Henderson Oracle

Issue date: 3/24/08 Section: Features

Media Credit: Arshia Khan

Most students on campus would agree that while they enjoy attending school at Henderson, the city of Arkadelphia just doesn't pack enough punch for the entertainment needed to relax after a hard week of hitting the books. With no clubs, musical events, alcohol, or even a movie theater, the odds of finding fun and excitement during a weekend in town are very low - but don't sweat it, because better odds can always be found at the Oaklawn racetrack.

The Oaklawn Jockey Club has been doing thoroughbred horse racing since 1904 and is located at 2705 Central Ave. in Hot Springs, just a 30-minute drive from campus. Exciting races, big time gaming, great restaurants and jumping nightspots can be found at and around Oaklawn.

At the track itself, visitors can place bets on live races held at the park or simulcast races from around the country while they grab a draft beer or try one of Oaklawn's famous corned beef sandwiches. Some race fans might bet on a horse simply because they like the horse's name, but those who want to make a more educated wager will need to check the odds and learn a little about the different types of bets available.

Odds, past performances, and other information for every horse in a race can be found in the race day program available at the track or in other racing forms found around town and even one that is printed in Hot Springs' local newspaper, the Sentinel Record.

Bets can be placed on a single horse or multiple horses and races. An example of how to read odds and an explanation of the different bets can be found in the track program.

"When I bet, I go by the odds and my first instinct," said Ben Cramer, a local race patron who attended live races this past Sunday. "I also look at the jockey and horse's weight, because it can play a big part, plus I like to hear what other people are betting on."

Other people wanting to try their luck can also check out Oaklawn's gaming room filled with Instant Racing machines - games similar to slot machines but based on horse racing - that range from nickel to five-dollar bets. Digital black jack and regular slot machines can also be found in the gaming room, where gamblers will be treated to free drinks.

After a good day at the track, there are many nightclubs in the surrounding area that are open late for drinks and dancing. The Long Shot Saloon is located right across the street from the track, along with others up and down Central Avenue.

"After I leave the track, I usually grab something to eat and relax a while before I hit up some clubs," said sophomore business major Lafayette Fredrick. "It's good to get my mind off school for a while and just have some fun."

The last day of the live racing season is April 12, which is also the date of the Arkansas Derby, the "Super Bowl" of Arkansas horse racing. One million dollars will go to the owner of the derby's winning horse.

Simulcast, instant racing and gaming are open every day, all year - except on Easter and Christmas. Gates open at 11 a.m. and close at 1 a.m. during the week and 3 a.m. during the weekend. For more information, go to their website at www.oaklawn.com, or call 1-800-OAKLAWN.

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