Cella, Longtime Head of Oaklawn Park, Dies at Age 81
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Photo: Courtesy of Oaklawn Park
Longtime Oaklawn Jockey Club chairman Charles Cella died Dec. 6
Charles J. Cella, longtime president and chairman of the board of the Oaklawn Jockey Club, died Dec. 6 of complications from Parkinson's disease. According to his sons John and Louis Cella, Cella was at home in St. Louis, surrounded by family. He was 81.
Cella took the reins of Oaklawn Park in 1968. Under his direction, the Hot Springs, Ark. track developed one of the largest and most respected racing meets in America. Oaklawn is credited with numerous innovations in the sport including The Racing Festival of the South, full-card interstate simulcasting, and Instant Racing, which has helped increase purses at Oaklawn's live meeting.
In 1969 the Arkansas Derby offered a purse of $58,700. Since 2004 the classic prep has offered a $1 million purse and for the past seven years it has carried grade 1 status. In 2015 it served as the final classic prep for Triple Crown winner American Pharoah .
Cella also owned and raced numerous notable Thoroughbreds, including 1995 Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) winner Northern Spur, who earned the Eclipse Award as champion grass horse.
The Cella family released the following statement: "At this time of great sadness for our family, we find comfort in knowing that one of the great joys in his life was seeing Oaklawn develop into a national treasure with such a significant economic impact on Arkansas. In addition to the holidays with his family, his favorite time of the year was always the Oaklawn racing season with fans, horsemen, and staff."
In addition to Oaklawn, Cella was president of Southwestern Enterprises and Southern Real Estate and Financial Company.
Survivors include his two sons and a daughter, Harriet Marshall, and eight grandchildren. Arrangements will be announced when finalized.