Persistent freezing temperatures have led Oaklawn Park to change its racing schedule. The are canceling races from Friday through Sunday. This decision aligns with similar measures taken by many other race tracks.
Equibase records show that race officials have called off a total of 17 racing events this week. The events were across eight tracks, including Thoroughbred and quarter horse races.
Oaklawn was set to host the Fifth Season this weekend. It's a listed stakes race for 4-year-olds and older. The race covers one mile on dirt. The press release did not mention if the Arkansas-based track would reschedule this particular race.
Racing at Oaklawn was also canceled last Monday. We did not plan any events from Tuesday to Thursday.
The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather warning. It touches Hot Springs, Arkansas. They expect an influx of Arctic air from Friday, extending over the weekend. Meteorologists expect this weather pattern to bring overnight lows to single digits and teens. Wind chill values may drop to single digits or even below zero. Sunday might see freezing rain, with the day's high projected around 34 degrees.
The forecast predicts a high of 42 degrees. There is also a chance of freezing rain on Monday.