1941-1958

1941

An all-time high $156,820 distributed in purses during 30-day season, February 24 through March 29. A two mile and 70 yards race carded by racing secretary Eugene Bury is won by Lonely Road in 3.37 flat and a mare named Veeks won all four of her starts.

1942

The Thoroughbred Racing Association was formed with Oaklawn as a charter member. The season boasted a particularly strong jockey colony, having as it did such as Johnny Longden, Johnny Adams, Steve Brooks, Eric Guerin, Paul Keiper, Joe Dattilo, Lyle Whiting, Ferril Zufelt, Les Balaski and Paul Glidewell.

1943

Calumet Farm, under Trainer Ben Jones, has a stable at Oaklawn. Among its horses are Mar-Kell, Nellie L. and Ocean Wave. Arkansas Derby in creased to $10,000-added. Won by Brown Hotel Stable's Seven Heart, under former National Jockey Champion Johnny Adams.

1944

Because of World War Il, racing was being curtailed at many tracks in 1944, but Oaklawn ushered in its 30 day meeting, February 28. The meeting attendance of 140,494 and pari-mutuel play of $8,581,748 were records.

1945

There was no racing at Oaklawn in the spring of this year, America being so deeply involved in the war effort. On January 2, racing throughout the United States ended for an indefinite period at the request of War Mobilization Director James F. Byrnes. The ban was lifted May 9. In July, John G. Cella, President of Oaklawn, and Peter J. Holmes, General Manager, announced that Oaklawn would conduct the lost spring meeting in the late autumn; a 30 day season, November 5 through December 8. . . . On opening day, an estimated crowd of 4,200 attended, wagered $189,289, and saw W. F. Linn's Second Love, trained by Vernon Arthur and ridden by Ralph (Buddy) Root, win the first race and pay $11.10 straight.

1946

Purse distribution continues to soar at Oaklawn. During 30 day meeting, $283,130 was paid to horsemen. The previous season, it had been $253,700 and the year prior to that, $189,770. Of the 240 races, 78 were won by favorites. Apprentice Harold (Red) Keene won his first of three Oaklawn straight titles and went on to finish third nationally in winners to Ted Atkinson and Joe Licausi.

1947

A crowd estimated at 9,000 turned out for opening day, Monday, February 24, and bet $320,012. The featured Leo P. McLaughlin Inaugural Handicap is taken by D. C. Wilhelm's Bubbling Easy, who led throughout under Jockey Tommy Bates and returned $92.20, $63.20 and $16.40 across the board. At the New Orleans Fair Grounds Racing Secretary and Handicapper Larry Bogenschutz was quoted as having said, "Oaklawn is starting to hurt us. Some stables went up there this year that we would have liked to have had."

1948

Essex Handicap has first running. The winner is Boden's Pal, owned and trained by William Hal Bishop, who would become one of America's outstanding horsemen. The winner's share was $3,560. Today the race is worth $50,000-added.

1949

Byrum Brothers' Fancy Flyer, trained by R. S. Byrum and ridden by Patterson Milligan, is star of meeting. The son of Sky Raider won King Cotton sprinting and Oaklawn Handicap at a mile and 70 yards. In latter, Fancy's Flyer's time of 1:41 matched track record. Attendance surges 6%, from 6,981 to 7,446.

1950

C. J. Carter's Phaltup, under the urging of Jockey Billy Sackett, captures the last race, March 7, and pays $350.80, a pari-mutuel record at Oaklawn on a $2 bet.

1951

The parking facilities were increased to 800 cars and steam heat was added to private boxes in the paddock.

1952

Oaklawn gains national attention when its handle jumps 18%, from daily average of $336,341 to $434,667. Attendance climbs 10%, from 7,057 a day to 7,739. "Most of that is Texas money going up there," Bud Burmester, the prominent Texas breeder said in helping wage a campaign to bring pari-mutuel wagering to his state. Eugene W. Bury steps down as Oaklawn Racing Secretary after 18 years at the post. Kenneth W. McIntosh is named as his replacement.

1953

Oaklawn meeting extended from 30 to 31 days. Henry Forrest enjoys banner season, winning the Inaugural with Ever Bright, Hot Springs Handicap with Sherry L. and the Oaklawn 'Cap with Our Challenge. C. H. Everitt's Little Imp, trained by Rudy Tyron, won The King Cotton and Essex.

1954

A new clubhouse dining room is built and new track cushion installed. Attendance and pari-mutuel handle each rise 7%. During the 31 days meeting, $501,725 was paid to horsemen. Forty years later (1994), the daily average for purses (63 days) bettered $200,000.

1955

J. Sweeney Grant named General Manager, replacing R. Stanley Weber. On February 21 apprentice Elbert Minchey rode his first career winner. The next day, Jessee Parsons notched his and the following afternoon Joe White posted a career first.

1956

Henry Forrest, one of turfdom's finest trainers, wins his eighth straight Oaklawn title. In all the Kentuckian won 11 Spa crowns.

1957

J. Sweeney Grant announces a new Oaklawn Stakes, the $5,000 Ballerina for 2-year-old fillies. Oaklawn paid a record $881,503 to state in direct pari-mutuel tax.

1958

Allan W. (Doc) Lavin named to replace Kenneth W. McIntosh as Racing Secrertary. Arkansas Derby increased to $20,000-added.