For many years, Oaklawn Park’s Arkansas Derby has served as considered one of Thoroughbred racing’s most necessary proving grounds, the place champions sharpen their kind earlier than heading to Churchill Downs. Today, the Arkansas observe hosts one of many richest racing meets within the nation, drawing lots of the sport’s main stables and contenders to Hot Springs every winter and spring.
On April 10, two figures deeply linked to that story — Louis A. Cella, president of Oaklawn, and the late Hall of Fame coach D. Wayne Lukas — can be honored collectively as members of the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing their lasting affect on Thoroughbred racing and the historic observe that connects their legacies.
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The Arkansas Derby has produced among the sport’s most celebrated champions, together with Triple Crown winner American Pharoah and Kentucky Derby winners Smarty Jones and Super Saver, together with standout champions corresponding to Curlin, Afleet Alex and Summer Bird.
Few people formed fashionable horse racing greater than Lukas. Over a profession that helped outline the nationwide period of the game, Lukas educated 4 Kentucky Derby winners — Winning Colors, Thunder Gulch, Grindstone and Charismatic — together with seven Preakness Stakes winners, essentially the most of any coach within the race’s historical past. His achievements additionally embody a singular chapter in Oaklawn historical past: in 1984, Lukas educated Althea, the one filly ever to win the Arkansas Derby. Her victory got here in document time, a mark that also stands because the quickest Arkansas Derby ever run.
Lukas was among the many first trainers to function a nationwide racing secure, and Oaklawn turned an everyday winter dwelling for his horses as he ready contenders for the Triple Crown path.
“When we came here, we fell in love with it,” Lukas as soon as stated of Hot Springs. “I love it here.”
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Lukas handed away on June 28, 2025, on the age of 89.
While Lukas helped form the trendy period of Thoroughbred racing, Cella now leads the historic observe that continues to form the game’s future.
Oaklawn has been guided by the Cella household for greater than a century, with Louis A. Cella representing the fourth era of management. Since turning into president in 2017, Cella has continued the household’s long-standing dedication to racing whereas additionally strengthening Oaklawn’s place among the many nation’s premier racing venues.
In current seasons, Oaklawn has continued to evolve below Cella’s management by way of important funding within the racing program, facility enhancements and expanded assist for the horsemen and backstretch staff who maintain the game. From purses to infrastructure, these investments mirror Cella’s perception that the power of Thoroughbred racing relies upon not solely on champions on the observe, however on the trainers, grooms and backstretch staff who make the game potential.
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Each spring, the Arkansas Derby attracts the game’s high trainers, jockeys and contenders to Hot Springs — persevering with a practice that has made Oaklawn probably the most influential stops on the Triple Crown path.
“It is an honor to be recognized by the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame,” stated Louis A. Cella, President of Oaklawn. “To be inducted in the same class as D. Wayne Lukas — someone who contributed so much to Thoroughbred racing — makes it especially meaningful.”
For Oaklawn, the shared recognition displays greater than particular person achievement. It underscores the enduring position the historic Arkansas observe has performed in shaping generations of Derby contenders and the individuals behind them.
Founded in 1958, the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame acknowledges athletes, coaches and contributors who’ve made important impacts on sports activities within the state.
This story was initially printed by Paulick Report on Apr 7, 2026, the place it first appeared within the News part. Add Paulick Report as a Preferred Source by clicking here.