Location
Hot Springs Arkansas U.S.A. Hosted by the Oaklawn Park Race Track.
Established: 1936
Style: Three year old Thoroughbreds colts/fillies
Type of Track/length: Right-handed over dirt for 1 1/8 miles
Stakes: One million (U.S.)
Oaklawn Park home of the Arkansas Derby has known many years of prosperity through a steady climb of heralding Champions. Through its history it even took WWII itself awhile to slow it down and after the duration it rebounded with a war end celebration which again drew hundreds of thousands. The track itself is best known for the Racing Festival of the South which was originally dubbed in 1974 and lasts for a course of one week holding a stakes race daily as preemptive entertainment paving the way for the Arkansas Derby which is much loved and well known throughout the south as well as many other parts of the world due to the popularity of Oaklawn Park.
Jack Carter marks history as the owner and trainer of the inaugural winner of the Arkansas Derby Holl Image in 1936 taking in the original stakes of 5,000. Little did they know the derby would rise in fame to become a million dollar stakes race known across the globe as well as the highlight and pride of the U.S. south.
As Bath, England was in its day one of the most prestigious hot springs to enjoy so Oaklawn Park was to the South in its day causing the rich and famous to flock for the healing waters and of course as is the case with people of power what better way to show off their prominence then establish a horse race and what an even more popular form of enjoyment as well at a place that is already a resort.
2004 ushered in a new prestige for the Arkansas Derby by offering a five million dollar bonus stake to any horse that could claim the derby as well as the Rebel Derby then move on to take the Kentucky Derby. This drew Champions from across the globe shining the spotlight once more towards the south.
Smarty Jones the Chestnut stallion from Someday Farm stepped into the light and claimed this feat the first year it was made known adding another record to his proof of a Champion. He is from a long line of prestigious equine’s including the memorable Man o’ War.
Taking part in the highlight of the Festival of the South has never before been easier. Hundreds of thousands of racing enthusiasts wager every year on this fascinating and exciting derby. So never miss another bet experience this event for yourself when you bet online
