| # | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | M/L | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | White Abarrio | I Ortiz, Jr. | S A Joseph, Jr. | 7/2 | |
| 2 | Liberal Arts | R Arrieta | H Irion | 15/1 | |
| 3 | Sovereignty | J Alvarado | W I Mott | 4/5 | |
| 4 | Duke of Duval | K J Asmussen | S M Asmussen | 20/1 | |
| 5 | Journalism | J L Ortiz | M W McCarthy | 5/2 | |
| 6 | Publisher | E Asmussen | S M Asmussen | 15/1 |
Last Updated on 04/13/2026
What is the Oaklawn Handicap?
The Oaklawn Handicap is a Grade II Thoroughbred race held annually at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Run at 1 1/8 miles on the dirt for horses aged four and older, it is one of the most prestigious older-horse races in America and a defining event of the spring racing calendar. First run in 1905, the race carries a purse of $1,250,000 and has attracted some of the greatest names in the sport, including Cigar, Medaglia d'Oro, City of Light, and two-time Horse of the Year candidates. It serves as a key prep for the major summer and fall championship races.
When is the Oaklawn Handicap in 2026?
The 2026 Oaklawn Handicap is scheduled for Saturday, April 18 at Oaklawn Park. This year's edition is shaping up as one of the most star-studded renewals in decades, with reigning Horse of the Year Sovereignty, 2025 Preakness Stakes winner Journalism, and 2023 Breeders' Cup Classic hero White Abarrio all entered.
Oaklawn Handicap History & Notable Winners
The Oaklawn Handicap has a rich history as a gathering place for the country's top older horses each spring. Among the race's most celebrated winners are Hall of Fame horses Cigar (1995), who used the race as part of his legendary unbeaten streak, and Medaglia d'Oro (2003), who carried the highest weight in the modern era. More recently, the race has produced exciting results including City of Light's dominant 2018 score and Skippylongstocking's stalking victory in 2024. First Mission, trained by Brad Cox and ridden by Flavien Prat, won the 2025 edition in convincing fashion for owner Godolphin.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | First Mission | Flavien Prat | 1:49.09 |
| 2024 | Skippylongstocking | Jose Ortiz | 1:49.00 |
| 2023 | Proxy | Joel Rosario | 1:49.68 |
| 2022 | Last Samurai | Jon Court | 1:49.32 |
| 2021 | Silver State | Ricardo Santana Jr. | 1:49.56 |
Last Updated on 04/14/2026
The Oaklawn Handicap is the signature race of the Oaklawn meet and one of the most important tests for older horses on the American dirt circuit each spring.
