Horse racing world could turn to Hot Springs

Charles Cella, the owner of Oaklawn in Hot Springs, has announced a $5 million purse if the undefeated fillies Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta race at the Apple Blossom Handicap.

The race, to be held April 3 at the Hot Springs horse track and gaming center, would feature the two horses in the running for the “Horse of the Year” in 2009, according to this report from TalkBusiness.net. Rachel Alexandra won the Preakness Stakes in 2009, while Zenyatta won the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

The $5 million purse will be the largest purse for this type of race in the history of North American thoroughbred racing, according to the press release on the Oaklawn Web site.

“We have always pursued a goal of bringing the world’s best racing to Arkansas,” Cella said in the statement. “That is what led us to create the Racing Festival of the South more than 30 years ago. We have been even more fortunate in recent years. That gives us the opportunity to fulfill the promises we continually make to our fans, our horsemen and all of our supporters – should this race come off as expected, it will most certainly fulfill every promise made.”

Cella says he will personally guarantee to make up the difference if gambling wagers don’t produce enough purse money. If owners of the two horses accept the offer, Oaklawn will draw much attention — and likely a boon in tourism-related dollars — from horse racing enthusiasts around the world.

And Cella likely has the standing to back such an offer.

The other part of Cella’s business at Oaklawn is a electronic games of skill machines (EGS). According to the latest report from the Arkansas Racing Commission, Oaklawn revenue from EGS wagers totaled $288.44 million in 2009, up 37.5% over EGS revenue in 2008.