2000-2001

2000

Instant Racing, a pari-mutuel electronic system which allows players to wager on previously-run races, was introduced and field-tested at Oaklawn. Developed in conjunction with Oaklawn, AmTote, Inc. and other investors, it marked the first effort by racing interests into the electronic gaming world and was well-received by visitors from around the world. The brilliant mare Heritage of Gold became only the third runner to sweep the Oaklawn Breeders' Cup and Apple Blossom Handicap and topped earners at the meet with $420,000. An all-time record mutuel handle was recorded on Arkansas Derby Day, $15,133,537.

2001

Calvin Borel rode the winners of the first and last races at Oaklawn and many of those in-between to post 70 victories and take home his second Spa riding championship. He had won his first title in 1995. Cole Norman gained his first Oaklawn training championship, saddling 43 winners, 10 more than Robert Holthus, the runner-up and nine-time champion. However, Holthus saddled the winners of six stakes, including the Mountain Valley and Southwest with Son of Rocket. The leading owners in races won were Drs. Devi and K.K. Jayaraman. Weather proved no friend to Oaklawn for much of the 52-day season, including one of the wettest Arkansas Derbys in many years and a pre-season ice storm.