Race fans who’ve wagered on Oaklawn Park or traveled to Hot Springs, Ark., during the meet may be familiar with the town’s colorful history: In the early 1800s, people began coming to experience the thermal waters, which were thought to have healing properties and were later erroneously recommended by the surgeon general. In the early 1960’s, Spa City ranked fourth in the nation for visitors, including many revelers who came during racing season and for the illegal, yet wide-open gambling scene.
