Horse racing has a long history in the state of Arkansas, dating back to the 1800s. The state is home to several racetracks and horse racing events, including the Arkansas Derby, the Grade 1 Arkansas Breeders’ Stakes, and the Arkansas Thoroughbred Breeders’ Futurity. Horse racing is a popular spectator sport in Arkansas and continues to draw large crowds to racetracks across the state.
History of Horse Racing in Arkansas
Horse racing first began in Arkansas in the 1800s, when people would gather to watch horses race each other on open fields or dirt roads. The first official horse race track in the state was built in Fayetteville in 1875. From there, the popularity of horse racing grew rapidly, and the state’s first official horse racing association was formed in 1878.
The Arkansas Horse Racing Association (AHRA) was founded in 1882 and was responsible for organizing and managing horse racing events in the state. The AHRA also established the first official racing rules and regulations, which are still in use today.
Popular Horse Racing Events in Arkansas
The Arkansas Derby is the state’s most prestigious race and is held every April at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs. The race attracts some of the best three-year-old thoroughbreds in the country and is one of the most important stops on the Triple Crown trail.
The Grade 1 Arkansas Breeders’ Stakes is another popular race, held at Oaklawn Park in June. This race is open to Arkansas-bred horses of all ages and is a major event in the state.
The Arkansas Thoroughbred Breeders’ Futurity is a two-year-old race held at Oaklawn Park in August. This race is open to Arkansas-bred horses and is the last major race of the season for two-year-olds.
List of Horse Racing Tracks in Arkansas
Oaklawn Park
Oaklawn Park is the premier horse racing track in Arkansas and is located in Hot Springs. It is one of the oldest racetracks in the United States and has been operating since 1904. Oaklawn Park hosts the Arkansas Derby, the Grade 1 Arkansas Breeders’ Stakes, and the Arkansas Thoroughbred Breeders’ Futurity, among other races.
Southland Park Gaming and Racing
Southland Park Gaming and Racing is located in West Memphis and is the second-largest horse racing track in Arkansas. It was established in 1956 and has been offering live racing since then. The track is also home to a casino, which offers video poker, slot machines, and other gaming options.
Harrington Raceway and Casino
Harrington Raceway and Casino is located in Harrington and is a popular destination for horse racing fans. The track was founded in 1946 and offers live racing from April to November each year. The track also features a casino with slot machines and video poker.
Presque Isle Downs and Casino
Presque Isle Downs and Casino is located in Erie, Pennsylvania and is a popular destination for horse racing fans in Arkansas. The track offers live racing from April to November and also features a casino with slot machines and video poker.
Will Rogers Downs
Will Rogers Downs is located in Claremore, Oklahoma and is a popular destination for horse racing fans in Arkansas. The track offers live racing from April to November and also features a casino with slot machines and video poker.
Gulfstream Park
Gulfstream Park is located in Hallandale Beach, Florida and is a popular destination for horse racing fans in Arkansas. The track offers live racing from January to April and also features a casino with slot machines and video poker.
Sam Houston Race Park
Sam Houston Race Park is located in Houston, Texas and is a popular destination for horse racing fans in Arkansas. The track offers live racing from February to April and also features a casino with slot machines and video poker.
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races is located in Charles Town, West Virginia and is a popular destination for horse racing fans in Arkansas. The track offers live racing year-round and also features a casino with slot machines and video poker.
Remington Park
Remington Park is located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and is a popular destination for horse racing fans in Arkansas. The track offers live racing from January to April and also features a casino with slot machines and video poker.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Arkansas is home to several horse racing tracks, including Oaklawn Park, Southland Park Gaming and Racing, Harrington Raceway and Casino, Presque Isle Downs and Casino, Will Rogers Downs, Gulfstream Park, Sam Houston Race Park, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, and Remington Park. Horse racing is a popular spectator sport in Arkansas and continues to draw large crowds to racetracks across the state.