Here are some of the highlights from this issue…

OAKLAWN ANNOUNCES 2019 STAKES

In addition to Oaklawn Jockey Club announcing a change of dates for the 2019 live race meet, it announced the 2019 stakes schedule will consist of $8.8 million in stakes purses to include two $1 million Kentucky Derby prep races, the Grade 2 Rebel and the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby.

The stakes schedule also features 3 year old stakes races on opening and closing
days and Derby Day observances in April and May. April being the Arkansas Derby, May the Kentucky Derby.

KELSI HARR

In 2013 at the age of 21, Kelsi Harr began working for Al Cates as an exercise rider. She continued in that position until 2018 when she began to accrue a string of firsts during the 25th year of her life.

At the end of March 2018 Kelsi took the test to become an assistant trainer and passed it on her very first attempt. She continued to ride in the mornings and saddled in the paddock in the afternoons for Al Cates Racing. She received her first win as an assistant trainer on the third horse that she saddled at Oaklawn Park, Bella My Girl, for owner J & J Thoroughbreds (Joe & Jeannie Benight).