Oaklawn Park, a popular horse racing venue, has had to shuffle its schedule again due to winter weather. The ten-race Martin Luther King Day card, originally set for Monday, January 20, is now rescheduled for Thursday, January 23. This marks the fourth time this month that weather has forced Oaklawn to adjust its plans.
Why the Races Were Postponed
Oaklawn officials made the decision to postpone Monday’s races because of freezing temperatures predicted by the National Weather Service. The frigid forecast includes temperatures dropping to 14 degrees on Sunday night and highs of only 30 degrees on Monday, conditions too harsh for racing.
“Due to the freezing temps forecasted for Monday, Jan. 20, the race card scheduled for that day has been moved to Thursday, Jan. 23,” the Oaklawn racing office informed horsemen in a text message.
The rescheduled card includes the $145,000 Byerly Turk Overnight Stakes, which will now kick off Thursday’s racing action.
Recent Weather Challenges at Oaklawn
This isn’t the first time Oaklawn has had to adjust its schedule this January. Last weekend, races on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday were canceled because of similar weather issues.
Despite these disruptions, Oaklawn was able to hold its Friday races this week, and events planned for Saturday and Sunday are still expected to go on as scheduled. The weather forecast predicts sunny but chilly conditions, with temperatures at 46 degrees on Saturday and 32 degrees on Sunday.
Looking Ahead: Big Races on the Horizon
The rescheduled Thursday card will lead into an exciting weekend at Oaklawn. Saturday will feature the Grade 3, $1 million Southwest Stakes, a key race on the road to the Kentucky Derby in 2025. The Southwest Stakes is an important event for horses aiming to earn qualifying points for the Derby, drawing attention from racing fans and bettors alike.
Oaklawn’s decision to postpone the Martin Luther King Day races highlights the challenges winter weather can bring to horse racing. By rescheduling to Thursday, the venue ensures safer conditions for horses, jockeys, and fans while preserving the ten-race lineup, including the Byerly Turk Overnight Stakes.
This adjustment sets the stage for an action-packed week at Oaklawn, with Thursday’s rescheduled card leading up to the highly anticipated Southwest Stakes on Saturday. Fans and horsemen can look forward to thrilling races once the winter chill subsides.
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