The Happening at Hot Springs

OK, we now know Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta, or should I say their owners, have graciously agreed to run against each other for the paltry sum of $5 million. Sportsmen or businessmen? It makes no matter to me, I am much more interested in seeing these two magnificent and historically significant horses square off on the Oaklawn oval, than having any further discussions about their wealthy connections. The pair’s accomplishments to this date are nothing short of phenomenal and the prospect of them testing each other, to see once and for all who is the better lady, is absolutely mouth watering. The world should be watching. Set for Friday, late afternoon on April 9, many worry that this time will not do the race, nor the sport, the justice it deserves. I have a possible solution…why not put The Happening at Hot Springs under the lights, so it can be a Friday night national celebration? Let’s face it, if we want more people to view the race, a primetime race is far more desirable than a late afternoon post time. The Masters golf tournament will be finishing for the day and the sports fan will be compelled and ready to see racing’s great showdown. Women and girls around the nation will be tuned in to watch the battle of the babes. The excitement created last Summer at Churchill Downs was a clear indication that night racing can add excitement to the festivities of the day’s races, but in the case of The Happening at Hot Springs, the benefits could be far greater. By having the race closer to primetime throughout the nation, viewership could increase exponentially. Churchill Downs was trying to boost attendance, enthusiasm, and handle by offering night racing, and they accomplished all three in a big way with their Friday night cards. Oaklawn would be trying to do the same thing, only not on site, but rather for a national audience. To test the plan Churchill erected temporary lights through an Iowa company, Musco Lighting, who advertises rapid set-up and tear-down, and achieving desired results without breaking the budget. The plan worked so well, that Churchill has now gone to permanent lighting to continue to offer occasional night racing. It is not too late for Oaklawn to change the post times for the day and procure the temporary lighting. Oaklawn, you did it, the spotlight is shining brightly on your track. The first ever showdown between Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta promises to be the biggest match up we have seen in Thoroughbred horse racing since most of us were born. Why not take it one step farther and shine that light just a little brighter…“Ladies and Gentleman, Friday Night at the Races starring two bona fide superstars, Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta in The Happening at Hot Springs!”