Bossier City, LA – Harrah’s Louisiana Downs kicked off its 2018 American Quarter Horse season on Saturday afternoon. The seven-race program included the first stakes of the meet, the $15,000 Harrah’s Dash.

Joel Galindo’s Scoopies Leaving You, who won the 2016 edition of this feature and holds the track record at 250 yards, topped his nine rivals. Breaking from the rail under regular rider Donald Watson, Scoopies Leaving You broke well and held off a solid charge by Fast N Famous Eagle to win by a neck. He covered 250 yards at :13.579 seconds into a 10-mph head wind over a fast track, earning an 85 speed index.

Bred in Louisiana by Gerald D. Libersat, Scoopies Leaving You is by Coronas Leaving You, out of the Toast to Dash mare Ms Scoopies Toast. Today’s win marked his 17^th victory from 43 starts. He has bankrolled $318,433 since making his debut at Louisiana Downs in trials for the 2013 Mardi Gras Futurity. Kevin Broussard trains the multiple graded stakes winner and continues to marvel at his longevity and competitive spirit.

“He’s 7-years-old, has run 43 races and is as sound as a dollar,” said Broussard. “He’s still a stallion, but you would never know it.”

The far inside post was no problem for Scoopies Leaving You, according to his conditioner.

“He likes the rail,” added Broussard. “He’ll lug in sometimes, so that’s the gate we really like.”

Sent to the gate as the 5-2 favorite. Scoopies Leaving You paid $7.60 for the win. to show. Fast N Famous Eagle, ran second at odds of 20-1 under Rolando Pina, followed by Barefoot Beach and Msm Runaway Dash.  The remainder of the field included Tf Jess a Leader, Fancy Mamacita, Vicious Woman, Rbd Jessaswingin. Kut the Rope and Di Maria, who stumbled out of the gate and finished last.

Live racing continues Sunday, Monday and Tuesday at 1:00 pm. The 2018 Quarter Horse meet runs through March 21.

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.

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