Natural State Diamond

A Short History and Recent Statistical Summary of Oaklawn Park

The story of Oaklawn Park Race Track from its earliest days to the present contributes to the rich history of Hot Springs. Designed by Zachary Taylor Davis (architect of the original Comiskey Park for the Chicago White Sox and Wrigley Field for the Chicago Cubs), construction of the race track began in 1904 with the first race season opening in 1905. The owners had intense struggles over the legitimacy of para-mutuel wagering with the state of Arkansas over the next 30 years. The Arkansas State Legislature finally gave in and allowed legal wagering at the track during the 1935 legislative session. The passage and signing of this act provided a real future for the track. The first Arkansas Derby closed the 1936 racing season to celebrate that future. Since that fledgling era, Oaklawn Park Race Track has become an important part of the early racing season in the United States. The track provides a series of races to prepare hopeful 3 year-old horses on their way to the Kentucky Derby and other Triple Crown races.Natural State Diamond examines the history of Oaklawn Park, gives a tutorial on the basics of para-mutuel wagering, descibes making a first trip to the track, and provides some statistical highlights of the races over the last 20 years. While serious handicappers are unlikely to gain insights to make big scores on race day, the nuggets in the statistical summary may help avoid making bad bets in the long run. It is intended to frame the history of the race track for those that have been patrons for years while introducing the track to those who have not yet made a trip to visit this Arkansas diamond in Hot Springs.