parimutuel betting came to a tie vote in the state House of Representatives. When it was dominated by conservatives, there were efforts to close down the track, which was believed to attract risqué people. For the next few years, the track was opened and closed periodically because of vagaries in the state's political climate. In 1918, Cella died, and the track passed to his brother, Charles. The track reopened in 1916 under the auspices of the Business Men's League of Hot Springs. Both original business partners had died, so the closed track was sold, to Louis Cella. In 1907, political problems in the state forced the closure of Oaklawn.

In its early years, the track ran six races a day, similar to British cards. The city declared a holiday to mark the occasion, and more than 3,000 people attended the first day of racing. Oaklawn Park opened on February 24, 1904. In 2015, a pair of victories at Oaklawn put American Pharoah on the path to becoming American Horse of the Year and the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years. In 2017, Oaklawn was ranked fifth among thoroughbred racetracks in North America by the Horseplayers Association of North America. It is the home to 'The Racing Festival of the South', a four-day series of races that concludes with the Arkansas Derby. Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, formerly Oaklawn Park Race Track, is an American thoroughbred racetrack and casino in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.įind sources: 'Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort' – news

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