Oaklawn is set to launch its eagerly awaited 2026–2027 live racing season on Friday, November 27, the day following Thanksgiving, marking the earliest opening day in the track’s history. The Holiday Season will run through Sunday, January 10, followed by a short January break before the Classic Season begins on Friday, January 22, and extends through Saturday, May 1.
Interest in stalls remains very high, with over 2,300 horses vying for roughly 1,500 available stalls. Stall assignments have been granted to 111 trainers from 18 states and two countries, assembling a talented and experienced group of horsemen for the 65-day season ahead.
Oaklawn president Louis A. Cella highlighted the strong demand for stalls as a testament to the strength of Oaklawn’s racing program and the trust horsemen have in competing there. “With another excellent group of trainers and horses coming to Hot Springs, along with a record-breaking stakes schedule and nearly $60 million in purses, we are anticipating an outstanding season,” he said.
All of Oaklawn’s top 10 trainers from the 2025–2026 season are expected to return, led by Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen. Last season, Asmussen extended his record with a 15th training title at Oaklawn, achieving 62 wins and also finishing as the leading owner with 24 victories.
This season will also see a major new presence on Oaklawn’s backstretch, as Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert will have a stable based in Hot Springs for the first time. Baffert has long found success shipping horses to Oaklawn and will now maintain a permanent division on-site.
Oaklawn plans to award about $60 million in purses during the season, reinforcing its reputation for one of the strongest purse structures in Thoroughbred racing. The stakes schedule boasts a record 61 races worth $18.79 million, headlined by major events such as the $1.5 million Arkansas Derby (G1), $1.5 million Apple Blossom Handicap (G1), $1.5 million Oaklawn Handicap (G2), $1.25 million Rebel Stakes (G2), and $1 million Fantasy Stakes (G2).
Two key races for 3-year-olds will be held on new dates this season: the Arkansas Derby moves from March 28 to April 10, and the Rebel Stakes shifts from March 1 to March 13. The Arkansas Derby will continue to serve as Oaklawn’s final prep for the Kentucky Derby, offering 100 qualifying points to its winner.
Condition books, the full stakes schedule, and further details for horsemen are available at Oaklawn.com/racing.
This story originally appeared in the News section of Paulick Report on October 5, 2026. Add Paulick Report as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Fan Take: This update is thrilling for horse racing fans because it signals a packed and highly competitive season at a historic venue, promising top-tier racing and substantial purses. The addition of Bob Baffert’s stable on-site and the record stakes schedule underscore Oaklawn’s growing influence in the sport, potentially shaping the careers of future champions.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
