(BPT) – On April 2, Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, one of the leading Thoroughbred racetracks in the country, presents the 86th running of the $1.25 million Arkansas Derby. This is one of the nation’s premiere prep races for the Triple Crown. It features Thoroughbred Racing’s top 3-year-olds, with the winner advancing to the Kentucky Derby.

The Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn can be seen by a nationwide audience on TVG Network and Fox Sports.

Oaklawn is where champions are made. In 2015, American Pharoah began his quest to becoming the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years at Oaklawn. In 2004, Smarty Jones captured the world’s attention starting at the Arkansas Derby. He fell one race short of completing the Triple Crown that year.

After 118 years of racing, the 2022 season represents a new era. Live meet racing at Oaklawn continues through May 8 featuring the world’s fastest horses, winningest jockeys and legendary trainers — competing for the most money ever at Oaklawn, $45 million in purses.

Patrons can watch the races from the grandstand, or from the comforts of one of the many trackside rooms available at Oaklawn Hotel. With 198 luxury rooms and two presidential suites, those who stay at Oaklawn will receive all the features of a world-class hotel.

Oaklawn is also the perfect place for foodies to enjoy a variety of food options from Oaklawn’s newest dining experience — The OAK Room and Bar — to Silks Bar and Grill and the elegant The Bugler.

When the horses aren’t running, visitors can enjoy first-class entertainment.

The casino at Oaklawn features more than 48,000 square feet of gaming space with 1,500 slot machines and 33 gaming tables. Additionally, a High Limits area includes three high limits blackjack tables and more than 80 slot machines. There’s a winner every day at Oaklawn and the proceeds are re-invested into horse racing to grow the purse pot.

But there’s more.

If relaxation is what you desire, then schedule a visit to the luxurious Astral Spa, which features the finest amenities. A needle shower, which represents the history of the iconic Bathhouse Row at Hot Springs National Park, provides therapeutic relief to aching muscles. Patrons will also enjoy a Himalayan Salt Wall, infrared sauna and treatments that utilize locally sourced gemstones.

But there’s even more fun and adventure that awaits you outside the resort in beautiful Hot Springs.

From Oaklawn, you are minutes away from historic Hot Springs National Park where you can soak in the soothing bathhouses along Bathhouse Row and explore the trails through the park, including the world-class Northwoods Trail, which features varying degrees of difficulty for mountain bikers of all experience levels.

You will also be near 11 lakes, nine golf courses, and numerous museums and attractions.

There’s so much to do and it’s easy to get started. Just go to www.oaklawn.com and book your trip.

Must be 18 for wagering on the races and 21 for casino gaming in Arkansas. Always bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call 1-800-522-4700.