“Another unforgettable season at Oaklawn,” said Louis Cella, president of Oaklawn Park. “The level of talent on our track, the support from fans and horsemen, and the memories created over these 62 days reaffirm Oaklawn’s place as a premier racing destination. The racing community here continues to thrive, and we’re incredibly proud.”
Oaklawn wrapped up its 2024–25 live racing season May 3 with strong numbers across the board, highlighted by competitive racing, record-setting performances, and key milestones.
Oaklawn conducted 621 races over the season, distributing $56,007,000 in purses, for a daily average of $903,338. With an average of 10 races per day, Oaklawn delivered strong, competitive racing by averaging 9.32 starters per race for fans to enjoy.
The average daily handle reached $6,737,332, generating a total meet handle of $417,714,571.
Participation remained strong, with 2,030 individual horses making at least one start, contributing to 5,788 total starts. Eighty jockeys and 186 trainers competed at Oaklawn this season.
“It’s incredible what we accomplished this season,” said Wayne Smith, general manager of Oaklawn. “Even after losing four Saturdays to weather, we ended up just 10 races shy of last year. That kind of resilience shows the passion of our horsemen, the dedication of our team, and the unwavering support of our fans. It really was something special.”
2024–2025 Season Leaders
Steve Asmussen and End Zone Athletics (Karl Broberg) tied for the leading owner title with 14 wins each. D. J. Stable, St. Elias Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds, and CJ Stables led all owners in purse earnings with $1,168,000.
Asmussen, a Hall of Fame trainer, secured his record-extending 14th Oaklawn training title, winning 46 races and earning $5,497,570.
Francisco Arrieta won his second Oaklawn riding title—and first outright—by winning 65 races and earning $5,081,352.
A record 13 trainers earned over $1 million in purses this season compared to 11 last season, totaling $28,598,935. A total of 16 jockeys surpassed the $1 million earnings mark, combining for $45,086,467 in purses.
2024–2025 Season Milestones and Highlights
- John Ed Anthony (Shortleaf Stables) became the winningest owner in Oaklawn stakes history.
- Oaklawn’s track announcer Matt Dinerman reached 10,000 career race calls.
- Francisco Arrieta earned his 1,000th career win.
- Erik Asmussen was recognized as the Eclipse Award Winner for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey.
- Keith Asmussen achieved 100 career Oaklawn wins.
- Trainer Jinks Fires reached 1,500 career wins.
- Trainer Cipriano Contreras marked 100 Oaklawn victories.
- Trainer Tom Van Berg earned his 300th career win.
- Jockey Walter De La Cruz reached 1,400 career wins, including 200 Oaklawn wins.
- Ricardo Santana Jr. joined the 2,000-career-win club.
- Tyler Bacon celebrated his 100th career win.
“This meet was defined by excellence—both in competition and community,” Cella added. “From new milestones to historic purse earnings, Oaklawn strives to set the standard for winter racing in America.”
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
