According to Cella, historical horse racing has saved racing in Wyoming, Oregon, Virginia and Kentucky – the largest thoroughbred state in the union. Oaklawn, which celebrated its 100th anniversary four years after creating instant racing, started the product that is now referred to as historical horse racing. In 2000 we created instant racing, a pair of mutual electronic systems, which allowed players to wager on previously run horse races” It all started right here in Hot Springs. “Change started with co-mingled wagering on interstate simulcast races which now represents over 90% of all North American handle. Change was necessary, so we did,” Cella said. “In the 90s we had the realization that if we did not change, the future was not looking bright for Oaklawn. Cella began his remarks addressing how things have changed quite a bit since his great-grandfather and great-granduncle built the Oaklawn Jockey Club in 1904 specifically, how the importance of changing with the times has always been at the core to Oaklawn’s success.
Oaklawn President Louis Cella spoke at the Rotary Club of Hot Springs.
