Month: May 2015

June Calendar of Events from the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association

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Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association would like to share the following list of dates of interest to Louisiana horsemen and women.

Brought to you by Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana and Western Bloodstock Click images link to more information
June 1
  • Louisiana Futurity Nomination forms will be mailed
  • LTBA Board of Directors Ballots will be mailed
June 6
  • LTBA Annual Meeting 4:00 p.m. � 6:00 p.m. at Evangeline Downs. Mojo�s, Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino, 2235 Creswell Lane Extension, Opelousas, LA 70570
  • Belmont Day
June 10

June 14
  • Flag Day

June 15

  • Equine Sales Company of Louisiana, Select Yearling Sale Consignment Deadline
June 21
  • Fathers Day
June 30
  • Louisiana Futurity payments due
  • Board of Directors Election ballots counted
July 4
  • Louisiana Legends Night at Evangeline Downs. Seven stakes races for Accredited Louisiana Bred Thoroughbreds worth total purses of $725,000
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Please contact Linda 985-386-0360,  linda@louisianabred.com” target=”_blank” style=”color: rgb(17, 85, 204); “>linda@louisianabred.com or Roger 504-947-4676,roger@louisianabred.com” target=”_blank” style=”color: rgb(17, 85, 204); “>roger@louisianabred.com for cost and availability.
Do you have a date pertaining to Louisiana-breds that you would like included in an upcoming calendar? Please contact Linda 985-386-0360,  linda@louisianabred.com” target=”_blank” style=”color: rgb(17, 85, 204); “>linda@louisianabred.com or Roger 504-947-4676, roger@louisianabred.com” target=”_blank” style=”color: rgb(17, 85, 204); “>roger@louisianabred.com for consideration.
Any questions or need more info call
Roger A. Heitzmann III, Secretary/Treasurer
Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association

AUSTRALIAN STAR POWER ALERT INSTALLED AS 2-1 MORNING LINE FAVORITE CHALLENGING DEFENDING CHAMPION HEITAI SATURDAY AT EVANGELINE DOWNS

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OPELOUSAS, La. � A field of eight top turf sprinters was entered Tuesday in the second running of the $300,000 Evangeline Downs Turf Sprint. The five furlong Turf Sprint will be run on Saturday, May 30 at Evangeline Downs with a special early post time for the 12-race program of 3:05 p.m.

Australian standout Power Alert, the winner of the Grade 3 five furlong Twin Spires Turf Sprint in stakes-record time at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day, has been made the 2-1 morning line favorite. The Brian Lynch-trained gelding, owned by James Covello and A.J. Suited Racing Stable, LLC, is scheduled to have his regular rider Julien Leparoux in the saddle, breaking from post position one. Since arriving from Australia last year, the five-year-old son of Argentine sire Alert, has won three of four starts in the United States, including an allowance win and the Silks Run Stakes at Gulfstream Park. In the Twin Spires, Power Alert zipped the five furlongs in 55.17 seconds, defeating stakes winner Undrafted by three-quarters of a length.

Power Alert will try to knock off the defending champion of the Evangeline Downs Turf Sprint, the Louisiana-bred Heitai, the 3-1 second choice. A dominant sprinter in 2014, Heitai won six of nine starts, which included a commanding 3 ? length victory in last year�s inaugural Turf Sprint. Tom Amoss replaced Karl Broberg as Heitai�s trainer for owner Rowell Enterprises Inc. this year. In 2015, Heitai has won three of his five starts, including the Frontier Utilities Turf Sprint Stakes at Sam Houston Race Park on January 24 and followed that with victories in the Louisiana-bred Premier Night Sprint Stakes at five furlongs on the dirt on February 7 at Delta Downs and the Costa Rising Stakes at five furlongs on the turf on March 28 at Fair Grounds. The five-year-old son of 2000 Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus took the lead early in the Twin Spires Turf Sprint before fading to eighth place in his last start.

Also to be respected is the 4-1 third choice, Great Minds, who ran an excellent second by a head in a 5 1/2 furlong Keeneland turf sprint allowance on April 17. Trained by Al Stall Jr., Great Minds will be ridden by Evangeline Downs� leading jockey, Colby Hernandez. Gantry, a winner of 11 career races, has been installed as the 6-1 fourth choice for trainer Ron Faucheux.

The $300,000 Evangeline Downs Turf Sprint is just one of five outstanding stakes races with purses totaling $640,000 on the Saturday program. The Turf Sprint will be the anchor leg of the $100,000 All-Stakes Pick 4 on Saturday at Evangeline Downs. The Pick 4 will cover races 5-8 on the program with post time for the first leg, the $100,000 Opelousas Stakes, scheduled for 5:15 p.m. Central Time.

Here is the field in program order for the $300,000 Evangeline Downs Turf Sprint, the eighth race on the 12-race card with a scheduled post time of 6:52 p.m. Central Time:

1.     Power Alert               Julien Leparoux                    2-1

2.     Great Minds              Colby Hernandez                  4-1

3.     Ty�s Bandit                Gerard Melancon                  15-1

4.     Gantry                        Richard Eramia                    6-1

5.     Heitai                          Diego Saenz                           3-1

6.     Quick Dagger            Joe Patin Jr.                           8-1

7.     Reflector                    Roberto Morales                   8-1

8.     Snappy Girl               C.J. McMahon                      15-1

Of the four remaining stakes races on the Saturday program, the $100,000 Evangeline Mile includes the most noteworthy entrant, California invader Mystery Train, who has run against the likes of Shared Belief and Finnegans Wake in the last year. Mystery Train, conditioned by trainer Darrell Vienna, is the 2-1 favorite in the field of eight and will be ridden by Colby Hernandez.

For more information about the season at Evangeline Downs visit the track�s website at http://www.evangelinedownsracing.com<http://www.evangelinedownsracing.com> . For more details regarding this year�s $300,000 Evangeline Downs Turf Sprint race go to http://www.evdracing.com/turf-sprint <http://www.evdracing.com/turf-sprint> .

Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features exciting casino action, live horse racing and fun dining experiences. Evangeline Downs is located in Opelousas, Louisiana, just off I-49 at exit 18.

Services set for William B. “Bill” Baggett

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William B. �Bill� Baggett

William Boyce �Bill� Baggett passed away, Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at his home surrounded by his family. He was 85.

Mr. Baggett attended Louisiana State University where he received his undergraduate degree while running the field as an extraordinary halfback on the 1948 – 1950 Tiger football team. In 1953, he married the love of his life, his bride, Kara Gael Salter Baggett. While attending night school to finish his Juris Doctorate, he was drafted into the NFL by the Los Angeles Rams and was traded to the Dallas Texans to play in the 1952 season. After graduating from LSU Law School in 1953, he enlisted as an officer in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, serving for 3 years. He made the College Football All-America Team, and was inducted into the LSU Football Hall of Fame in 1989, jersey number 14. He has been recognized in the Best Lawyers in America directory and was inducted as a Fellow in both the American College and International Academy of Trial Lawyers. He was the President of the Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association from 1966 – 1967, the President of the Southwest Louisiana Bar Association in 1967, served on the Board of Governors for the Association of Trial Lawyers of America from 1972 – 1975, and was the President of the Louisiana State Bar Association in 1980.

Baggett was a longtime member of the LTBA. Along with his wife Gael, he campaigned and/or bred many successful Louisiana-breds including stakes winners Pantara Phantom, $284,437; Hottamolly, $157,618; Jerold�s Princess; Rose of Sophia; Silver Jug, etc.

Survivors include his wife, Gael Baggett; children, William B. Baggett, Jr. and wife, Rae Lee, Judy Blaire Baggett Maselli, Christopher Frank Baggett and wife, Jane; grandchildren, Katie, Annie, Kara, Kaough, Molly, Sophia, Gus, Caroline, Blake, and Erin; and Christine Hebert, devoted secretary for over 30 years.

Visitation is from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm on Friday, May 22, 2015 at Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles. Services will take place at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 23, 2015, at Sale Street Baptist Church. Burial will be in Prien Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests that donations be made in Mr. Baggett’s memory to the Louisiana State University Tiger Athletic Foundation William B. Baggett Scholarship Fund or Sale Street Baptist Church. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.

Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Annual Meeting and Horse of the Year Awards

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MEDIA ADVISORY

LTBA Contact: 
Roger Heitzmann
(504) 947-4676
roger@louisianabred.com

Public Relations Contact:
Julie Calzone
(337) 235-2924 ext. 18
jcalzone@calzone.com

WHAT:    Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association Annual Meeting and Awards Presentation
WHERE:  Mojo�s, Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino, 2235 Cresswell Lane Extension, Opelousas, LA 70570
WHEN:    Saturday, June 6, 2015, 4:00 p.m. � 6:00 p.m. Stay for live racing and more awards in the Winner�s Circle
WHY:       It will be an eventful night at the racetrack as the third leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont takes place. You will be able bet on the races live. In addition, the Horse of the Year winners will be awarded in the Winner�s Circle after each race.

The 2014 Winners are:

� Wind Chill Factor � Two-Year Old Filly
� Mr. L.S. Shoe � Two-Year Old Colt or Gelding
� Our Quista � Three-Year Old Filly or Mare
� Vicar�s in Trouble � Three-Year Old Colt or Gelding
� Sittin at the Bar � Four-Year Old & Upward Filly or Mare
� Sunbean � Four-year Old & Upward Male
� Character Builder � Broodmare of the Year
� Brahms (co-winner) and Half Ours (co-winner) � Andrew L. �Red� Erwin Stallion of the Year
� Spendthrift � Leading Breeder by Breeders Awards
� Terry Adcock (co-winner) and Brett Brinkman & Alan Chiasson (co-winner) � Leading Breeder by  Percentage of Stakes Winners

WHO:  Horse of the Year Owners and Breeders, Leading Breeders and Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association members
INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:  Horse of the Year Owners and Breeders, Leading Breeders and Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association members

About Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association
The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association evolved from a small group of horsemen who united in 1963 when only 142 Thoroughbred foals were registered in the state. Under the leadershipof Andrew L. “Red” Erwin and State Senator B. B. Rayburn, this group was successful in having legislation passed that created an incentive to breed Thoroughbreds in the state. Since that time, the Thoroughbred industry in Louisiana has grown to become one of the state’s top industries. Go to: www.louisianabred.com.

THOROUGHBRED CHARITIES OF AMERICA NAMED BENEFICIARY OF FANTASY HORSE RACING GAME

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LEXINGTON, Ky. � Thoroughbred Charities of America announced today it has been named the beneficiary of a portion of the daily game handle of Race Track Warriors, a fantasy horse racing game. Race Track Warriors, by Equus Interactive, will donate 0.5% of the handle of every game, exclusive of the Jockey Draft game.

The donations from Race Track Warriors will be applied exclusively to TCA�s grants to approved charities that work to assist Thoroughbreds at the conclusion of their racing careers.

�We greatly appreciate Equus Interactive�s commitment to giving back to Thoroughbreds,� said Erin Crady, executive director of TCA. �We are honored to be selected as their charitable beneficiary and we look forward to further assisting many organizations working to retire or rehabilitate, retrain and rehome Thoroughbreds.�

On behalf of the Equus Interactive leadership team Jordan Olin remarked, �Players now have a chance to give back to the game everyday; it�s no secret that everyone loves these amazing Thoroughbred athletes and wants to show their support. As part of our platform we wanted to give the players the opportunity to give back across the board; it is part of our mission. We are quite aware that not all of the Thoroughbreds have the same opportunity when their careers end and we want to show responsibility towards these great athletes. This is a wonderful opportunity for Race Track Warriors to give back and help the sport.�

Equus Interactive provides multifaceted services to players through the Race Track Warriors fantasy gaming experience and also through race tracks seeking to deliver and market online contests to their customer base, thereby leveraging the rich features of a fantasy gaming experience.  Announced last week, Jockey Draft, the newest fantasy game to join the Warriors platform, also gives back to the industry through the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund and Jockeys� Guild.

TCA was formed in 1990 to raise and distribute funds for charities in the Thoroughbred industry which provide a better life for Thoroughbreds both during and after their racing careers by supporting retirement, rescue, research and by helping the people who work with them. Over the last 24 years TCA has distributed over $20 million in grants to more than 200 Thoroughbred-related organizations. TCA is the charitable arm of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA).

Services set for Edward Cecil “Tiny” Barnes

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Edward Cecil “Tiny” Barnes passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2015 at his home in Folsom, LA. He was born on March 30, 1935 in Natchitoches, LA to the late Durwood Hamlin Barnes and Beatrice Anderson Barnes. Tiny was married to his beloved wife, Gail Baer Barnes for 43 years. He was the loving father of Theresa Cecilia Barnes. Tiny was the proud grandfather of Devin Christopher Barnes and great-grandfather of Lea Marie Barnes. He was the brother of Roba Durwood Barnes, Terry Barnes, Robert Barnes, Dixie Barnes Upchurch, Peggy Barnes West, the late Gino Barnes, Audrey Barnes Bateman, and Barbara Barnes Hutchinson. He was the dear uncle of Candice West Barker and Terry Gros, Jr. Tiny was the great uncle of Gabriel Gros, Zoe Martil Barker, and Savannah West Barker. He will be missed by his loving brother-in-law, Tom West. He leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A special thanks to Annette Lee for her care and support.

Tiny was a renowned thoroughbred horse breeder, trainer, and racing enthusiast for over 30 years. He was President of the Folsom Thoroughbred Training Center in Folsom, LA. His horses competed at the New Orleans Fairgrounds, Evangeline Downs, Delta Downs, and Louisiana Downs.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Service on Tuesday, May 19, 2015 at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W. 21st Ave., Covington, LA 70433, at 4:00 PM with Visitation from 2:00 PM until service time. Please, Share a Memory on the Tribute Wall at www.ejfieldingfh.com.

Services set for June Melancon

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Francis “June” Melancon

Trainer, Francis “June” Melancon passed away, Saturday, May 9, 2015, at the age of 68. At the time of his death, Mr. “June” was the oldest licensed African American horse trainer in the country.

 

Services will be held at

Kinchen Funeral Home, Inc.
1011 N. Antoine St.
Lafayette, LA 70501
337-235-1193

Visitation will be Saturday, May 16, from 8-11 a.m. with services immediately following.

BSCOL Hires Boyce as 2015 Yearling Sales Director

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May 11, 2015

The Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana (BSCOL), a subsidiary of the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association, today announced the hiring of Tim Boyce as Sales Director for their 2015 Yearling Sale. The sale will be held Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center in West Monroe, Louisiana. Tim comes to the BSCOL from Fasig-Tipton Sales where he was the Sales Director for their Texas Sales the last 19 years.

As the Sales Director, Tim will head the Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana Annual Yearling Sale. This sale has been in operation since 1988 and serves as the leading outlet for Louisiana Breeders to bring their yearlings to market. Since its start, the BSCOL has continued to show growth in numbers and marked improvement in bloodlines. Yearlings bred in states other than Louisiana have done quite well in recent years as well, making this sale a leader in the Southwest Market. �We want to build upon what we have in place, and we believe we have the man to do just that,� said Brett Brinkman, President of the Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana. �Tim has a lot of experience at doing what we are asking him to do. That is to produce a quality, well managed, sale.�

All Louisiana breds that that pass through the sales ring are eligible for either the Elge Rasberry Memorial Stakes, or the A.L. �Red� Erwin Memorial Stakes to be run in 2017.

Tom Early, President of the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association, believes this is a shot in the arm for our association. �We always strive to do the best that we can. There are members of this association who insist that we have this sale, as it is is the best way to attract buyers from all over the United States.  Having Tim on board will help our sale tremendously.�

Consignors Contracts have recently been mailed. If you did not receive a contract you may get one online at www.louisianabred.com or by contacting the office of the LTBA at 800-772-1195.

2015 Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana Consignment Contracts In the Mail

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Consignment contracts for the 2015 Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana, Inc. (BSCOL) Annual Yearling Sale have been mailed. A consignment deadline of June 15, 2015 has been set.

The sale date is set for Tuesday, September 29, 2015, and will once again be held at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center in West Monroe. All horses must be on the grounds by noon, Sunday, September 27.

Louisiana Breds are a good commodity because of the state’s breeding and racing incentive program.

For Consignment Contract, click here or call 800-772-1195

LTBA LEGISLATIVE CALL TO ACTION!!!

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MMEDIATE ATTENTION NEEDED  –  OPPOSE SB 135

Dear Friends and Members,

Please contact these Senate Judiciary B committee members about SB 135. 
If you are a constituent of any of the following committee members �
I urge you to contact them today and have them OPPOSE this Bill! 
Contact your legislators today and let your voice be heard.  It definitely makes a difference.

Tuesday, May 5th @ 10:30 AM – Senate Judiciary B Committee

SB135, by Senator Barrow Peacock

Drastically reduces our total number of racing days at Harrah�s Louisiana Downs

This Bill is scheduled for Senate Judiciary B committee on Tuesday, May 5th @ 10:30 AM

We must OPPOSE this Bill as it drastically reduces our racing days at Harrah�s Louisiana Downs

Please contact the Senate Judiciary B committee members and ask them to OPPOSE SB 135

Remember � if your Senator is one of these committee members,
please have others that live in your district contact them as well.

Every phone call, every email and every contact MATTERS!

Senator Jean-Paul J. Morrell (Chairman)
New Orleans Lakefront Terminal Building (504) 284-4794
6001 Stars & Stripes Blvd., Suite 221 morrelljp@legis.la.gov
New Orleans, LA 70126
Senator Ronnie Johns (Vice-Chairman)
1011 Lakeshore Drive (337) 491-2016
Suite 515 johnsr@legis.la.gov
Lake Charles, LA 70601
Senator Norb�rt N. “Norby” Chabert
P.O. Box 2417 (985) 858-2927
Houma, LA 70361 chabertn@legis.la.gov
Senator Eric LaFleur
P.O. Box 617 (337) 363-5019
Ville Platte, LA 70586 lafleure@legis.la.gov
Senator Karen Carter Peterson
1409 OC Haley Blvd. (504) 568-8346
Suite C petersonk@legis.la.gov
New Orleans, LA 70113
Senator Gary Smith
P.O Box 189 (985) 764-9122
Norco, LA 70079 smithgl@legis.la.gov
Senator Gregory Tarver
1024 Pierre Avenue (318) 227-1499
Shreveport, LA 71103 tarverg@legis.la.gov
Roger A. Heitzmann III
Secretary/Treasurer
Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association
504-947-4676
800-772-1195