Oaklawn’s Latest Racing News & Updates

By Chris Ho —-

RACING FORWARD | SEPTEMBER 2025
 
TRANSITION TO OAKLAWN’S RACING WAGERING STAFF
Zack Gillham

Oaklawn recently announced a key leadership transition within its Racing and Wagering operations.

Zack Gillham has been promoted to Vice President of Racing & Wagering, while Jason Milligan will transition from his current position and assume the role of Director of Racing.

In his expanded position, Gillham will oversee all aspects of Oaklawn’s racing and sports wagering operations. A valued member of the Oaklawn team for over eight years, he most recently served as Executive Director of Wagering, where he was instrumental in modernizing and growing Oaklawn’s wagering initiatives. His previous roles have included Director of Sports and Mutuel Manager.

“Zack’s deep knowledge of both racing and wagering, along with his proven leadership, makes him the ideal choice to take on this expanded role,” said Oaklawn President Louis Cella. “We are excited to see him lead these key areas of our business and help guide the continued success of Oaklawn’s racing and wagering programs.”

This leadership change reflects Oaklawn’s continued commitment to excellence in racing and wagering, ensuring strong, experienced guidance as the organization evolves and enhances the guest experience.
2025-2026 RACING CALENDAR AND UPDATES
25-26 Racing Calendar
2025-2026 STAKES SCHEDULE
2025-2026 CONDITION BOOK
PRINT STALL APPLICATION
ONLINE LICENSE APPLICATION

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

Stall Applications – Due Thursday, September 18
Horsemen allowed to prepare stalls – Thursday, October 23
Stable Area officially opens – Friday, October 24
Track opens for training – Tuesday, October 28
Official timed workouts and starting gate available – Tuesday, November 4
First day of entries – Friday, December 5
Opening Day – Friday, December 12

OAKLAWN RUNNERS CONTINUE TO SCORE IMPORTANT STAKES WINS

Reigning Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna and the versatile Banishing are among the latest Oaklawn graduates to score important stakes victories.

Thorpedo Anna, the 2024 Fantasy Stakes (G2) winner who returned to Oaklawn as a 4-year-old to win the Azeri Stakes (G2) and the Apple Blossom Handicap (G1), scored a hard-fought narrow victory in the $500,000 Personal Ensign Stakes (G1) Saturday at Saratoga, after the ever-versatile Banishing captured the $1 million Charles Town Classic (G2) the night before.

Southwest Stakes runner Patch Adams added to the reputation of Oaklawn runners with a score in the $500,000 H. Allen Jerkins Memorial (G1) immediately after Thorpedo Anna’s Score and Indy Bay captured Friday night’s Charles Town Oaks (G2) in the race before the Charles Town Classic.

Other recent Oaklawn runners to have scored stakes victories include:



Aug 10: Impel, $200,000 Groupie Doll Stakes, Ellis Park

Aug 3: Hit Show, $200,000 West Virginia Governor’s Stakes, Mountaineer

July 26: Patriot Spirit, $100,000 Reigh Count Stakes, Colonial Downs

July 25: Smoken Wicked, $200,000 Amsterdam Stakes (G2), Saratoga

July 21: Asternia, $150,000 Twin Bridges, Stakes, Ellis Park

July 20: Banishing, $150,000 Jeff Hall Memorial, Ellis Park

July 5: Quickick, $225,000 Iowa Oaks, Prairie Meadows

July 5: Dana’s Beauty, $100,000 Indiana General Assembly Distaff, Horseshoe IND

July 5: Alpine Princess, $100,000 Mari Hulman George Memorial, Horseshoe IND

July 5: Willy D’s, $100,000 Michael G. Schaefer Memorial, Horseshoe IND

July 4: Glengarry, $100,000 Iowa Sprint, Prairie Meadows

July 4: Insensitive, $100,000 Iowa Distaff, Prairie Meadows

July 4: Won Happy Mama, $100,000 Saylorville, Prairie Meadows
 
HORSEMEN’S LOUNGE UNDERWAY

Construction of the new horseman’s lounge in the Upper Paddock has begun. The HBPA will be furnishing and servicing this area for our horsemen on racing days. Oaklawn thanks the HBPA for their contributions to this project.
horseman lounge rendering

Artist rendering shown above.
BACKSIDE UPDATES

Oaklawn is building two new barns before the 2025 / 2026 meet. A new 24-stall receiving/stakes barn and a new 36-stall pony/outrider barn.

Pony Barn has been removed for the future home of a new receiving/stakes barn.

The new area above is being prepped for a new outrider and pony barn.
 
ENTERTAINMENT
Jamey Johnson

Thursday, September 11
BUY TICKETS
Loverboy Friday, September 12
BUY TICKETS

The Righteous Brothers

Friday, September 19
BUY TICKETS
Bret Michaels
Friday, September 26
BUY TICKETS

The Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band With special guest Bobby Rush Saturday, October 4
BUT TICKETS
Whitney Cummings Saturday, October 25
BUY TICKETS
BOOK YOUR GETAWAY

Dining
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Hotel
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Spa
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Get In Touch

Oaklawn

2705 Central Ave.

Hot Springs, AR 71901

501-623-4411