Oaklawn posts positive numbers for 2024-2025 season
Oaklawn's 2024–2025 live racing season generated strong numbers across the board, highlighted by competitive racing and record-setting performances.
Oaklawn conducted 621 races over the season, which ended Saturday, distributing $56,007,000 in purses, for a daily average of $903,338. With an average of 10 races per day, Oaklawn delivered strong, competitive racing by averaging 9.32 starters per race.
The average daily handle reached $6,737,332, with total meet handle of $417,714,571.
Participation remained strong, with 2,030 individual horses making at least one start, contributing to 5,788 total starts. Eighty jockeys and 186 trainers competed at Oaklawn this season.
“Another unforgettable season at Oaklawn,” said Louis Cella, president of Oaklawn. “The level of talent on our track, the support from fans and horsemen, and the memories created over these 62 days reaffirm Oaklawn’s place as a premier racing destination. The racing community here continues to thrive, and we’re incredibly proud.”
“It’s incredible what we accomplished this season,” said Wayne Smith, the track's general manager. “Even after losing four Saturdays to weather, we ended up just 10 races shy of last year. That kind of resilience shows the passion of our horsemen, the dedication of our team, and the unwavering support of our fans. It really was something special.”
Season leaders
Steve Asmussen and End Zone Athletics (Karl Broberg) tied for the leading owner title with 14 wins each. D. J. Stable, St. Elias Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds and CJ Stables led all owners in purse earnings with $1,168,000.
Hall of Fame trainer Asmussen secured his record-extending 14th Oaklawn training title, winning 46 races and earning $5,497,570.
Francisco Arrieta won his second Oaklawn riding title — and first outright— by winning 65 races and earning $5,081,352.
A record 13 trainers earned over $1 million in purses this season compared to 11 last season, totaling $28,598,935. A total of 16 jockeys surpassed the $1 million earnings mark, combining for $45,086,467 in purses.