Oaklawn Announces New Horseplayer Contest Enhancements

Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026

Oaklawn Announces New Enhancements for Southwest Stakes Weekend Horseplayer Contests

Oaklawn is raising the stakes for the weekend of the Southwest Stakes (G3) 2026, announcing major enhancements to its high-profile horseplayer contests that will bring top players together for a premier national competition. The expanded offerings include hybrid online participation from at least three advance deposit wagering platforms, online qualifiers, new prizes feature entry to the 2026 Kentucky Derby Betting Challenge (KDBC), the 2026 Ultimate Betting Challenge (UBC), and a limited-time complimentary hotel offer for on-track participants.

For horseplayers seeking a premium experience, a limited-time registration offer adds complimentary resort accommodations to elite competition. On-track participants who register by 5:00 p.m. CST on Sunday, January 18, will receive a complimentary hotel room for each tournament day in which they are registered, based on availability. Participants registered for both tournament days will receive complimentary accommodations for each corresponding night, with one room available per participant per night.

“These contests represent a major step forward in Oaklawn’s commitment to the horseplayer,” said Louis A. Cella, Oaklawn President. “Today’s announcements further reinforce that commitment, introducing a special invitation that includes a complimentary resort stay, enhanced prize opportunities, and expanded options for online participation. By pairing our world-class racing product with meaningful championship opportunities, we’re creating an experience that rewards skill, strategy, and passion while showcasing Oaklawn on one of our biggest weekends of the season.”

The contests — the Southwest Showdown on Saturday, January 31, and the Oaklawn Horseplayers Championship on Sunday, February 1 — will award seats to some of the sport’s most prestigious events across the two contest days. Prizes include entries to the 2026 or 2027 National Horseplayers Championship (NHC), the 2026 Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge (BCBC), the 2026 Kentucky Derby Betting Challenge (KDBC), the 2026 Ultimate Betting Challenge (UBC), along with cash prizes.

Expanding access to Oaklawn’s world-class racing and pari-mutuel wagering product remains a core focus of the organization. Both contests are now designed as hybrid events, allowing horseplayers to compete either on-site at Oaklawn or online through participating advance deposit wagering platforms, including TwinSpires, Xpressbet, and Keeneland Select. Check TwinSpires.com/bet/tournaments, Xpressbet.com/tournaments, or Keenelandselect.com/bet/tournaments for online qualifiers and registration.

Entry fees are as follows:

Southwest Showdown

$1,000 entry | $750 to live-money bankroll | $250 to prize pool

Oaklawn Horseplayers Championship