Hurricane season begins June 1 and we’ve already experienced, Alberto, the first named storm system, but it’s not too late for citizens to protect themselves and their families during severe weather.
Since the mid 1800’s, when the National Weather Service began officially recording hurricanes, 54 hurricanes have directly hit Louisiana.
It’s important for residents living in the southern states of the Gulf to take precautions. This is particularly important for survivors still occupying both FEMA mobile homes and other mobile homes. Below are tips to minimize your risks:
Never shelter in FEMA mobile housing units, or other mobile homes during tornadoes and hurricanes.
All FEMA mobile homes come equipped with weather radios. It’s important to listen to them for inclement weather warnings.
Be sure to follow the guidance of local officials. Severe weather may affect access to and from homes, so survivors should follow evacuation orders, and be aware of storm paths, road closures and other important information.
Hurricane preparedness tips for all Louisiana residents:
Before a Hurricane
Document items and contents in your home in photos.
Place important papers and documents such as driver’s licenses, social security cards, passports, birth certificates, vehicle registration cards and insurance policies in a waterproof, portable container.
Consider buying flood insurance. Know your flood risk. See msc.fema.gov/portal to know the flood risk in your area and see floodsmart.gov for information about risk and rates.
Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit. Important items include flashlights, battery-powered radios, batteries, cash and first aid supplies.
In case you need to get to higher ground, know where to go and know the best route.
In the event of an evacuation order, choose several temporary places to stay. These can include the homes of relatives and friends, a hotel or a shelter.
If you need evacuation transportation you should contact your local authorities.
Prepare Your Home
Bring outdoor furniture inside. Move important indoor items to the highest floor in the structure.
Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. You could be electrocuted.
Before evacuation, turn off your gas and electricity at the main switch or valve. This helps prevent fires and explosions.
Consider elevating appliances such as water heaters and electrical equipment.
Stay Updated and Aware
For weather updates, emergency instructions and evacuation orders, stay tuned to your phone alerts and TV or radio. Severe weather information is also available from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration at noaa.gov.
Download the FEMA app at fema.gov/mobile-app. The app provides disaster resources, weather alerts, safety tips, maps of open shelters and weather alerts from the National Weather Service. Go to Ready.gov for more details.
Making his first start for owner Charles Carlton and trainer Glenn Delahoussaye in a 4 1/2-furlong maiden special weight for accredited Louisiana-bred 2-year-olds, Pickett broke sharply under jockey Timothy Thornton and went straight to the lead with four rivals in pursuit. The dark bay or brown gelding posted fractions of :22.93 and :46.37 while increasing his advantage and steadily drew off through the lane under a moderate hand ride to win by 6 1/2 lengths.
The final time was :52.87 on a fast track.
Pickett was bred by William D. Pickett out of the unraced Dixie Brass mare Street Beat and was a $50,000 purchase by his owner from Pickett Thoroughbreds’ consignment to the 2017 Equine Sales of Louisiana yearling sale. Street Beat also produced stakes winners Ahead of Her Time (Leestown) and Hisse (Buddha).
Two-time Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) winner Goldencents, by Into Mischief, counts the 2013 Santa Anita Derby (G1) and Sham Stakes (G3), and the 2012 Delta Downs Jackpot Stakes (G3) among his conquests. He entered stud in 2015 at Spendthrift Farm near Lexington with seven wins and seven seconds from 18 starts, with earnings of $3,044,000. He stands the 2018 season for an advertised fee of $12,500.
Bossier City, LA – Evangeline Downs hosted its richest night of the Thoroughbred season on Saturday, May 26 with eight stakes races for Louisiana-breds. Several of the Louisiana Legends Night champions are on target to compete at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs on Saturday, August 4 as part of Louisiana Cup Day.
Trust Factor, a 5-year-old horse owned by Scrivener Stables, captured his first career stakes last July at Louisiana Downs with a ground saving trip in the $100,000 Louisiana Legends Turf. The son of Paddy O Prado was bred in Louisiana and defeated five rivals in the mile and one-sixteenth turf stakes with jockey Colby Hernandez in the irons. He added a turf victory at Fair Grounds in the $60,000 Dixie Ace Poker Stakes on March 3 and returned to the winner’s circle last Saturday in the $75,000 Louisiana Legends Turf at Evangeline Downs.
Trainer Mike Maker said Trust Factor will likely make his next start on August 4 at Louisiana Downs in the Louisiana Cup Turf Classic.
“It’s the most logical spot,” said Maker. “He’s a cool horse and fits well in state-bred company. He has been fortunate that each of the Louisiana turf stakes wins were on firm turf courses. That’s what he likes.”
Mary Rampellini of the Daily Racing Form reported that Double Star, winner of the $75,000 Equine Sales Derby is under consideration for the $60,000 Prelude, a mile and one-sixteenth main track race for 3-year-olds, which will also run on August 4. The son of Star Guitar is trained by Robert Schultz for Four Star Racing. His victory last weekend at Evangeline Downs was his fourth win in 11 starts.
Rampellini also spoke with conditioner Ron Faucheux about Monte Man, winner of the $75,000 Louisiana Legends Sprinton Louisiana Legends Night. Sired by Custom For Carlos, Monte Man’s victory on Saturday night was his fifth in a row. Owned by Ivery Sisters Racing, Faucheux told Rampellini that his sprinter is a candidate for the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Sprint.
Much more on Louisiana Cup Day which will take place on Saturday, August 4in the weeks to come. Nominations for the seven stakes close July 21.
Belmont Stakes Simulcast on June 9
Harrah’s Louisiana Downs invites fans of all ages to enjoy live racing and the simulcast of the 150th Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 9. The undefeated Justify will be the favorite as he competes in the third leg of the Triple Crown facing rivals including Hofburg, Bravazo, Vino Rosso, Tenfold, Blended Citizen, Noble Indy, Free Drop Billy and Gronkowski. Should he win, he would become just the 13th Thoroughbred in the history of the sport to win the Triple Crown. Live Thoroughbred horse racing gets underway at 3:15 pm with the Belmont Stakes to run at 5:37 pm (Central).
In addition to the racing, Louisiana Downs will host a family fun kid zone featuring bounce houses, water slide, and face painting. The popular Food Trucks will return, or for fans that prefer the air conditioned comfort of the grandstand, the Harrah’s Club Buffet is open from 12pm – 6pm at $39.99 per person. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made by calling 800-551-7223 or 318-752-6367.
Trainer, Jockey and Owner Standings
As of May 30, Joe O. Duhon and Karl Broberg top the trainer standings with six wins each. Jorge Lara,Dana Whited and Henry E. Uriegas have each saddled five winners. Danny Pish, Al Stall, Jr. and Tyron Benoit follow closely with four wins.
Joel Dominguez, who lost his bug on May 24, did not lose a beat transitioning to the journeyman ranks. He added four victories to remain in the lead of the jockey standings with 14 wins. Richard Eramia is second with 13 trips to the winner’s circle and last year’s leading jockey Gerardo Mora is third with 11 wins. Kevin Smith, Hector Del-Cid and Aubrie Green have each won eight races.
Dream Walkin Farms, Inc has won five races to maintain the lead in the owner standings. End Zone Athletics, Inc. is next with four wins and Brittlyn Stable Inc, P and D Racing Stables and Jorge Gomez follow with three wins each.
Wednesday and Saturday Race Day Promotions
Louisiana Downs offers value for racing fans each Wednesday with Dollar Day. They will be able to enjoy $1 hot dogs, $1 beer at the Paddock as well as $1 programs. Saturday’s weekly promotion is the Family Four Packfeaturing four hot dogs, four sodas, a program, and a box seat for four at the affordable price of just $16.
The Total Rewards program is free for horseplayers. With the swipe of their card each Saturday, members will receive valuable incentives. These include:
Play $250 or more to receive a 5X multiplier
Play $1,000 or more to receive a 7X multiplier
Play $5,000 or more to receive a 10X multiplier
Participant’s multiplier cannot exceed a total balance of more than one hundred thousand (100,000) Reward Credits during one promotional day after the multiplier is applied.
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
Saturday, Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen M. Nielsen announced that an additional 15,000 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas will be available for Fiscal Year 2018. In this determination, Secretary Nielsen determined there are not sufficient, qualified, U.S. workers available to perform temporary non-agriculture labor to satisfy the needs of American businesses in FY18. This allocation is in addition to the 66,000 visas already issued this year. Secretary Nielsen made this decision after consulting with Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta, members of Congress, and business owners.
“The limitations on H-2B visas were originally meant to protect American workers, but when we enter a situation where the program unintentionally harms American businesses it needs to be reformed,” said Secretary Nielsen. “I call on Congress to pass much needed reforms of the program and to expressly set the number of H-2B visas in statute. We are once again in a situation where Congress has passed the buck and turned a decision over to DHS that would be better situated with Congress, who knows the needs of the program. As Secretary, I remain committed to protecting U.S. workers and strengthening the integrity of our lawful immigration system and look forward to working with Congress to do so.”
The H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker program was designed to serve U.S. businesses unable to find a sufficient number of qualified U.S. workers to perform nonagricultural work of a temporary nature. Congress set the annual H-2B visa cap at 66,000. A maximum of 33,000 H-2B visas are available during the first half of the fiscal year, and the remainder, including any unused H-2B visas from the first half of that fiscal year, is available starting April 1 through September 30.
On February 27, 2018, USCIS determined that it had received sufficient H-2B petitions to meet the full FY 2018 statutory cap of 66,000.
In the FY 2018 Omnibus, Congress delegated its authority to the Secretary to increase the number of temporary nonagricultural worker visas available to U.S. employers through September 30, just as it did in the FY 2017 Omnibus. In the intervening time since enactment of the FY 2018 Omnibus, the Secretary consulted with the Secretary of Labor on the issue, in accordance with Congressional requirements, and developed this rule.
Starting this week, eligible petitioners for H-2B visas can file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. Eligible petitioners must submit a supplemental attestation on Form ETA 9142-B-CAA-2 with their petition.
Details on eligibility and filing requirements will be available in the final temporary rule and on the Increase in H-2B Nonimmigrant Visas for FY 2018 webpage to be published on uscis.gov when the final temporary rule is posted for public inspection.
DHS is committed to ensuring that our immigration system is implemented lawfully and that American workers are protected. If members of the public have information that a participating employer may be abusing this program, DHS invites them to submit information to ReportH2BAbuse@uscis.dhs.gov and include information identifying the H-2B petitioning employer and relevant information that leads them to believe that the H-2B petitioning employer is abusing the H-2B program.
MR. AL’S GAL IS A FRONT-RUNNING WINNER OF THE $75,000 DISTAFF
OPELOUSAS, LA – Evangeline Downs hosted its richest night of the Thoroughbred season on Saturday with Louisiana Legends Night. There were eight stakes races held with total purses of $600,000 and the evening was a showcase of the finest Louisiana-bred horses currently in training.
Social Misfit (#2) holds off Lucky Andy (#6) to score a victory in the 2018 Louisiana Legends Classic at Evangeline Downs. Coady Photography.
SOCIAL MISFIT
Porto Foricos-Unfriendly Koo
Breeder: Earl Hernandez and Keith Hernandez
Owner: End Zone Athletics, Inc.
Trainer: Karl Broberg
Jockey: Timothy Thornton
2nd Lucky Andy
Lookin At Lucky-Sweet Britches
Breeder: George Gary Guidry MD & Walter Dwayne Brown MD
Owner: G. Gary Guidry and W. Dwayne Brown
Trainer: W. Bret Calhoun
Jockey: Roberto Morales
3rd Mageez
Musket Man-Spaseeba
Breeder: James A. McGehee Jr.
Owner: Double Dam Farm
Trainer: Delmar Caldwell
Jockey: Shaun Bridgmohan
It isn’t very often that a horse trained by Karl Broberg and ridden by Tim Thornton will go off at 8-1 at Evangeline Downs, but that is exactly what happened with Social Misfit in the $100,000 Louisiana Legends Classic, much to the delight of his backers as he was a winner, covering the 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.94 over a fast track.
The 1-2 betting favorite in the Classic, Mobile Bay, got off to a slow start and was last after the break. He had won five races in a row entering Saturday night, but was unable to mount a rally and settled for fifth. Social Misfit had been up close to the pace being set by longshot No One Greater, who led through a quarter-mile of 24.99 seconds and a half-mile of 50.01. Social Misfit assumed the lead at the top of the stretch and held off the valiant challenge of Lucky Andy through the lane to win by a head.
Social Misfit paid $18.20 to win, $7.80 to place and $12.40 to show. Lucky Andy returned $16.20 to place and $26.80 to show. Mageez finished third and paid $10.20 to show. The win was the 17th in 63 lifetime starts for Social Misfit and the $60,000 first-place purse increases his lifetime earnings to $486,966.
Social Misfit is a 9-year-old gelding by Porto Foricos and out of the Friendly Lover mare, Unfriendly Koo. He is owned by End Zone Athletics, Inc and was bred in Louisiana by Earl and Keith Hernandez.
Mr. Al’s Gal, Diego Saenz up, takes the Louisiana Legends Distaff with a Wire to Wire Win. Coady Photography.
Louisiana Legends Distaff
Evangeline Downs, 5-26-18, 1 1/16 Miles, $75,000
Accredited Louisiana Bred 3yos and Upwards, Fillies and Mares
MR. AL’S GAL
Salute The Sarge-Spanish Ice
Breeder: J. Adcock & Neal McFadden
Owner: Brittlyn Stable Inc.
Trainer: Justin Jeansonne
Jockey: Diego Saenz
2nd Hyper Piper
Old Fashioned-Filaree
Breeder: Earl Hernandez, Keith Hernandez & John Duvieilh
Owner: John Duvieilh, Keith J. & Earl J. Hernandez
Trainer: Sam B. David Jr
Jockey: Timothy Thornton
3rd Pacific Pink
Private Vow-Truly Romantic
Breeder: Brandon Adcock
Owner: Keith Plaisance
Trainer: Edward J. Johnston
Jockey: Colby J. Hernandez
Mr. Al’s Gal went right to the lead in the $75,000 Louisiana Legends Distaff and never relinquished it, going all the way in front to win by 1-1/2 lengths in a final time of 1:45.40 for the 1 1/16 miles. Mr. Al’s Gal turned the tables on the heavy favorite, Pacific Pink, who had defeated her in their last meeting this season at Evangeline Downs on May 2. The win was the first of 2018 for the filly owned by Brittlyn Stable, Inc. She is trained by Justin Jeansonne and was ridden to victory by Diego Saenz. Mr. Al’s Gal was bred in Louisiana by J. Adcock and Neal McFadden. She is by Salute The Sarge and out of the Spanish Steps mare, Spanish Ice.
Testing One Two wins the Louisiana Legends Soiree. Coady Photography.
TESTING ONE TWO
Star Guitar-Yes Sir
Breeder: Brittlyn, Inc.
Owner: Brittlyn Stable Inc.
Trainer: Vitor Arceneaux
Jockey: Diego Saenz
2nd Special Blessing
Flat Out-Langsyne
Breeder: J. Adcock
Owner: Coteau Grove Farms LLC
3rd Tap Dance Star
Star Guitar-Dance By Em
Breeder: Virginia Lazenby
Owner: Virginia Lazenby Racing Stable, LLC
Trainer: Oscar Modica
Jockey: Alexis X. Batista
Testing One Two is another filly that has certainly made her mark on Louisiana racing during her brief career and she came through with a two-length victory in the $75,000 Louisiana Legends Soiree. The victory on Saturdaynight was the fourth stakes win in her seven lifetime races. She covered the one mile distance in a time of 1:39.36. Testing One Two is owned and bred by Brittlyn Stable, Inc. She is trained by Victor Arceneaux and was ridden to victory by Diego Saenz. Testing One Two is by Star Guitar and is out of the Scat Daddy mare, Yes Sir.
Ours To Run Puts Away the Competition in the Louisiana Legends. Mademoiselle. Coady Photography.
Louisiana Legends Mademoiselle
Evangeline Downs, 5-26-18, 5 1/2 Furlongs, $75,000
Accredited Louisiana Bred 3yos and Upwards, Fillies and Mares
OURS TO RUN
Half Ours-Brown Eyed Baby
Breeder: Clifford Grum
Owner: Colonel Thoroughbreds, LLC
Trainer: J. Larry Jones
Jockey: Roberto Morales
2nd Efforting
Into Mischief-Get Going Bertie
Breeder: Orange Grove Thoroughbreds
Owner: Horseplayers Racing Club, LLC
Trainer: Albert M. Stall, Jr.
Jockey: Colby J. Hernandez
3rd Frolic
Custom For Carlos-Comehomewithasmile
Breeder: Bill Langford
Owner: Bill Langford and Roland Bruno
Trainer: Roland Lee Bruno
Jockey: Alexis X. Batista
Ours To Run claimed a second straight stakes victory over a dirt surface by winning the $75,000 Louisiana Legends Mademoiselle. Previously, she had won the Premier Night Matron at Delta Downs in February before trying the turf in consecutive losses at Fair Grounds and Keeneland. Ours To Run made a four-wide move around the far turn and surged to the lead at the top of the stretch. She went on to record a 4-1/4 length victory in a time of 1:03.41 for the five and one-half furlongs. Ours To Run was bred in Louisiana by Clifford Grum. She is owned by Colonel Thoroughbreds, LLC., trained by Larry Jones and was ridden to victory by Roberto Morales.
Monte Man takes his 5th straight victory in the Louisiana Legends Sprint. Coady Photography.
MONTE MAN
Custom For Carlos-Sarah’s My Angel
Breeder: Val C. Murrell
Owner: Ivery Sisters Racing
Trainer: Ron Faucheux
Jockey: Gerard Melancon
2nd Sir Ghengis
Tale of the Cat-Staria
Breeder: Randel Stutes
Owner: Gillian and Kirk L. Harris
Trainer: Kirk L. Harris
Jockey: Thomas L. Pompell
3rd Stand Him Up
Time Bandit-Taffy Davenport
Breeder: Hay Hollow Racing Stable LLC
Owner: Hay Hollow Racing Stables LLC
Trainer: Howard R. Alonzo, Jr.
Jockey: Diego Saenz
Monte Man overcame a squeeze at the start and a five-wide trip to win the $75,000 Louisiana Legends Sprint by 1-3/4 lengths in a time of 1:03.86 for the five and one-half furlongs. The win was the fifth in a row for Monte Man and the third straight stakes score for the gelding. Monte Man was bred in Louisiana by Val C. Murrell. He is owned by Ivery Sisters Racing, trained by Ron Faucheux and was ridden to victory by Gerard Melancon. Monte Man is by Custom For Carlos and is out of the Sutter’s Prospect mare, Sarah’s My Angel.
Double Star Takes The Louisiana Legends Cheval by 8 1/4 Lengths. Coady Photography.
DOUBLE STAR
Star Guitar-Bond Queen
Breeder: Thomas Edward Vinci & Bill Mayfield
Owner: Four Star Racing
Trainer: Robert D. Schultz
Jockey: Jose Andres Guerrero
2nd Pound For Pound
Redding Colliery-Buttercup’s Song
Breeder: J. Adcock & B&B Bloodstock
Owner: Israel Flores Horses LLC
Trainer: Jose Grimaldo
Jockey: Timothy Thornton
3rd Grand Luwegee
El Corridor-Magical Mia
Breeder: Gerard Perron
Owner: Gerard Perron
Trainer: Gerard Perron
Jockey: Roberto Morales
Double Star managed to record his second stakes victory of the 2018 Evangeline Downs season on Saturday in the $75,000 Louisiana Legends Cheval. Double Star made an aggressive move on the far turn to overtake the pace-setters, In Charge Halo and Battle At Sea. From there, he went on to win by 8-1/4 lengths in a time of 1:39.09 for the one mile. Double Star also won the Equine Sales Derby at Evangeline Downs on May 5. He was bred in Louisiana by Thomas Edward Vinci and Bill Mayfield. Double Star is owned by Four Star Racing, trained by Robert Schultz and was ridden to victory by Jose Guerrero. The colt is by Star Guitar and out of the Stormy Atlantic mare, Bond Queen.
Trust Factor Lead Wire to Wire to Win the Louisiana Legends Turf. Coady Photography
TRUST FACTOR
Paddy O’Prado-Marshall
Breeder: J. Adcock & Hume Wornall
Owner: Scrivener Stables
Trainer: Michael J. Maker
Jockey: Colby J. Hernandez
2nd In The Navy
Midshipman-Southern Princess
Breeder: Ken Standlee
Owner: Ken Standlee
Trainer: Scott Gelner
Jockey: Luis Negron
3rd Extra Credit
Proud Citizen-Sunny Isles
Breeder: Richard Klein& Bertram Klein
Owner: Klein Racing
Trainer: Brad H. Cox
Jockey: Shaun Bridgmohan
Trust Factor was a gate-to-wire winner in the $75,000 Louisiana Legends Turf. Colby Hernandez was aboard for the one-length victory over the yielding turf course in a final time of 1:45.45 for the 1 1-16 miles. This was his second stakes win of 2018 having previously won a stakes race at Fair Grounds in March. Trust Factor was bred in Louisiana by J. Adcock and Hume Wornall. He is owned by Scrivener Stable and trained by Mike Maker. Trust Factor is by Paddy O’Prado and out of the Mizzen Mast mare, Mainsail.
Theoryintopractice Takes the Louisiana Legends Starter on the Turf. Coady Photography.
THEORYINTOPRACTICE
Into Mischief-Cayman Colada
Breeder: Cypress Bend Farm
Owner: Courtney Barousse
Trainer: Corale A. Richards
Jockey: Colby J. Hernandez
2nd Harbor Pilot
Trappe Shot-harbor Princess
Breeder: Curt Leake
Owner: Red Rose Racing
Trainer: Scott Gelner
Jockey: Diego Saenz
Theoryintopractice made it a sweep of the turf races on Louisiana Legends Night for jockey Colby Hernandez, winning the $50,000 Starter. Theoryintopractice made the winning move on the far turn while running three-wide and was then able to withstand the late charge of Harbor Pilot to win by a half-length in a final time of 1:38.64 for the one mile. Theoryintopractice was bred in Louisiana by Cypress Bend Farm. The gelding is owned by Courtney Barousse and trained by Corale Richards. Theoryintopractice is by Into Mischief and out of the Yonaguska mare, Cayman Colada.
On this Memorial Day, The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association would like to express our sincere gratitude to all of the men and women who served the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives in military service. It is because of you that we enjoy the freedom we have.
The breeding rights for undefeated dual Classic winner Justify (Scat Daddy) are still undetermined, according to a statement from WinStar Farm released in response to an ESPN story published Thursday afternoon. The story stated that Coolmore had purchased the colt’s breeding rights for around $60 million.
The statement from WinStar, who owns Justify in partnership with the China Horse Club, SF Racing, Head of Plains Partners and Starlight Racing, said, “We have had numerous inquiries into the breeding rights of Justify, including from Coolmore. Nothing is finalized at this time and won’t be in the foreseeable future. We are focused on the [GI] Belmont [S.] and his racing career at this time.”
The Daily Racing Form reported Wednesday that injured rider Marlon St. Julien is showing signs of improvement following a serious spill over the weekend at Prairie Meadows. Marcus Hersh writes St. Julien has movement in his limbs and is able to communicate.
The jockey remains in intensive care after undergoing surgery to address a spinal injury from the fall. Doctors will know more about his prognosis after inflammation goes down.
St. Julien was aboard Carbaugh in the ninth race Saturday when the horse was interfered with and St. Julien fell off head first. The rider of 2,468 winners with earnings just shy of $47 million, St. Julien has won multiple graded stakes races over the course of his career.
Bossier City, LA – Apprentice jockey Joel Dominguez lost his bug on Tuesday, May 22, but those who have seen him in action have little doubt that he will remain successful at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs.
Dominguez, 28, was born in Durango, Mexico. He was athletic as a child, playing soccer and then becoming a boxer; undefeated in his weight class. He moved to Kentucky and learned to ride under the tutelage of his brother-in-law Pablo Teutla. Dominguez galloped for Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen for three years and then the highly respected Kentucky-based conditioner, Neil Howard.
“Neil was like family to me,” acknowledged Dominguez. “When I first began riding in Kentucky, I wasn’t ready. Neil made sure I knew I could always come back to work for him.”
Two years ago, he decided to come to Louisiana Downs as many trainers liked to give mounts to apprentice jockeys. In 2017, he won 31 races at Louisiana Downs, finishing tenth in the standings.
Don Simington, one of the top riders in Texas and Louisiana for three decades, is his agent.
“Ronnie Ardoin had his book last year,” said Simington. “I was impressed with Joel and was happy to become his agent. He’s a good, hard worker and came to Louisiana with a solid foundation.”
Dominguez has ridden at Delta Downs and Evangeline Downs, but this year picked up several mounts at Fair Grounds which boosted his confidence considerably. Dominguez enjoyed being a part of a very experienced jockey colony, crediting Corey Lanerie and Miguel Mena for serving as mentors. He also got the attention of the betting public on March 30 when he lit up the tote board with 54-1 longshot Reese’s Glory for owner/trainer Jorge Gomez. The 6-year-old mare rallied from last to first, rewarding her supporters with a $110.80 win payout!
“Riding in New Orleans was a good experience,” said Dominguez. “I really appreciated that Corey took the time to talk to me and gave me some helpful advice. He’s really talented and I like the way he goes to the front, sets the pace, and knows exactly how much horse he has.”
Another jockey who has boosted his confidence is Simington, who hung up his tack in 2015 after winning over 3,400 races.
“Don works very hard as my agent, but also helps me with feedback on my races,” he stated. “When I make a mistake, I always want to correct what I do wrong.”
Dominguez rides for many horsemen, including Gomez, Ronnie Ward, Ralph Irwin, Al Cates and Joe Duhon. He has also picked up mounts for Al Stall, Jr. Veteran Louisiana conditioner Duhon has seen Dominguez develop into a solid race rider.
“Joel has a very good work ethic and is very conscientious,” said Duhon. “He had the talent all along; he just needed the experience.”
While Duhon may select apprentices to ride some of his horses in the future, he will keep Dominguez in his rotation, even with the added poundage.
“He gives 150%, in the mornings and in his races for me; that means a lot,” added Duhon.
Dominguez prides himself on showing respect to others and enjoys talking with horsemen and the many assistants, grooms and exercise riders. He is affectionately dubbed “Borrega”, the Spanish word for sheep, because of his curly hair.
“Everyone on the backside calls me that, but it’s okay,” he said with a smile.
Maybe someday there will be a graded stake win in his future, but for now, he will continue to work hard and fine tune his prowess in the saddle.
“I told Don that one of my goals was to finish in the top three in the jockey standings,” he explained. “To be tied for the lead with Richard Eramia means a lot.”
As he takes the next step forward in his career, the married father of two offers his thanks to those who have encouraged him so far.
“I thank all the trainers, my agent Don and all the people who have helped me,” said Dominguez. My wife is very supportive, and the kids love to see me ride,”
He has plenty of opportunities to win his first race as a journeyman in the near future and will embrace the challenge.
“I’m not too worried about losing the bug,” said Dominguez. “I feel that have good skills and will always try to improve.”
Family Activities Set for Memorial Day
Louisiana Downs will present a family-friendly promotion on Monday, May 28 highlighted by the second annual Memorial Day Pig Races! The races will take place throughout the afternoon, between live Thoroughbred action. Plus, beginning at noon, there will be a children’s area with a FREE Petting Zoo, bounce houses and water slides. In addition, fans of all ages will be able to enjoy culinary delights from the most popular Food Trucks in Shreveport-Bossier City.
For fans preferring the air-conditioned comfort of the Grandstand, the Harrah’s Club will offer an All you can eat, All Day Buffet for $29.99.
Trainer, Jockey and Owner Standings
As of May 23, Jorge Lara and Karl Broberg top the trainer standings with five wins each. Joe O. Duhon, Dana Whited, Henry E. Uriegas and Danny Pish have each saddled four winners.
Richard Eramia and Joel Dominguez are tied for the lead in the jockey standings with ten wins. Last year’s leading jockey Gerardo Mora is second with eight trips to the winner’s circle and Kevin Smith, Emanuel Nieves, Hector Del-Cid and Eguard Tejera follow closely with six wins.
Dream Walkin Farms, Inc has won four races to take the early lead in the owner standings. End Zone Athletics, Inc. is next with three wins and Brittlyn Stable Inc, Thomas L. Holyfield, P and D Racing Stables, Jorge Gomez, Indian Creek Thoroughbred Farms LLC, Jerry Allen, Ian Yarnot, Joey Keith Davis, Maxie Wayne Kitchings, Sr. and Lara Racing Stables, Inc. follow with two wins each.
Wednesday and Saturday Race Day Promotions
Louisiana Downs offers value for racing fans each Wednesday with Dollar Day. They will be able to enjoy $1 hot dogs, $1 beer at the Paddock as well as $1 programs. Saturday’s weekly promotion is the Family Four Pack featuring four hot dogs, four sodas, a program, and a box seat for four at the affordable price of just $16.
The Total Rewards program is free for horseplayers. With the swipe of their card each Saturday, members will receive valuable incentives. These include:
Play $250 or more to receive a 5X multiplier
Play $1,000 or more to receive a 7X multiplier
Play $5,000 or more to receive a 10X multiplier
Participant’s multiplier cannot exceed a total balance of more than one hundred thousand (100,000) Reward Credits during one promotional day after the multiplier is applied.
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
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