Good weather means increases at Oaklawn

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Hot Springs, AR (Sports Network) - Not one day of racing has been missed at Oaklawn Park in 2012 allowing the track to increase daily purses. The track announced Wednesday that overnight purses are going up $5,000 a day starting this week.

"We have not lost one single day of training or racing, which has led to competitive field sizes and the nice weather has brought the crowds out that we don't typically see until later in the season," said David Longinotti, Assistant General Manager of Racing. "We are excited to share our good fortune with the horsemen and are hopeful these positive trends will continue as we head into our bigger races."

There has been a 42 percent increase in attendance through the initial 16 days of racing and a 40 percent bump in on-track handle. Off-track wagering has gone up 47 percent.

The 56 day meet concludes on Saturday, April 14 with the running of the $1 million Arkansas Derby.