'Throwing it back to the horsemen,' Oaklawn Park ups purses — again
Keeping with a trend over the last 14 years, Oaklawn Park’s purses are on the rise again.
Beginning with Saturday’s race card, Oaklawn will increase purses for all overnight races by as much as $4,000.
“This is only possible because of the tremendous support we continue to receive from our horsemen and fans,” Oaklawn President Louis Cella said. “We promised a New Level of Racing at the beginning of the season and we are delivering. Our field sizes (9.5 average) are among the highest in nation, we have horsemen participating from both coasts as well as the Midwest, and the fans are responding.
"We could not be more excited about the rest of the season.”
First level allowance races will be worth at least $90,000 after receiving a $4,000 increase, and maiden special weight races will be boosted to $87,000 with a $2,000 increase. Purses for all claiming races with a claiming price of $20,000 or more will also receive a $2,000 bump, and all other overnight purses are increasing by $1,000 per race.
“Everything is coming together nicely,” said Oaklawn General Manager Wayne Smith. “We have completed the expansion of our casino, and construction is moving right along on the hotel and event center. This is an exciting time for Oaklawn, and we are very happy to share our good fortune with the horsemen. It’s awesome to be offering the richest winter racing in North America with allowance races starting over $90,000.”
The purse increase was welcome news to the horsemen.
“I think it’s great,” said trainer Mike Puhich, who is among several new trainers wintering at Oaklawn this year. “Most tracks are kind of hoarding the money, and these guys are throwing it back to the horsemen, which is always good. You love to see that.”
Added trainer Brad Cox, perennially among Oaklawn’s leading trainers. “We’re supporting the program already, but it’s great. These are the best purses in the country. It’s rewarding to show up and have a barn here. It makes it worth your while. It’s great for wintertime racing.”
“I try to run more horses where the money’s at,” owner Mike Waters said. “Every time Oaklawn announces a purse increase, the California and the East Coast guys all take notice. It’s a nice place to run for these purses, that’s for sure.”