Oaklawn Diaries: First ‘Impressions’

by | 03.15.2013 | 7:33am
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The Paulick Report’s Ray Paulick and Scott Jagow have arrived in Hot Springs, Ark. to experience Oaklawn Park’s Rebel Stakes weekend and all that goes with it. For the first time this year, thousands of racegoers will enjoy the Rebel festivities from the infield. But before the important Kentucky Derby prep arrives late Saturday, there is plenty of exploring to do at one of America’s most unique racing locales. Oaklawn never fails to make a good first impression, and as you’ll see, we do mean “impression.”

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  • THE ENFORCER

    OAKLAWN/ HOT SPRINGS LEFT A LASTING FAVORABLE IMPRESSION DURING MY FIRST VISIT IN 1978…
    THE ENTIRE TOWN WAS BUZZING WITH EXCITEMENT..THE BREAKFAST RAILBIRDS AT THE WAFFLE HOUSE ON CENTRAL WERE CONFIDENT THEIR AFTERNOON SELECTIONS WOULD WIN..THE WEEKDAY CROWDS WERE HUGE, THE FULL FIELDS HAD SO MANY QIUALITY HORSES, AND REPEAT WINNERS OFTEN PAID IN THE DOUBLE DIGITS..
    COMBINE GREAT RACING WITH THE WORLD CLASS HEALING THEMAL BATH’S AND THE OVERALL CHARM OF THE TOWN– IT IS WHY I RETURN EVERY YEAR..
    PR & COMPANY–HAVE A BLAST–IT IS WHERE RACING MEMORIES ARE MADE!!

  • Bocephus

    I don’t think people realize how big the crowds at Oaklawn are until they spend a Saturday there and see all of the people outside pressed up against the apron like the old days at the Eastern tracks. Racing is alive and well down South.

    • John F. Greenhaw

      It sure is! All the negative comments about the demise of Racing that appear with regularity on the PR comments would disappear quickly if those authors would get away from their computers long enough and attend a weekend at Oaklawn Park—which is where I just happen to be!
      Hey Ray, I’ll look you up on Saturday, got a line on a good one that will pay for your trip!
      Life is GOOD !

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/GM4MKOH3SRM3GAZLMIKOOOAI74 jttf

    i have always enjoyed my visits to hot springs. oaklawn park is clean, friendly service and i really enjoy the balcony view in the paddock. who ever said that americans dont race on hillsides ? i wouldnt mind living in that nice house at the top of the stretch.

  • Susan Watkins

    Sometime you will have to spend an hour and come to our farm which is 6 miles from the track. We own and stand a son of A.P. Indy and we enjoy people “dropping in” on us as we like for people to see the pride of our farm :))
    Royal Court Equine Center

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