Oaklawn Park unveiled its 2026-27 stakes schedule July 9, featuring 61 stakes races worth $18.79 million. The $1.5 million Arkansas Derby (G1) is now positioned three weeks before the Kentucky Derby April 10. It had been five weeks out since 2022.
Oaklawn's stakes schedule includes some of the best 3-year-old and older horse programs in the country. The 2026-27 live racing season opens Nov. 27, 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 Cella, Oaklawn's 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 2026-27 stakes program include the $250,000 Smarty Jones Stakes Jan. 2, the $750,000 Southwest Stakes (G3) Feb. 6, followed by an enhanced $1.25 million Rebel Stakes (G2) March 13. The Rebel Stakes receives a $250,000 purse increase and will now be contested at 1 1/8 miles.
Oaklawn will again offer the nation's richest 3-year-old fillies program, featuring the $300,000 Martha Washington Stakes Jan. 23, the $750,000 Honeybee Stakes (G3) Feb. 20, and the $1 million Fantasy Stakes (G2) March 27.
Oaklawn highlights the older stakes program with the Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) and Oaklawn Handicap (G2) April 17. Both races will carry $1.5 million purses, a $250,000 increase. 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-Jan. 10 are now available online.
