Oaklawn Park kicks off its 2025-26 racing season on December 12 with the $150,000 Advent Stakes, marking the start of a record 62 stakes races totaling over $18.3 million through winter and spring. The season is split into a Holiday Meet (Dec. 12-Jan. 4) and a Classic Meet (Jan. 30-May 2), featuring high purses supported by the track’s casino revenue, attracting strong demand from horsemen with 130 trainers applying for 1,470 stalls. Notable horses like Ganaas and Spun D M C will compete early, while Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse plans to bring top contenders including Arkansas Derby winner Sandman back to Oaklawn.
The meet highlights include major Kentucky Oaks and Derby prep races with purses up to $1 million, such as the Fantasy Stakes, Honeybee Stakes, Smarty Jones, Southwest Stakes, Rebel Stakes, and the richest Derby prep, the Arkansas Derby. The event draws top trainers and jockeys, including Joel Rosario and Luis Saez, enhancing Oaklawn’s reputation as a premier dirt racing destination. With over $3 million in Oaks qualifying purses and significant Derby points on offer, Oaklawn remains a key stop for elite 3-year-olds aiming for spring classics.
