Month: September 2017

Major Gain to Stand at Indian Creek

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Grade 3 winner Major Gain has been purchased by Mark and Ashley Dison and will stand the 2018 breeding season at their Indian Creek Farms in Spearsville, Louisiana.
The 10-year-old son of More Than Ready entered stud in 2016 at  McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds in New York before moving to Nicks Farm in Indiana for the 2017 Season. His first crop will be yearlings of 2018.
Major Gain won three of 21 starts during his on-track career, including the Grade 3 Arlington-Washington Futurity; he earned $161,115 as a homebred for Gary and Mary West. He also finished third in the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes.
Major Gain is out of Grade 3-placed stakes-winning Old Trieste mare Dream Lady, whose three foals to race are all winners. He is a full brother to multiple Grade 1 winner Room Service and a half-brother to Grade 2-placed stakes winner Oscar Party. The extended family includes Argentine classic winner Zapata and Grade 3 winner Lilly Capote.
Major Gain will stand for an advertised fee of $1,000. The first ten approved mares will receive a free breeding.

Irwin Olian, 2017 Louisiana TOBA Award Recipient

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Irwin Olian (right) accepts the Louisiana TOBA Breeder Award.

Each year, TOBA honors owners and breeders from 23 states and Canada. The 32nd annual National Awards Dinner was held on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at Calumet Farm in Lexington, Ky.

Irwin Olian was selected as the Louisiana TOBA award recipient.

 

 

Study Of Inflammatory Markers Leaves Researchers With More Questions About Predicting Racehorse Injury

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by | 09.14.2017 | 6:59pm

For years now, researchers have been searching for some kind of agent detectable in horses’ blood to warn them of an impending injury. Research presented by Dr. David Horohov of the Gluck Equine Research Center at the University of Kentucky at a recent Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council meeting shows the quest has continued to be a challenging one.

“The theory has been advanced that in fact, visible injury is a result of chronic accumulation of damage that exceeds the healing capacity of the tissue. And indeed, the whole process of conditioning an animal is actually one of breaking down and rebuilding tissue so that it’s stronger,” said Horohov. “If we could identify techniques to tell when that process has become imbalanced, where there is weakness rather than strength, we could begin identifying horses in advance.”

Initially, Horohov said scientists wanted to look for cytokines – biological message-carriers – associated with damage to bone and cartilage. This proved challenging because bones are constantly in a cycle of breaking down and building up in response to exercise. It is the remodeling process that prepares an equine (or human) skeleton to hold up to future impacts, based on past experience. This approach also did not seem sensitive enough and might miss other types of stress in the body, so Horohov set out to study the behavior of cytokines related to inflammation.

These messengers would be aware the body was recruiting inflammatory cells to deal with an injury but would not be involved in the inflammatory process themselves. Theoretically, he thought, low levels of inflammatory cytokines should indicate some degree of normal response to training, while high amounts might be a sign the body was not adjusting to the stress of training, increasing the likelihood of an accident.

Between 2015 and 2016, Horohov and his team studied two groups with a total of 130 horses over two years: one group, scattered across different trainers, at Keeneland‘s synthetic training track, and another group on a lighter workout program (working on turf once per week) on a nearby farm. The results were somewhat surprising.

Immediately after exercise, horses typically have an increase in inflammatory biomarkers, which come back down over time and usually go below their original level – thought to be a sign the horses’ tissues were adjusting to exercise. Horohov’s group did find a difference between the horses at the track and those trained on the farm – over time, horses training on the track saw their base level inflammatory index increase, rather than decrease.

“To us, this raises more questions than it answers,” he said.

Horohov said it was impossible to tell whether the increase in inflammatory index was a sign of an increased risk for injury, or if it was simply a normal response to training. Both groups of horses had just begun the process of breezing.

Horohov also hopes in the future, the study of inflammatory cytokines could be finessed to predict specific types of injuries.

Besides the somewhat puzzling results, studies like this one are challenging because in order to get a group of horses in a true racetrack setting, scientists must give up control of the horses’ environments. Across the group of 130 horses studied, many were with different trainers and different feeding programs (including different supplements); those on the farm were getting turnout, while those at the track were not. It’s difficult to draw broad conclusions when variables like these place horses in mini sub-groups.

“One of the problems, too, about sampling horses is they leave,” said Horohov. “You get something you’re really interested in, you go back and they’re not there anymore.”

Horohov estimated about 25 percent of horses came up with some kind of lameness during the study period, but they were split between so many different trainers and programs it was impossible to say with certainty whether their cytokine levels rose before their lamenesses, or when.

From here, Horohov’s team hopes to expand the study to try to minimize some of these variables and to see whether an exaggerated inflammatory response does, indeed, preempt injuries.

Study Suggests Need For Another Revision To Uniform Drug Guidelines

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by | 09.14.2017 | 12:48pm

Recommended withdrawal guidelines for detomidine, commercially known as Dormosedan, may face review after a recent study suggested horses could test positive while adhering to the guidelines. The current guideline from the Racing Medication Testing Consortium suggests the threshold for a positive be set at 2ng/ml in urine and 1 ngl/ml in blood, with the recommended withdrawal for a 5 mg intravenous dose set at 48 hours.

Detomidine is a relatively short-acting sedative with some analgesic properties and may be used to reduce stress during medical procedures or travel, or in hospital settings.

Recently, the Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council funded a study to examine the behavior of a 20 mg dose (given intravenously or intramuscularly), which some veterinarians say is also used in the field, depending upon the situation.

For tests of the drug using a blood sample, a 20 mg dose was well below the recommended threshold by 48 hours post-administration; in some cases the drug was almost undetectable. In the case of urine tests for detomidine however, several samples were over the threshold at 48 hours.

 

 

Unfortunately, the study was designed to stop at 48 hours post-administration, and therefore did not shed light on whether extending the window to 72 hours would be sufficient to avoid accidental positive tests.

“The dose that was investigated initially was a 5 mg dose. A lot of our veterinarians use a 5 mg dose. Dr. [Andy] Roberts and some other veterinarians wanted to know if they could use a 20 mg dose. It’s going to give a bigger effect,” he said. “Very few of these substances that affect the central nervous system have a dose that’s fixed. It’s a dose range, and I think it’s a legitimate question on Dr. Roberts’ part about using that 20 mg dose.”

Sams, who is a member of the RMTC’s Scientific Advisory Committee, said these types of revisions are to be expected as more information comes to light about different drugs and their behavior in horses. Unfortunately, there is a disparity between the public’s thirst for uniform regulations and the amount of time (and money) it takes to complete studies like this one, which ultimately highlights the need for more research.

“The process was moving very slowly years ago and the RMTC came under enormous pressure to move forward and have thresholds for all of these substances that veterinarians had identified. The future of the RMTC, I think, was on the line at that point,” Sams remembered. “We made some less-than-optimal choices with regard to doses, but veterinarians were involved in every step of the way.”

CHURCHILL DOWNS AND KEENELAND ANNOUNCE HISTORIC PARTNERSHIP TO PROPOSE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO NEW RACING FACILITIES IN CORBIN AND OAK GROVE, KENTUCKY

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN) (“CDI”) and Keeneland Association, Inc. (“Keeneland”) announced today an historic partnership to propose the construction of two new state-of-the-art racing facilities. One will be in southeastern Kentucky in Corbin (Knox County), and the second will be in southwestern Kentucky in Oak Grove (Christian County). The proposed facilities will feature live horse racing and historical racing machines for guests from Kentucky and beyond.

To share the news, the two companies released a video featuring CDI Chief Executive Officer Bill Carstanjen, Keeneland President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Thomason, Kentucky Thoroughbred Association Executive Director Chauncey Morris and Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association Executive Director Marty Maline.

“Horse racing is a $4 billion industry in the Commonwealth that creates thousands of jobs, strengthens our statewide economy and attracts millions of visitors from around the globe,” Carstanjen said. “Churchill Downs and Keeneland share a deep commitment to making Kentucky’s horse racing industry the very best version of itself, and the new racing facilities in Corbin and Oak Grove will help us achieve this by generating much needed funds to increase purses and breeders’ incentives.”

“Keeneland is excited to partner with Churchill Downs on this initiative which builds upon our mission to strengthen the sport and create new opportunities for horsemen and fans,” Thomason said. “Not only will these racing facilities strengthen Kentucky’s vital horse industry, but just as importantly, they will positively impact the Commonwealth and the local communities by stimulating significant economic growth, generating hundreds of new jobs and enhancing tourism and hospitality.”

Churchill Downs and Keeneland are working closely with the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet and other state and local officials on a number of incentives and necessary infrastructure improvements to bring the Corbin and Oak Grove facilities to fruition.

“Corbin is thrilled to be a part of this historic venture between two of the horse racing industry’s most iconic names,” Corbin Mayor Willard McBurney said. “The new racing facility will be a welcome addition to our city’s already long list of sites and attractions for local residents and visitors.”

“We are proud of the significant investment Churchill Downs and Keeneland are committed to making in our community, and are excited to see the infusion of tourism, economic development and new jobs it will bring to Oak Grove and Christian County,” Oak Grove Mayor Bea Burt said.

Each facility is contingent on receipt of an initial pari-mutuel racing license by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, and Churchill Downs and Keeneland are filing their applications with the commission today.

“Churchill Downs and Keeneland have the support of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association as they move forward with their plans to bring two new racing facilities to our state,” Morris said. “The proposed facilities will benefit our industry and the Commonwealth as a whole through new jobs, greater revenues and more tourism.”

“The Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association is excited for what this announcement means for our sport,” Maline said. “We represent more than 6,000 owners and trainers who depend on a strong racing industry, and we know this historic partnership will help draw the eyes of millions to Kentucky’s signature industry.”

For more information, please watch this short video and visit www.historicpartnership.com.


Initial rendering of the proposed Corbin facility

Initial rendering of the proposed Oak Grove facility
About Churchill Downs Incorporated
Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN) (“CDI”), headquartered in Louisville, Ky., is an industry-leading racing, gaming and online entertainment company anchored by our iconic flagship event—The Kentucky Derby. We are a leader in brick-and-mortar casino gaming with gaming positions in eight states, and we are the largest legal mobile betting platform for horseracing in the U.S., through our ownership of TwinSpires.com. We are also one of the world’s largest producers and distributors of mobile games through Big Fish Games, Inc. Additional information about CDI can be found online at www.churchilldownsincorporated.com.

About Keeneland Association, Inc.
For more than 80 years, the Keeneland Association has devoted itself to the health and vibrancy of the Thoroughbred industry. As the world’s largest Thoroughbred auction company, Keeneland conducts sales every January, September and November. Its sales graduates dominate racing across the globe at every level. In April and October, Keeneland offers some of the highest caliber and richest Thoroughbred racing in the world. In 2015, Keeneland hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Uniquely structured, Keeneland is a private, for-profit corporation that returns its earnings to the industry and the community in the form of higher purses, and it has donated millions of dollars in charitable contributions for education, research and health and human services throughout Central Kentucky. To learn more about Keeneland, visit Keeneland.com.

Louisiana State Racing Commission Reinstates Piroplasmosis Testing Requirement

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Effective October 4, 2017, The Louisiana State Racing Commission has reinstated the Piroplasmosis Testing requirement.

“Based on the recommendation of Dr. Cooley, Equine Medical Director for the Louisiana State Racing Commission, the Louisiana State Racing Commission hereby rescinds Directive No. 2014-01, and reinstates Piroplasmosis Testing as of October 4, 2017.”

Delta and Evangeline advise:

Effective Oct. 4, 2017, the LSRC has reinstated part B of LRC 35.I.1304 thus requiring all horses to have a negative Equine Piroplasmosis (EP) test, for Theileria equi taken within the past 12 months, prior to entering the confines of a racetrack or race in Louisiana.

IMPRESSIVE SUPER DERBY SATURDAY FOR JOCKEY DIEGO SAENZ AT HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS

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Bossier City, LA – While jockey Diego Saenz did not win the richest race of the Super Derby Day card Saturday at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, he certainly had a highly rewarding afternoon.

The 38-year-old rider won three of the seven stakes on the program, with a close second-place finish in the $60,000 Unbridled.

Saenz won the first turf feature of the day, the $60,000 River Cities, guiding the heavily favored Quinta Verde (IRE) to victory for trainer Brad Cox. Saenz had never ridden the 5-year-old mare owned by Swift Thoroughbred Inc. before, but settled her comfortably behind the pacesetters. She unleashed her powerful closing kick at the eighth-pole and drew off by 3 ¼ lengths.

“Looking at the program, I thought I had some very good chances for the day,” said Saenz. “I was fortunate to be riding nice horses for top trainers.”

Next up was the $60,000 Sunday Silence for 2-year-olds and his second time to ride Jerry Durant’s Budro Talking, who was making his stakes debut for trainer Danny Pish.

The Louisiana-bred son of Tale of the Cat broke his maiden on July 27 at Evangeline Downs, sprinting on the main track. Pish felt that he could be versatile and compete well on turf, and he was certainly correct.  With Saenz back in the irons, the bay colt sat off the early fractions of :24.17 and :48.71, drawing clear and crossing the one-mile finish line in 1:37.78.

“He’s getting better and better,” said Saenz. “He relaxed for me and that’s what it takes when a young horse is stretching out.”

Perhaps Saenz’ most impressive ride came in the in the $50,000 Tellike Stakes, when he rode

Curtis C. Green’s homebred Justa Lady for trainer Steve Asmussen. Again, Saenz had never ridden the 4-year-old filly by More Than Ready, but he was content to let longshot Our Valor set the pace. In sixth position approaching the far turn, he got his mount clear and she responded with a strong rally, drawing clear in the five-furlong turf sprint.

“I saw (Roberto) Morales get to the lead quickly, but felt he would not hold his speed,” he stated. “My filly had plenty left and came running.”

Saenz was hoping for a fourth stakes victory aboard the heavily favored Big Changes, also trained by Cox, in the Unbridled. Net Gain, an Iowa-bred 3-year-old made a sweeping move on the far turn under rider Glen Corbett. Saenz, who finished second, lodged an objection against Corbett for interference, but the stewards reviewed the replay and took no action.

“That’s part of racing,” said Saenz. “You state your case and have to accept the decision.”

Saenz, who was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, has been riding professionally since 2004 and is currently ranked 56th in Equibase North American jockey standings. He was won 1,746 wins from 9,218 starts in his 14-year career.

He and his wife have three children and reside in Carencro, a suburb of Lafayette, Louisiana. Saenz will head to Delta Downs, where he has won three leading rider titles.

 

Update on Super Derby Winner Mr. Misunderstood

Mr. Misunderstood, owned by Flurry Racing Stables LLC, scored a definitive victory in the season’s marquee race, the $200,000 Super Derby last Saturday.

The gelded son of Archarcharch, shipped here last month undefeated on the turf, and punched his ticket to the Super Derby with a win in the $60,000 Prelude. Then owner Staton Flurry, trainer Brad Cox and jockey Chris Rosier just had to wait to see who they would be running against in the Super Derby.

“We knew what we had in Mr. Misunderstood,” said Flurry. “After the noms for the Super Derby came out, it was just the anticipation of who would enter and what he would run against. It looked like Sonneteer was our biggest threat, but speed was really holding Saturday afternoon, so he was more forwardly placed that we expected.”

Nonetheless, Mr. Misunderstood prevailed as the favorite and a memorable post-race celebration ensued for Flurry, jockey Chris Rosier and Ricky Giannini, assistant to Cox.

“It was great,” said Flurry. “I love running at Louisiana Downs; my aunt and uncle live near Shreveport and there were lots of family and friends there to enjoy our win. My phone was turned off, but thirty minutes later, I checked and had over 150 texts and Facebook messages.”

Flurry, 27, resides in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and is passionate about every facet of racing, from studying sale catalogs, training progress of his horses, to evaluating race options. He signed a sale $130,000 sale ticket for Mr. Misunderstood at the Ocala Breeders’ Sale and admitted that there were some doubts about the Kentucky-bred in the early stages of his career.

“Let’s just say that we weren’t very high on the horse last year,” admitted Flurry. “He was always balanced, but didn’t show much in his morning works.  Once we gelded him, he became more focused and found his way on the turf.”

Cox was pleased with the win and reported that Mr. Misunderstood returned safely to his base in Kentucky.

“He ran really well,” Cox told Mary Rampelinni of the Daily Racing Form. “Obviously, we’re super-pleased with the ride and where he was positioned early in the race with the lack of pace. He kicked on well. We’ll try to keep him with the 3-year-olds the rest of the year.”

 

Two More Stakes to Be Contested This Month at Louisiana Downs​

The final two stakes of the season, the $75,000 A. L. (Red) Erwin and the $75,000 Elge Rasberry, will be run on Saturday, September 23. Both stakes are written for 3-year-old graduates of the Louisiana-bred Sale and will be run at the distance of one mile on the Franks Turf Course.

 

Louisiana Downs Trainer and Jockey Standings

Through September 12, last year’s leading trainer Joey Foster continues to hold a commanding lead over his fellow conditioners with 60 wins. H. B. Johnson is second with 23 wins to date and Ronnie Ward is in sole possession of third place with 16 wins. Sarah Delany follows in fourth; she has each saddled 15 winners.

Gerardo Mora has taken the lead in the jockey standings with 69 wins. Richard Eramia, who was on top for much of the season before he departed to ride at Remington Park, is second with 59 victories. Aubrie Green continues her strong showing and has moved into third with 58 trips to the winner’s circle.  Jose Guerrero rounds out the top four with 47 wins.

Jorge Gomez and Red Rose Racing are tied at the top of the owner’s leaderboard with ten wins each.  Patti Turner Jamie C.  Pastor and Anthony Faulk have won nine races each in the 2017 Thoroughbred meet.    

About Harrah’s Louisiana Downs

Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and was purchased by Caesars Entertainment in December, 2002. With annual Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing seasons, the track is committed to presenting the highest quality racing programs paired with its 150,000 square foot entertainment complex offering casino gambling, dining and plasma screen televisions for sports and simulcast racing.

For further information, please contact:

Trent McIntosh  |  Assistant General Manager
O 318-752-6980
8000 East Texas Street | Bossier City, LA 71111
www.caesars.com

DELTA DOWNS ALTERS ITS THOROUGHBRED STAKES SCHEDULE FOR 2017-18 SEASON DUE TO THE IMPACT OF HURRICANE HARVEY

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VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel today announced that it is altering its stakes schedule for the upcoming 2017-18 Thoroughbred season, due to the regionwide impact of Hurricane Harvey. The 84-day meet is scheduled to get underway on October 18.

At the recommendation of the HBPA Board of Directors, Delta Downs has decided to cancel eight open-bred stakes during the first half of the season, including the Delta Downs Jackpot (Gr. III) on November 18. Delta Downs currently plans to continue its full calendar of stakes races in the second half of the season as scheduled.

“While we are disappointed to scale back our first-half calendar, we believe this decision is appropriate, given the tremendous amount of damage throughout the region and the current focus on recovery efforts,” said Steve Kuypers, Vice President and General Manager of Delta Downs. “By continuing our support of the stakes races for Louisiana owners and trainers, we will help ensure the well-being and livelihood of our state’s hardworking horsemen during this difficult time.”

Delta Downs still plans to host two events on the November 18 Jackpot Day card – the $150,000 Louisiana Legacy and $150,000 Louisiana Jewel Stakes.

For more information on Delta Downs, including a revised schedule for the 2017-18 season, visit the track’s website www.deltadownsracing.com. Fans can also get information on Facebook with the track’s page ‘Delta Downs Racing’ and on Twitter with the handle @deltaracing.

Delta Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features exciting fun, casino action, live horse racing and great dining experiences. Delta Downs is located in Vinton, Louisiana, on Delta Downs Drive. From Lake Charles, take Exit 7 and from Texas, take Exit 4.

Florida Weathers Hurricane, Gulfstream to Race Sept. 16

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No injuries to horses or horsemen reported at tracks, training facilities, or farms.

released a collective sigh of relief Sept. 11, as initial reports suggested the industry had dodged a bullet.

While some communications were hampered by phone and power outages, representatives of horsemen’s groups, tracks, and training centers from South Florida to Ocala Monday morning said there were no initial reports of human or equine injuries because of the storm.

Barns, track surfaces, and frontside facilities all held up well at tracks and training centers. Some barns at Gulfstream Park saw shingle damage, but the facility and track surfaces were in good enough shape that the track plans to resume training Sept. 12, simulcasting Sept. 13, and racing Sept. 16.

Roof damage to barns was reported at Tampa Bay Downs, which currently is not racing; and the Palm Meadows training center had tree damage. Barns at Gulfstream Park West also held up well, sustaining minor gutter damage. There were also downed trees.

Training will resume Tuesday morning at Gulfstream Park West and Palm Meadows.

Trainer Kathleen O’Connell stayed with her horses in a Gulfstream Park West barn through the storm. She said the height of the storm lasted a long time, from early Sunday morning through the entire day.

“The winds were horrific, and they were still bad until 1 a.m. Monday morning,” O’Connell said. “I have a big ice machine here and at the height of the storm the winds moved it about eight inches. There are big oak trees down, but all in all, it weathered it pretty good.”

O’Connell said she was confident the barns at Gulfstream Park West were safe, and she wanted to be close to her horses.

“Structurally it’s a very safe building. I weathered Hurricane Andrew here, actually. It seemed to be the best choice: a concrete barn with a flat roof,” O’Connell said. “I wanted to stay here too because my help was in the dorms, which is pretty far away. Most of the time it was too dangerous for anyone to come out and try to help out with giving the horses water and hay. So it was my choice, and I figured it was the safest and best thing to do.”

With Hurricane Irma approaching the area, Gulfstream cancelled its race dates from Sept. 7-10. The track had tentatively looked at racing Sept. 13, but all racing will be cancelled until Sept. 16. Challenges the region faces in terms of power outages and clean-up factored into the decision.

Several Gulfstream officials, including track president Tim Ritvo, weathered the storm at the track. Assessing the property Monday morning in the wake of Hurricane Irma, P.J. Campo, Gulfstream’s general manager and vice president of racing, said Gulfstream fared “very well” during the pounding South Florida took the past two days.

“First of all, people and horses are always our first priorities, and everyone is safe,” Campo said. “The horses are all well, and those who work on the backstretch and live in our dormitories are all safe. Over the past two years, we have taken precautions to help our facility by installing a flood retaining wall and pump stations, and they worked. The stables were not flooded.

“Except for some minor damage to roof shingles on our older barns, we’re ready to go. We are waiting until Saturday to resume racing because we have to wait for outside resources and utilities in the South Florida area like power, gas, and clean-up, to catch up.”

Bob Jeffries, president of the Tampa Bay Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, said the Tampa Bay Downs backstretch saw damaged roofs that didn’t appear to be major. The track property also had a number of downed trees. As Tampa Bay is dark, no horses were at the track.

Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association CEO Lonny Powell said Monday morning that he’d heard of no injured horses or horsemen but did add that the Ocala area faced communications issues with phones being out.

“It looks like it could have been a lot worse,” Powell said. “It looks like the biggest things we’re facing are a power outage and gas shortage. Downed trees also have been a big issue here.”

O’Connell also feels like Florida dodged a bullet. She was amazed by the size of the storm.

“It could have been so much worse. It was just so big in terms of the area affected,” O’Connell said. “I had friends of mine evacuate Naples for a house I have in the Tampa area and they ended up in the storm’s path there, too. There was no getting away from it.”

Delta Downs: Funding Shortfall Could Mean Canceling Of Jackpot, Princess Stakes

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by | 09.12.2017 | 8:54am

 

A decline in casino revenue has officials at Delta Downs considering eliminating several stakes races in October and November, including the track’s marquee event, the Delta Downs Jackpot.

The Daily Racing Form reports that much of the facility’s business comes from the Houston area, which was hit by Hurricane Harvey. That has resulted in a decline in casino revenue, which helps fund purses at the track.

According to the Form, Delta’s vice president and general manager Steve Kuypers sent a letter dated Sept. 7 to Louisiana Racing Commission chairman Bob Wright requesting that the LRC approve a request to eliminate eight open stakes races worth a total of $2.3 million.

“The impact of Hurricane Harvey to the people of southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana is having a significant effect on slot revenue and subsequently the track’s purse funds,” Kuypers said in the letter.

Kuypers added, “It is important that we support the local horsemen that fill our overnight races and this action will allow us to do that.”

Read more in the Daily Racing Form