The crowd was a record for a sporting event in Arkansas. 1987 D. Wayne Lukas saddled three of the Racing Festival of the South winners, matching a feat he accomplished in 1985. The Eclipse Award winner remains the only trainer to ever twice win three stakes of the Festival the same year. For the first time, Oaklawn offered exotic wagering. In last portion of the meet- ing, it carded two exactas a day, later expanding this format to four.
Track asks for legislative help.
Late in season, a tax incentive bill was passed, but not of the magnitude of competitive states. Request for Sunday racing had to be dropped. W. T. Bishop, among the strongest of Oaklawn leaders over the years, dies. He is replaced by Eric Jackson, former director of operations for the track. 1988 Meeting extended to 68 days, five day weeks tried, but found unsuccessful.