The family was excited to attend the Red-White spring football game at War Memorial last weekend, and prepped for the weather by gathering blankets and heavy coats the night before. But when the morning came at last, and the boys and girls of the house made it all the way to the front porch, the mood turned. The consensus: No way.
Even in early April, the weather in Arkansas can be too cool for school. For those who planted gardens on Easter, our condolences. Which makes the decision by Oaklawn officials to shift their racing season that much more welcome.
Our question: How come nobody thought of this before? Oaklawn will begin and end its two-month racing season three weeks later than it has in the past. So instead of trying to draw fans to Hot Springs in early January, the season will start on Jan. 25, 2019, and end on May 4. That gives We the People three more weeks in the spring, and three fewer weeks to try to put together an outing right after the New Year--and hope the weather cooperates. After all, there's no need for several weeks of horse racing before the Super Bowl, right?
As an Extra Added Bonus, the racing year will end at Oaklawn on the same day as the Kentucky Derby, so fans can watch the big race at their favorite Hot Springs haunt.
This will be a good-time-was-had-by-all effort. Or, at least, the odds are better for good weather in May than January. Just make sure not to run out of those corned beef sandwiches . . . .
Editorial on 04/13/2018