Oaklawn Hot Springs has cancelled live racing for Southwest Stakes weekend, scheduled for Jan. 30 through Feb. 1.
In a statement, Oaklawn officials said the decision was made, “Due to inclement weather and out of an abundance of caution for the safety of both equine and human athletes…”
All affected race days and associated events will be rescheduled for the following weekend, Feb. 5–8, preserving one of the most significant racing weekends of the season. The rescheduled weekend will offer the richest purse structure in North American racing, highlighted by championship-caliber fields, according to a press release.
The Southwest (G3) card, as originally drawn, will now be contested on Friday, Feb. 6. The American Beauty Stakes will move to Saturday, Feb. 7, joining the Bayakoa (G3), which will also feature the highly anticipated 2026 debut of Nitrogen, the reigning Eclipse Award–winning three-year-old filly.
The originally scheduled card for Friday, Jan. 30, will move to Thursday, Feb. 5. Races originally planned for Sunday, Feb. 1, will be moved and run on Sunday, Feb. 8, an added race day.
Also, the Southwest Showdown horseplayer contest will move to Friday, Feb. 6, while the Oaklawn Horseplayer Championship will take place on Saturday, Feb. 7.
“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.”
Additional information regarding promotions, on-track events and adjusted schedules will be shared soon across Oaklawn’s website and social media platforms.
