Oaklawn opening infield for Rebel Stakes weekend, first time of the season

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – This weekend at Oaklawn is the last local prep race before the Arkansas Derby and they’re betting on it being beautiful weather.

After snow and rain put a damper on some races earlier in the year, Oaklawn is ready for some sunshine and all that this weekend has to offer.

People across the state and country, like Cody Parry, are in Hot Springs ready for the races.

“I’m very excited,” he said.

With the sun shining, Parry is in luck, as the tents in the infield will be filled with people on Saturday. The infield will be open for the first time this season.

“First experience, it would be nice to get out there,” Parry said.

Sophie Fleischner with Oaklawn said it has been closed until now due to weather conditions. They also had to reschedule two races because of weather conditions earlier in the year.

“We’re super excited to have the infield open since it is beautiful weather and it’s kind of crazy going from snow to sunshine,” Fleischner said.

It’s the Rebel Stakes weekend and Fleischner said that they’re expecting a large crowd for the last local prep before the Arkansas Derby.

“Tomorrow, we have the $1.25 million Rebel Grade Two, which is qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby, so that’s very exciting,” Fleischner said.

Last Saturday they had 31,000 people at Oaklawn and are looking forward to more with these nice temperatures.

“It’s a little windy, but when the wind calms down it’s pretty comfortable,” Parry said.

The last race of the season is May 5.