Oaklawn increases purses

Citing across-the-board increases in all product lines during the first half

of its 54-day season, Oaklawn Park officials announced a purse increase that

will go into effect with Friday's racing card. Through the first 27 days,

Oaklawn was up in attendance, on-track handle and export handle.

"Numbers from the first half of our season are surprisingly good," Oaklawn

President Charles J. Cella said, "especially when you consider the current

economy."

Beginning with Friday's 10-race card, all overnight claiming races will be

increased by $300, and all allowance and maiden special weight races will be

bumped $1,000, bringing maiden special weight races to $35,000.

On-track attendance at the midway point of the Oaklawn season is 279,189 this

year compared with 269,797 in 2008, a 3 percent increase. The on-track handle

numbers are following the same pattern. Total on-track handle on Oaklawn races

this year is $22,127,172, a 3 percent increase over last year's number of

$21,541,545. Oaklawn has experienced a 6 percent growth in handle on its export

signal -- $68,615,324 in 2009 compared with $64,849,454 in 2008.

Field size is also on the upswing this year. Average number of starters at

the midway point of the season this year is 9.86, a 5 percent increase over the

same period last year when average field size at this time was 9.36.

"We are very appreciative of all the owners and trainers participating in our

racing program this year," Cella said. "Racing fans enjoy full fields with

competitive racing, and thanks to our horsemen, this has become an Oaklawn

tradition."

Racing at Oaklawn continues through April 11, when the season will conclude

with the $1 million Arkansas Derby (G2), which has become a major steppingstone

for the Triple Crown events.