Oaklawn Park: Where Racing Legends, Gangsters and Derby Dreams Meet

Oaklawn's story begins in the opening years of the twentieth century, when Hot Springs was already attracting an extraordinary collection of visitors. Wealthy vacationers came to take the waters, professional baseball players came to train, and gamblers came looking for entertainment.

In 1904, businessmen John Condon and Dan Stuart joined brothers Louis and Charles Cella in establishing the Oaklawn Jockey Club. The founders commissioned architect Zachary Taylor Davis, who would later design Chicago's Wrigley Field, to create an impressive new racing facility.

Its original grandstand featured glass enclosures and heating, an unusually sophisticated arrangement for the period. When racing began in February 1905, the establishment already had the makings of a fashionable sporting destination.

Political battles over gambling interrupted racing several times during the early decades. Oaklawn reopened in 1916, encountered another lengthy interruption beginning in 1919, and returned to racing in 1934. Two years later, the modern Arkansas Derby was born.

Al Capone, Lucky Luciano and the Hot Springs Connection

Long before Las Vegas became America's gambling capital, Hot Springs developed a reputation as a playground for celebrities, high rollers and some remarkably notorious visitors.

Al Capone frequented the city, where the Arlington Hotel, thermal bathhouses and gambling establishments offered entertainment and privacy. Charles "Lucky" Luciano, Frank Costello and Owney Madden were also associated with the colorful Hot Springs underworld.

Capone is remembered as an Oaklawn racing enthusiast, adding another chapter to the city's unusual relationship with organized crime and the sporting establishment.

In those days, the combination of thoroughbreds, illegal gaming rooms, fashionable hotels and discreet backroom business made Hot Springs a destination unlike almost any other in America.

Today's visitors can explore much of that history at the Gangster Museum of America and along historic Bathhouse Row. The illegal gambling houses are gone, but Oaklawn remains a living link to the city's adventurous past.

Smarty Jones — 2004

The undefeated Pennsylvania-bred sensation swept Oaklawn's major Kentucky Derby prep races before winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. His performances made him a national celebrity and earned his connections a remarkable $5 million Oaklawn bonus. He narrowly missed the Triple Crown with a second-place finish in the Belmont Stakes.

American Pharoah — 2015

American Pharoah used victories in the Rebel Stakes and Arkansas Derby as steppingstones toward racing immortality. He subsequently captured the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes, becoming the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years. His Oaklawn appearances remain among the track's proudest moments.

Curlin — 2007

Before becoming one of the great champions of his generation, Curlin announced his arrival with a commanding Arkansas Derby victory. He went on to win the Preakness Stakes, Breeders' Cup Classic and Dubai World Cup, eventually earning two Horse of the Year titles.

Renegade — 2026

The 2026 Arkansas Derby produced another memorable performance when Renegade, trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., swept to a four-length victory. The triumph came before an estimated record Oaklawn crowd of 73,000 and delivered Pletcher his sixth Arkansas Derby victory.

Oaklawn's celebrated roster extends well beyond Arkansas Derby winners. The track has welcomed exceptional racehorses across generations.

Early champions such as Pan Zareta, Old Rosebud and Exterminator competed at Oaklawn during the formative decades of American racing. Pan Zareta, one of the great sprinting mares of her era, faced Old Rosebud in memorable Hot Springs encounters during 1917.

Decades later, Cigar, one of America's most accomplished modern racehorses, and the brilliant mare Zenyatta helped enhance Oaklawn's national reputation. Zenyatta's Apple Blossom victories particularly delighted racing fans who appreciated seeing a champion mare compete on the national stage.

Other important Oaklawn performers have included Rachel Alexandra, Afleet Alex, Azeri, Gun Runner, Will Take Charge, Lookin At Lucky and Blind Luck.

The Apple Blossom Handicap, traditionally among the country's most prestigious races for older fillies and mares, has contributed enormously to the track's identity. Its history includes unforgettable performances by female champions.

Horse racing is sometimes described as a sport in search of new stars. Oaklawn has spent more than a century helping to discover them.

For serious handicappers, Oaklawn offers something increasingly valuable: competitive, high-quality dirt racing backed by strong purses and large, enthusiastic wagering audiences.

Its one-mile dirt oval has no turf course, so bettors can concentrate on evaluating dirt-track form. Sprints and two-turn routes provide plenty of variety, while an alternate finish line used for mile races adds another tactical consideration.

Understanding early speed, pace pressure, post position and how individual horses handle Oaklawn's surface can be important when evaluating a race.

Oaklawn features traditional pari-mutuel wagering, including win, place and show bets as well as exotic wagers such as exactas, trifectas and multi-race combinations.

The quality of the competition can make form analysis particularly interesting. A horse that appears dominant at a smaller circuit might encounter considerably tougher company upon arriving at Oaklawn.

The most practical approach is to study the racing program, consider the expected pace and monitor how the track is playing throughout the afternoon. No system guarantees success, but informed wagering adds another dimension to the sporting experience.

Beyond the Racetrack

Visitors can explore Hot Springs National Park and historic Bathhouse Row, visit the Gangster Museum of America, enjoy restaurants and cocktail lounges downtown, or venture into the surrounding Ouachita Mountains.

Nearby lakes, scenic drives, mineral baths and outdoor recreation make the area attractive for couples, families and travelers who want more from a racing weekend.

When to Visit

Arkansas Derby weekend is the obvious choice for racing enthusiasts who enjoy large crowds and major stakes competition. The Rebel Stakes, Fantasy Stakes and Apple Blossom Handicap also provide compelling reasons to visit.

Those seeking a quieter racing experience may prefer ordinary race days, when it can be easier to explore the grandstand, observe horses in the paddock and enjoy a more relaxed afternoon.