2026.01.06 Oaklawn Holiday Meet Recap

Oaklawn Concludes a Record Holiday Race Meet with Strong Attendance and Wagering Momentum

Contact: Chris Ho Vice President of Marketing

cho@oaklawn.com, 501-623-4411 ext. 4201

Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026

Hot Springs, AR. — Oaklawn welcomed a total attendance of 104,250, highlighted by average Saturday crowds of more than 13,000. The meet featured 132 races, including 15 stakes races over 13 race days, with an impressive average field size of 9.78 horses per race.

“The Holiday Meet delivered exactly what we strive for at Oaklawn—great racing, strong fan engagement, and meaningful momentum,” said Louis A. Cella, President of Oaklawn. “The competitiveness of our fields and the enthusiasm from both on-track and off-track players reinforce Oaklawn’s position as a premier winter racing destination.”

Wagering and purses reflected the strength of the Holiday Meet, as total purses paid reached $10,052,000, averaging $773,230 per day. The on-track handle was up

17 percent while the total handle for the thirteen-day meet totaled $93,484,232, representing a nearly 27 percent increase year-over-year, despite being conducted over one fewer race day. By comparison, the handle from December 6, 2024, through January 5, 2025, totaled $73,765,539 across 14 days, underscoring the continued growth in wagering engagement from both on-track fans and horseplayers nationwide.

The Holiday Meet also produced several historic milestones at Oaklawn. Steve Asmussen recorded his 1,000th career Oaklawn victory, further cementing his legacy as one of the most accomplished trainers in the track’s history. John Ed Anthony reached the milestone of 300 Oaklawn victories, while Cristian Torres earned his 300th Oaklawn win. Walter De La Cruz recorded his 200th Oaklawn victory, and Tyler Bacon surpassed 200 career wins.

On the earnings front, three jockeys surpassed $1 million in purses during the Holiday Meet, led by Cristian Torres with $1,231,346, followed by Luis Saez with $1,123,042, and Francisco Arrieta with $1,046,204. Steve Asmussen was the lone trainer to eclipse $1 million in purses, finishing the meet with $1,020,890.

Competition remained deep with 52 jockeys participating in at least one race and 30 earning a victory. One hundred forty-nine trainers started a horse during the meet, with 64 trainers represented in the winner’s circle. Ownership participation was equally robust, as 661 owners started a horse, and 117 earned at least one victory.

A total of 1,066 horses made at least one start during the Holiday Meet, with 223 horses making two starts. One hundred thirty horses found the winner’s circle, including three horses that recorded multiple victories: Counting Stars (two wins, $153,900), Nerazurri (two wins, $117,000), and Jet Pack (two wins, $36,600).

Leading the meet were Cristian Torres, who finished as leading jockey with 18 wins, Steve Asmussen, the leading trainer with 13 wins, and Tom Durant, the leading owner with four victories.



Oaklawn returns to action with the Classic Race Meet beginning Friday, January 30, 2026, highlighted by the Southwest Stakes opening weekend. Southwest Stakes Weekend will also feature two major live horseplayer contests—the Southwest Showdown on Saturday, January 31, and the Oaklawn Horseplayer Championship on Sunday, February 1—bringing together top horseplayers from across the country to compete for the 2026 or 2027 National Horseplayers Championship, the 2026 Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge, and significant cash prizes. See Oaklawn.com/racing for registration details.

The Classic Meet runs through Saturday, May 2, 2026, featuring Oaklawn’s marquee stakes schedule and the nation’s top Thoroughbred talent as the road to the Triple Crown unfolds in Hot Springs.

ABOUT OAKLAWN

Founded in 1904 and located in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, Oaklawn is one of the premier winter racing venues in North America. 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.