And They’re Off! Oaklawn Announces the 2006 Horse Racing Season

When it comes to watching the nation’s top horses, jockeys, and trainers competing at a racing club that has it all, Oaklawn Park is second to none. Oaklawn, located in the middle of the historic Hot Springs in Arkansas (http://www.hotsprings.com), has been exciting thousands of spectators since 1904, and now, over 100 years later, its 2006 season will continue to marvel.

Its location explains why Oaklawn has become such a popular tourist destination. After all, who can resist the thought of traveling to “America’s Spa”, Hot Springs, Arkansas, to experience the healing of the natural thermal waters, the fascinating history, the unique natural science and geological experiences, the hiking, and - of course - the thrill of the race?

To truly take advantage of the trip, you’ll want to head over to Oaklawn at the most exhilarating time of the season - Opening Weekend! The Oaklawn 102nd year of racing excitement begins on the weekend of January 20-22, and you’ll need to book your travel arrangements early to make sure you’re a part of it.

What can you expect from the Oaklawn experience? You’ll learn about horses, find out about the sport of racing, bet on your lucky number, and taste the “best corned beef sandwich in the Universe” for which Oaklawn is also well known!

Never is the exhilaration so heavy, and the anticipation so thick as Oaklawn’s Opening Weekend. Spectators, jockeys, trainers, and horses alike can all sense the beginning of something truly special. Hearts pound, tensions rise, and soon you’re cheering, white knuckled, as your perfectly trained jockey virtually flies around the track on the back of a 17-hand mount in its physical prime, galloping forward at an unpredictable 40 miles-per-hour.

Seeing it on television is one thing, reading about it is another, but living it right there on Opening Weekend shows you exactly why this sport has remained so popular for centuries.

Get yourself ready for a memorable trip and plan your trip to Hot Springs, Arkansas, to be there for the Opening Weekend at Oaklawn Park. And if you cannot make it that weekend, the season runs through April 15th. Races are Wednesdays through Sundays at 1:30pm and Saturdays at 1pm. Derby Day is April 15.

To learn more about Oaklawn, visit their website: http://www.oaklawn.com