The Oaklawn season closed with a bang when two horses who participated in its lucrative 3-year-old Triple Crown prep series went on to capture big wins: Mystik Dan captured the historic Kentucky Derby, and Thorpedo Anna won the Kentucky Oaks.
► Mystik Dan won the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn before entering the winner’s circle at Churchill Downs.
► Thorpedo Anna took the Fantasy Stakes at Oaklawn before winning the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs.
Southwest Stakes winner Mystik Dan took the 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. The horse is owned by Arkansans Lance Gasaway, Sharilyn and Brent Gasaway, Daniel Hamby III and Scott Hamby.
Fantasy Stakes winner Thorpedo Anna captured the 150th Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs. Thorpedo Anna is owned by Brookdale Racing Inc., Mark Edwards, Judy Hicks and Magdalena Racing (Sherri McPeek).
The victories marked the first time since 1952 that a trainer and jockey combination swept the two races in the same year. Both horses are trained by Kenny McPeek and ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr.
“Spectacular,” said Oaklawn President Louis Cella, referring to the sweep of Oaklawn horses.
“It brings such joy to read national coverage and see the positive responses to what we’re doing. If you want to win a Triple Crown race or Breeders’ Cup, you have to start in Arkansas. It’s amazing. You can’t make it up.
Live thoroughbred racing at the 120-year-old Oaklawn track and casino is held December through May each year, while simulcast racing runs yearlong.
The property, located in Hot Springs National Park, also has a casino, hotel and spa.
Oaklawn sets records
The 2023-24 season hits high marks in purses and the average daily handle.
► $60M — Total purses distributed throughout the season were over $60 million. The average of $950,000 per day was the highest in the track’s 120-year history.
► $7.15M — Oaklawn’s daily handle averaged $7,147,035 over 63 racing days. The activity represents a 7.1% increase from last season’s 68-day meet, which averaged $6,670,730. The total handle for Oaklawn’s races this season topped $450 million.
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