Bossier City, LA – Due to freezing temperatures and snow, officials have canceled the Tuesday, January 16th card at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs.
Racing will resume on Saturday, January 20 with this week’s feature, the $25,000 Billy Montgomery Stakes.
Month: January 2018
TESTING ONE TWO SCORES RESOUNDING VICTORY IN THE TAKE CHARGE BRANDI STAKES
Take Charge Brandi Stakes
Delta Downs, 1-12-18, 7 furlongs, $60,000
3YO fillies
TESTING ONE TWO
Star Guitar – Yes Sir
B- Brittlyn, Inc.
O- Brittlyn Stable, Inc.
T- Victor Arceneaux
J- D. Saenz
The $60,000 Take Charge Brandi Stakes was won impressively by Brittlyn Stable, Inc.’s Testing One Two under jockey Diego Saenz, Friday night at Delta Downs in Vinton, LA.
The Take Charge Brandi was a seven-furlong test for 3-year-old fillies and Testing One Two, who is trained by Victor Arceneaux, used a stalking style plus a strong finish in the stretch to win the event by a widening four lengths over Upset Brewing. Laudation finished another 1-1/2 lengths behind the top pair in third. The winner covered the distance over a fast track in 1:27.08.
The victory by Testing One Two marked her third win in a row and her second straight tally in stakes company. She also took the Louisiana Legacy at Delta Downs on November 17 by an astounding 16-1/2 lengths while making her stakes debut. Testing One Two earned $36,000 for her exploits in the Take Charge Brandi and now boasts a career bankroll of $150,135.
Bred in Louisiana by her owner, Testing One Two is a bay filly by Star Guitar, out of the Scat Daddy mare Yes Sir.
Sent to the gate as the 6-5 wagering favorite, Testing One Two paid $4.40 to win, $2.80 to place and $2.20 to show. Upset Brewing was worth $3.20 to place and $2.10 to show. Laudation returned $3.20 to show.
MO TOM RETIRED TO STUD IN LOUISIANA
By Eric Mitchell
Tom and Gayle Benson’s grade 3 winner Mo Tom has been retired from racing and will enter stud this year at Jay Adcock’s Red River Farm near Coushatta, La. A stud fee has not been determined.
The 5-year-old son of Uncle Mo—Caroni, by Rubiano, was among the first yearlings the Bensons purchased for their GMB Racing operation in 2014, and one of two that found their way to the 2016 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) starting gate. The other runner was Tom’s Ready, who is also entering stud this year at Spendthrift Farm.
“Mo Tom has had a nice racing career. Even though he suffered through some tough trips and a few injuries, he was still able to make nearly $700,000 in earnings,” said Greg Bensel, who manages GMB Racing for the Bensons. “We tried to do a few things with him late in his racing career—like bringing him back quickly in the Clark Handicap (G1) and then trying him on the grass. We just did not want to give up on him; he is such a great-looking, sound horse and was working great in the mornings. None of those late experiments should take away from the career he had as a racehorse.”
A half brother to grade 1-placed stakes winner Beautician and listed stakes winner Bella Castani, Mo Tom won or placed 10 times out of 19 starts. He won twice and placed twice out of four starts at 2, which included winning the Street Sense Stakes and a third in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2). He earned his stripes in a graded stakes in his first start at 3 when he won the Lecomte Stakes (G3). The colt went on to place in the Veterans Ford Risen Star Stakes (G2), finish eighth in the Kentucky Derby, and win the Ohio Derby.
“With our farm in Paris, Ky., and our sports teams in New Orleans we keep a very busy schedule, but when time allows we love going to the track to see our horses run. Our racing operation has had great success on the track and we could not be more proud of our team and our trainers Tom Amoss, Dallas Stewart, and Al Stall,” said Gayle Benson, whose husband owns New Orleans’ NFL Saints and NBA Pelican sports teams. “We are building our farm operation (Benson Farm at Greenwood Lodge) in Kentucky where we have a very nice broodmare band. We are loving the horse business.”
The Bensons sent Mo Tom to Red River Farm because they valued Adcock’s reputation as a successful breeder, and because they want to support the Louisiana- bred program.
“We are very excited to get this horse,” Adcock said. “He was a serious horse at 3 and a legitimate Kentucky Derby contender. He is a good-looking, accomplished horse with plenty of family. He’ll get every chance to be successful.”
“Having a nice son of Uncle Mo here should bring some attention to the attractive breeding programs we have here in Louisiana,” Bensel added.
The Bensons are retaining 20% ownership of Mo Tom.
OAKLAWN TO UNVEIL AMERICAN PHAROAH STATUE
As a lasting tribute to the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years, who began his historic campaign at Oaklawn, the track will unveil a life-size bronze statue of American Pharoah Thursday, Jan. 11 at 11 a.m. Oaklawn opens for its 114th live racing season Jan. 12 with a special 12:30 p.m. first post.
Zayat Stables LLC.’s American Pharoah, trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, began his 3-year-old season by winning the 2015 Rebel Stakes (G2) and then returned four weeks later to win the $1 million Arkansas Derby (G1) before capturing the Kentucky Derby (G1), Preakness (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1). He retired at the end of 2015 after also winning the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1).
“American Pharoah took a couple of detours on his way to the Triple Crown. But, running and winning twice at Oaklawn he found the stride, the resilience and the will to win that enabled him to power through the Derby, Preakness and Belmont,” Baffert said.
The bronze statue, by artist James Peniston, was commissioned by the late Charles Cella and is the focal point of a newly redesigned entrance to the Grandstand. The new, park-like setting will greet guests in 2018.
“We are extremely honored,” said Justin Zayat, son of owner Ahmed Zayat and Racing Manager for Zayat Stables. “Oaklawn has always been a track we love and have had great success at. Winning the Rebel and Arkansas Derby was a great foundation for American Pharoah and it was after his Arkansas Derby that we knew we had something truly special.”
“This statue is not only a lasting tribute to American Pharoah, but also to my father, Charles Cella,” Oaklawn President Louis Cella said. “His vision for the track was to have the very best 3-year-olds come through Hot Springs on their way to the Triple Crown races. His dream started coming true in 2004, the year Smarty Jones won the Rebel, Arkansas Derby, Kentucky Derby and Preakness, and came full circle when American Pharoah won the Triple Crown. We look forward to continuing my father’s legacy by attracting the top horses for years to come.”
The unveiling will be open to the public. For more information, visit http://www.Oaklawn.com.
SCOOPIES LEAVING YOU CAPTURES HIS SECOND EDITION OF THE $15,000 HARRAH’S DASH AT LOUISIANA DOWNS
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 17th 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.
For further information, please contact:
|
Trent McIntosh | Assistant General Manager |
Brees, Saints Lend Old Friends a Helping Hand
Edited Press Release
Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement facility based in Georgetown, KY, owes a big debt to the NFL this week–specifically New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees.
Thanks to the Big Ten record-holder–whose team will kick-off against the Carolina Panthers in the first NFL Wild Card Round this Sunday–one of Old Friends’s retired mares was able to have a life-saving operation.
When one of its residents, Misszoey Belle, a now 13-year-old mare, showed sudden and severe signs of a gastrointestinal disorder in mid-December, it was quickly determined that surgery was her only chance for survival. A hard-knocker on the track, Misszoey Belle had 74 starts and seven wins, earning only $70,000 in her career and racing until she was eight. After her final start, she was bought back by her breeder, John C. Oxley and retired to Old Friends.
The mare was rushed to Park Equine Clinic in Lexington, which usually provides Old Friends with cost-free veterinary care. But an equine surgeon was not available, so the clinic called in Dr. Christopher Johnson, whose Equine Surgical Services is located in nearby Versailles, KY. She underwent surgery to repair a very serious intestinal obstruction known as an epiploic foramen entrapment. Her life spared, Misszoey Belle returned to Old Friends a few days later and is now recovering well with an excellent prognosis.
Discovering that the mare was an Old Friends retiree, Dr. Johnson offered to waive his fee. But knowing that he was a huge Saints fan, Old Friends resident veterinarian Dr. Bryan Waldridge offered Johnson a concession: How about an autographed football?
“I went to high school in New Orleans, so I have been a Saints fan as long as I’ve been alive,” says Johnson.
Luckily, New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson is also a well-known racehorse owner, and one of his former runners, Saint Aloysius, was retired to Old Friends after suffering a career-ending injury last year. Old Friends founder and President Michael Blowen made a call to the Saints’ office and Brees was kind enough to help out.
“We always love helping Old Friends and Michael,” said Greg Bensel, who manages GMB Racing for the Bensons and is also the Senior Vice President of Communications for the Saints. “After all, he was there for us when we needed a good home for Saint Aloysius.
“Drew is so kind and giving with his time that when we need a signed ball he’s always available,” Bensel continued. “And to be honest, he loves the horse racing industry and he loves that the horses at Old Friends get great care. So while he is busy planning for the Panthers game, I know he feels great about this.”
“It’s really great to see professional athletes such as Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints helping our professional athletes like Misszoey Belle when they need us most,” said Blowen. “We can’t thank the team and Dr. Johnson enough.”
PADDY O’LIONEL RALLIES FOR VICTORY IN THE B-CONNECTED STAKES AT DELTA DOWNS
B-Connected Stakes
Delta Downs, 1-6-18, 1 Mile, $65,000
Accredited Louisiana Breds, 4YOs and Upwards
PADDY O’LIONEL
Paddy O’Prado–Dana’s Lucky Lady
B- Sugarland Thoroughbreds, LLC
O- Phyllis J. Hodges
T- James E. Hodges
J- Gerardo Mora
2nd
Social Misfit
Porto Foricos–Unfriendly Koo
B- Earl Hernandez & Keith Hernandez
O- End Zone Athletics, Inc.
T- Karl Broberg
J- Luis Negron
3rd
Harbor Pilot
Trappe Shot–Harbor Princess
B- Curt Leake
O- Red Rose Racing
T- Scott Gelner
J- Diego Saenz
– JAMES HODGES TRAINEE ENJOYS THE FIRST STAKES WIN OF HIS CAREER –
VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs closed out its 12th week of racing on Saturday night with an 11-race program that included the $65,000 B-Connected Stakes for Louisiana-breds competing at one mile. The event was won by Phyllis J. Hodges’ Paddy O’Lionel, who rallied from far behind under jockey Gerardo Mora to snare the first stakes win of his career.
After breaking a step slow from the inside post position, Paddy O’Lionel dropped back to last position in the field of nine. Meanwhile the early pace was set by Rocketringo, who carved out fractional times of 22.68 seconds for the quarter-mile, 46.74 for the half, and 1:12.51 for three quarters.
As the field made their way up the backstretch Paddy O’Lionel began to gain momentum and swung wide around the far turn following Social Misfit, who was also rallied from far back. In the home-stretch it was the wagering favorite, Harbor Pilot, who drove to the lead but it was short lived as Social Misfit took over at the sixteenth pole. In the final strides it was a dash to the wire with Paddy O’Lionel putting his nose down and getting the narrowest of victories. Harbor Pilot settled for third another 4-1/4 lengths behind the top pair.
Paddy O’Lionel covered the eight furlongs of the B-Connected in a time of 1:39.98 seconds. The race was contested over a fast track.
Paddy O’Lionel has now won four of 13 career starts. Saturday’s night’s score earned him $39,000 and raised his lifetime bankroll to $131,200.
Bred in Louisiana by Sugarland Thoroughbreds, LLC, Paddy O’Lionel is a chestnut son of Paddy O’Prado, out of the Lucky Lionel mare Dana’s Lucky Lady.
Sent to the gate at odds of 9-2, Paddy O’Lionel returned $11.80 to win, $5.60 to place and $3.20 to show. Social Misfit was worth $6.80 to place and $3.20 to show. Harbor Pilot paid $2.60 to show.
HYPER PIPER CRUISES TO VICTORY IN THE LOOKOUT STAKES AT DELTA DOWNS
Lookout Stakes
Delta Downs, 1-5-18, 1 Mile, $65,000
Accredited Louisiana Bred Fillies and Mares, 4YOs and Upwards
HYPER PIPER
Old Fashioned – Filaree by Saros (GB)
B-Earl Hernandez, Keith Hernandez & John Duvieilh
O- Earl Hernandez, Keith Hernandez & John Duvieilh
T- Sam B. David, Jr.
J – T. Thornton
2nd
Shea’s Lil Shug
Gigawatt-Pourjedajour
B- Shea Stakes
O- Dos Locos Tejanos Racing
T- Eduardo Ramirez
J- R Morales
3rd
Sweet Pea Mama Ve
Hard Spun – Miss Confusion
B- Earl Hernandez, Keith Hernandez, John Duvieilh & Bill Langford
O- Earl Hernandez, Keith Hernandez & John Duvieilh
T- Sam B. David, Jr.
J- D Saenz
– SAM B. DAVID, JR. TRAINEE GETS HER FIRST STAKES WIN AND THIRD WIN IN A ROW –
VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs hosted its first stakes of the new calendar year on Friday night and it was Hyper Piper who notched her third win in a row and her first in stakes company while taking the $65,000 Lookout Stakes for Louisiana-bred fillies and mares. The Sam B. David, Jr. trainee was ridden to victory by jockey Timothy Thornton.
After breaking sharply in the one-mile test for 4-year-olds and upward, Hyper Piper stalked the early pace set by Pera, who covered the opening quarter-mile in 23.65 seconds and the half-mile in 48.44. As the field of 10 entered the far turn Thornton asked his mount for her best run and she responded by opening up a three-length lead at the top of the homestretch. The 4-5 wagering favorite then proceeded to cruise home unchallenged and won the race by 2-1/2 lengths over Shea’s Lil Shug. Sweet Pea Mama Ve finished another half-length behind the top pair in third.
The win by Hyper Piper, who is owned by John Duvielh, Keith J. & Earl J. Hernandez, was her sixth overall from 12 career starts. She earned $39,000 for her effort which raised her bankroll to $166,110.
Hyper Piper is a gray or roan mare by Old Fashioned out of the Saros (GB) mare Filaree. She was bred in Louisiana by her owners.
The wagering public had the Lookout figured out as Hyper Piper paid $3.80 to win, $2.60 to place and $2.40 to show. Shea’s Lil Shug returned $5 to place and $3.60 to show, Sweet Pea Mama Ve was worth $4.80 to show.
HARRAH’S LOUISANA DOWNS QUARTER HORSE MEET GETS UNDERWAY ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 6
Twelve Stakes Set for the 46-day Live Racing Season
Bossier City, LA – The 2018 Quarter Horse racing season at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs will commence on Saturday, January 6. The 46-day meet includes 12 stakes highlighted by the first official championship for 2-year-olds, the $100,000-added Mardi Gras Futurity on March 17. Live racing will take place Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday with a 1:00 p.m. (Central) post time and will continue through March 21.
Leading Rider Damian Martinez Finishes out the Year as the Top Jockey by Wins
Jockey Damian Martinez returns to Louisiana Downs off a record year that began with the title here last March. He won 37 races and kept his momentum going throughout 2017, winning 124 races to finish the year as the top North American Quarter Horse jockey in wins.
The 24-year-old was born in Coahuila, Mexico and began riding professionally in 2012. His career got a huge boost when Texas horseman Brian Stroud saw his potential and the two embarked on a prolific association with Jrc Callas First. Under Martinez, the versatile Texas-bred won ten stakes and was honored as 2014 AQHA World Racing Champion. There are many jockeys that ride their entire life without riding a Grade 1 winner, let alone a world champion, but Martinez has that on his resume’ already.
Martinez shipped his tack to Louisiana in 2016 and rode the entire meet at Delta Downs, finishing second to David Alvarez. He was not sure how the transition from Texas would go, but was welcomed with open arms by the members of the Delta Downs jockey colony.
“It’s a whole different atmosphere in Louisiana,” stated Martinez. “Everyone was helpful and encouraging. You don’t find that everywhere!”
In 2016, Martinez won 102 races; finishing second in AQHA standings by wins, to David Alvarez. The two Louisiana leaders were two of only four Quarter Horse jockeys in the country to eclipse 100 wins for the year.
But Martinez took it to another level in 2017, winning 124 races and purses of $1.8 million and will certainly be on the ballot for AQHA champion jockey with voters having to make a very tough choice in that category. Rodrigo Vallejo completed the year as the leading money-earning rider with $3.5 million and 2015 AQHA champion jockey Ricky Ramirez had a strong year as well.
“It feels great,” Martinez said his 2017 record. “I could not have done it without the support of so many trainers and owners.”
Trainer Bobby Martinez (no relation) has known Damian for many years and will give him a let up on Tf Jess a Leader in the Harrah’s Dash on Saturday.
“Damian is very patient on a horse and has become one heck of a rider,” said Martinez.
A devoted family man, Damian and his wife, Bianca are proud parents of daughter, Daila, and are awaiting the birth of their second child in July.
“It would be nice to be honored as champion jockey,” added Martinez. “If its meant to be, it will be great. But for now, I am looking forward to the Louisiana Downs meet and just taking life as it comes.”
Scoopies Leaving You Leads a Full Field in the $15,000 Harrah’s Dash
A field of ten Louisiana-bred sprinters will compete in Saturday’s $15,000 Harrah’s Dash, the first stakes of the live racing season.
Joel Galindo’s Scoopies Leaving You is the 3-1 morning line choice in the 250-yard feature. The 7-year-old son of Coronas Leaving You has won 16 of his 42 career efforts, bankrolling $318,433 to date. His most recent stakes win came at Delta Downs on April 21, when he rallied to victory in the $20,000 Delta Dash in a swift :12.964 seconds. The multiple-graded stakes winner drew the rail post and will be ridden by his regular pilot, Donald Watson.
Di Maria begins her 4-year-old season under jockey Everardo Rodriguez, who recently won the riding title at Evangeline Downs. The bay daughter of Tee Cos ran a game third in the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Quarter Horse Derby (G3) on December 9 at Fair Grounds. Owned by Jose O. Barron, Di Maria is conditioned by Carlos Saldivar, who finished second in the trainer standings in last year’s Louisiana Downs Quarter Horse meet.
Tf Jess a Leader makes his first start in Louisiana for owner Jose M. Chavez and trainer Bobby Martinez. Sired by Mr Jess Perry, the sorrel gelding raced at Indiana Grand for the past two years, winning the $130,360 QHRA Indiana Derby on October 22, 2016. He will be seeking his fourth career win Saturday afternoon with Damian Martinez in the saddle. Martinez won the 2017 edition of the Harrah’s Dash aboard Mr. Big, edging Scoopies Leaving You at the wire.
Here is the field for the Harrah’s Dash (Race 6), in post position order including jockey assignments and morning-line odds:
1. Scoopies Leaving You (Donald Watson), 3-1
2. Fast N Famous Eagle (Rolando Pina), 8-1
3. Vicious Woman (David Alvarez), 12-1
4. Di Maria (Everardo Rodriguez), 5-1
5. Msm Runaway Dash (Luis Vivanco), 15-1
6. Barefoot Beach (Randy Edison), 9-2
7. Kut the Rope (Antonio Alberto), 20-1
8. Fancy Mamacita (Nestor Duran), 15-1
9. Tf Jess a Leader (Damian Martinez), 7-2
10. Rbd Jessaswingin Alfonso Lujan), 12-1
Louisiana Downs 2018 Quarter Horse Stakes Schedule
The following stakes will be contested during the 2018 Quarter Horse racing season:
January 6 $15,000 Harrah’s Dash 4 YO & Up 250 yards
January 13 $15,000 Marathon Stakes 4 YO & Up 870 yards
January 20 $25,000 Billy Montgomery 3 YO LA-Bred 350 yards
January 27 $15,000 Swift Stakes 4 YO & Up 350 yards
January 27 $25,000 Party Girl Stakes 4 YO & Up F&M LA-Bred 350 yards
February 3 $25,000 Magnolia Stakes 3 YO & Up LA-Bred 870 yards
February 10 $15,000-added LAD Maiden Stake 3,4 &5 YO LA-Bred 350 yards
February 24 $25,000 Mr Jess Perry 4 YO & Up LA-Bred 350 yards
March 17 $100,000-added Mardi Gras Futurity 2 YO LA-Bred 300 yards
March 17 $50,000-added Mardi Gras Derby 3 YO LA-Bred 400 yards
March 17 $15,000 Streakin La Jolla 2 YO & Up 400 yards
March 21 $75,000-added Harrah’s Futurity 2 YO 300 yards
To see a complete list of the stakes schedule, including trial dates, click here
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 |
Pound For Pound is First Stakes Winner for Redding Colliery
Israel Flores Horses’ Pound for Pound, who finished a neck in front his competition in the colt and gelding division of the Louisiana Futurity for 2-year-old Accredited Louisiana-breds, was the first black-type winner for his sire Redding Colliery. Pound For Pound made an eight-day return to the races to hold off 4-5 favorite Givemeaminit down the Fair Grounds stretch and light up the tote board at odds of 21-1. Pound For Pound’s last start was just last Saturday, Dec. 23 where he defeated seven other Louisiana-breds in a 7½-furlong allowance event at his Delta Downs home base. In October, he broke his maiden first time out at 48-1 odds.
Redding Colliery, a Grade 2 stakes winning son of Mineshaft stands at Red River Farms in Louisiana for a 2018 fee of $2,000.
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