Oaklawn Stakes Schedule Announcement
OAKLAWN UNVEILS ENHANCED 2026-2027 STAKES SCHEDULE FEATURING NEARLY $19 MILLION IN STAKES PURSES
Contact:
Chris Ho, Vice President of Marketing
cho@oaklawn.com, 501-623-4411 ext. 4201
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
For Immediate Release
HOT SPRINGS, AR (July 2026) – Oaklawn unveils its 2026-2027 stakes schedule, featuring 61 stakes races worth $18.79 million. Oaklawn’s stakes schedule includes the best three-year-old and older horse programs in the country and is the premier destination for stakes horses in 2026/2027. The 2026-2027 live racing season opens Friday, Nov. 27, 2026, the earliest opening day in the track's history.
"We're continuing to invest in our horsemen while building a schedule that strengthens Oaklawn's place among the nation's premier racing destinations," said Louis A. Cella, Oaklawn President. " Our goal is to elevate our 3-year-old and older horse stakes programs, while creating an exciting race meet that attracts our fans and horsemen to Oaklawn."
Key enhancements to the 2026 – 2027 Stakes Program include:
The $250,000 Smarty Jones Stakes on Saturday, Jan. 2, the $750,000 Southwest Stakes (G3) on Feb. 6, followed by an enhanced $1.25 million Rebel Stakes (G2) on March 13. The Rebel Stakes receives a $250,000 purse increase and will now be contested at 1 1/8 miles. The $1.5 million Arkansas Derby (G1) on Saturday, April 10, offers the final 100-point qualifying race to the Kentucky Derby.
Oaklawn will again offer the nation's richest 3-year-old fillies program featuring the $300,000 Martha Washington Stakes on Jan. 23, the $750,000 Honeybee Stakes (G3) on Feb. 20, and the $1 million Fantasy Stakes (G2) on March 27.
Oaklawn highlights the older stakes program with the Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) and Oaklawn Handicap (G2) on Saturday, April 17. Both races will carry $1.5 million purses, a $250,000 increase, and will create back-to-back weekends showcasing many of the nation's best Thoroughbreds. The Azeri Stakes (G2) will receive a purse increase from $400,000 to $500,000.
The stakes schedule and the first condition book, covering the Holiday Season from Nov. 27 through Jan. 10, are now available online. Additional information regarding promotions and other events for the 2026-2027 live racing season will be announced in the coming months.
Download the Stakes Schedule | Download the First Condition Book
ABOUT OAKLAWN
Founded in 1904 and located in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, Oaklawn is the world’s premier Thoroughbred racetrack and casino resort. Renowned for its vibrant racing atmosphere, world-class gaming, destination sportsbook, Forbes® Four-Star full-service spa, Forbes® recommended luxury hotel, and Forbes® recommended fine dining. Oaklawn continues to expand its offerings as the top tourism destination in the state. www.oaklawn.com | 1-800-OAKLAWN.
