Oaklawn Park has canceled live racing scheduled for January 30 through February 1 because of inclement weather, including projected temperatures between 14 and 30 degrees. The affected races, including the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes, will be rescheduled for February 5-8. This decision prioritizes the safety of horses, jockeys, and participants.
Oaklawn Park, the Arkansas track known for its championship racing, announced the cancellation of live racing over the January 30 to February 1 weekend due to inclement weather conditions. Projected temperatures ranging from 14 to 30 degrees prompted the move, taken out of caution for the safety of equine and human athletes, as stated in a Tuesday release.
All affected race days and events will shift to the following weekend, February 5-8, which promises the richest purse structure in North American racing. The Grade 3 Southwest Stakes, originally set for Saturday, January 31, moves to Friday, February 6. This race serves as Oaklawn's second Kentucky Derby 2026 points prep, awarding 50 points to the top five finishers on a 20-10-6-4-2 scale. Similarly, the Martha Washington Stakes is Oaklawn's first Kentucky Oaks points race with the same structure.
Other stakes adjust accordingly: the American Beauty Stakes shifts to Saturday, February 7, alongside the Bayakoa Stakes (G3), which will feature the 2026 debut of Nitrogen, the reigning Eclipse Award-winning 3-year-old filly. The original Friday, January 30, card relocates to Thursday, February 5, while Sunday, February 1, races move to Sunday, February 8, adding an extra race day.
"We never take the decision to cancel racing lightly," said Louis A. Cella, president of Oaklawn. "However, the safety of our horses, jockeys and all participants is always our top priority. We appreciate the understanding and flexibility of our fans and horsemen as we work to deliver an outstanding weekend of championship racing and host the richest road to the Kentucky Derby."
This rescheduling ensures a stacked card of high-stakes events, maintaining Oaklawn's role in the Triple Crown path despite the weather setback.