Month: May 2018

Ask Your Veterinarian: Recovery Time After Long Hauls

louisianathoroughbred

by | 05.02.2018 | 11:40am

Kentucky Derby Champion Nyquist is escorted off the van by groom Elias Anaya after arriving at Monmouth Park July 27 ahead of the Haskell

QUESTION: When a horse ships long distances to race, why do some lose so much weight…and how long does it take them to recover fully?

DR. PETER MORRESEY: Transportation causes stress in horses. Many things are done to minimize this, but stress cannot be eliminated completely and like people, horses respond individually. Many studies have been performed to assess metabolic and physical changes in transported horses.

During transport, heart and respiratory rates increase. The stress hormone cortisol is released, promoting breakdown of body tissue and energy stores. The levels of other hormones involved in metabolism (e.g. thyroid hormone) are also altered.

Transportation also results in the horse constantly needing to preserve balance, requiring energy from his muscles. This is most needed during acceleration and deceleration of the transport vehicle, so the skill of the driver also affects body condition.

All of these alterations to the daily needs of the horse over and above maintenance consume energy. In addition to this, exposure to new horses and novel environments provide an infectious challenge; this, too, has an energy cost to defend against.

During transportation, horses vary in their water and food intake. If the horse eats and drinks adequately, losses will be comparatively small and easily made up. When the horse cannot or will not eat enough due to circumstance or personality, these reductions compound the loss of energy stores and body condition (muscle, fat).

Recovery time varies between individuals. Time taken to recoup losses depends upon the ability of the horse to resume intake adequate to replace losses and meet ongoing needs. For some horses this is not difficult and they rapidly adjust with minimal outward signs. For others, situations of stress resulting from a new environment, altered social setting, and variations in the food offered due to different hay/concentrates and water source (which can greatly affect taste) mean many days may be needed to regain body condition and energy stores depleted on their journey. There is no set period over which this may occur. Special attention should be paid in the days following transportation to the vital signs of the horse, with alterations in respiratory rate or effort, or elevations in rectal temperature, requiring prompt veterinary attention.

Opportunities to ease the stress and resulting losses due to transportation include acclimating the horse to trailers or stalls well in advance of the time of transport, progressively altering food offered to match that available during their journey, and ensuring in the initial period after arrival that routine and feedstuffs to as great of a degree as possible do not deviate any more than necessary from that which the horse might expect.

Dr. Morresey began his career in New Zealand as a mixed animal practitioner following graduation from Massey University in 1988. He completed a theriogenology residence at the University of Florida and spent time as part of clinical faculty at the University of Pennsylvania. Areas of interest include reproduction, internal medicine, neonatal medicine, veterinary business and Chinese medicine.

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Copyright © 2018 Paulick Report.

NEW AWARD FOR TOP-PLACING LOUISIANA-BRED AT 2018 THOROUGHBRED MAKEOVER

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Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association Supports Retired Racehorse Project, Thoroughbred Makeover and Future Farmers of America
(New Orleans, La.) – The Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) announced recently that a new special award will be offered at the 2018 Thoroughbred Makeover presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America and taking place October 4-7 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky.
The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA) is sponsoring a $2,500 cash prize for the top-placing Louisiana-breds at the competition. Ten Louisiana-breds took part in the 2017 Thoroughbred Makeover, competing in eventing, dressage, show jumpers, show hunters, and polo. Louisiana was ranked eighth among states and Canadian provinces for the most horses entered.
“The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association continues to make an investment in the future of our Thoroughbreds by helping our former runners secure a beautiful life after their time on the racetrack is done,” said Roger Heitzmann III, secretary-treasurer of LTBA. “We believe that by assisting the Retired Racehorse Project, former racers are able to show others the true beauty of the Thoroughbred, as well as their continued usefulness.”
The LTBA award will be presented to the Louisiana-bred that earns the highest percentage of the total possible score in any of the ten disciplines offered. Almost 800 trainers have been accepted to compete in the 2018 event. Many trainers have not yet purchased the horse they intend to compete, and the cash award will offer an extra incentive to shop for an eligible mount bred in the Pelican State.
Any Jockey Club-registered Thoroughbred that raced or had a published work on or after July 1, 2016, is eligible to compete in the Makeover, as long as the horse did not start retraining for a second career prior to Dec. 1, 2017.
“More and more we are hearing about off the track thoroughbreds in Louisiana are being purchased as sport and pleasure horses,” said Heitzmann. “There are many now competing at national and international levels in many disciplines and winning. Horse purchases are trending toward these athletes that are known for their competitive prowess and talent.”
The Thoroughbred Makeover is the flagship event for RRP, a 501(c)3 non-profit committed to increasing the demand for and value of Thoroughbreds in their careers after racing. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the 2018 Thoroughbred Makeover.
LTBA is also working with the Louisiana Future Farmers of America (FFA) as a sponsor for a Career Development Event and Proficiency Awards. Career opportunities abound within today’s agriculture industry. Career Development Events (CDEs) help develop the ability to think critically, communicate clearly, and perform effectively in a competitive job market. There are 27 CDEs encompassing a broad range of career opportunities from communications to mechanics. Some events allow students to compete as individuals, while others allow them to compete in teams.
Today, the Louisiana FFA Association remains committed to the individual student, providing a path to achievement in premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. “That commitment matches with ours as we work to support future horsemen/horsewomen, veterinarians, farriers and others in the horse business,” said Heitzmann.
FFA continues to help the next generation rise to meet those challenges by helping its members to develop their own unique talents and explore their interests in a broad range of agricultural career pathways.
“Louisiana’s racing and breeding industry plays an important role in the state’s economic well-being and contributes a significant source of state revenue,” said Heitzmann. “The combined impacts of both racing and breeding and their related industries generates over $1 billion annually and employs nearly 13,000 people.”
For more information, please call 1-800-772-1195 or visit louisianabred.com.

LIVE THOROUGHBRED RACING AT HARRAH’S LOUISANA DOWNS GETS UNDERWAY ON SATURDAY, MAY 5

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Opening Day Features the Simulcast of the 144th Kentucky Derby

 

Bossier City, LA – The 2018 Thoroughbred racing season at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs commences on Saturday, May 5. Opening day will include eight races beginning at 3:15 pm (Central) and the simulcast of the 144th Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs.

 

Opening day will feature plenty of action for racing fans and an entertaining day for families as well. Beginning at 11:00 am along the track apron, there will be a children’s area with free bounce houses, water slides, face painting and culinary delights from the most popular food trucks in Shreveport-Bossier City.

 

The 84-day meet will include 14 stakes highlighted by two major stakes programs, Louisiana Cup Day on Saturday, August 4 and Super Derby Day on Sunday, September 2.

 

“We look forward to welcoming racing fans to Louisiana Downs this Saturday,” said Trent McIntosh, Louisiana Downs assistant general manager. “Opening day is always very exciting with live racing, the simulcast of the Kentucky Derby and a festival atmosphere suited for fans of all ages. The interest from horsemen has been strong and our goal is to offer quality racing to our horseplayers throughout the 2018 Thoroughbred meet.”

 

Super Derby Update and Fond Memories for Owner Staton Flurry

Louisiana Downs will present 14 stakes highlighted by two major events, Louisiana Cup Day on Saturday, August 4 and Super Derby Day on Sunday, September 2. As previously announced one major change for the upcoming season is that the Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby will return to the main track at a distance of mile and one-sixteenth on Sunday, September 2.

 

In 2017, the Super Derby was contested on the Franks Turf Course and Flurry Racing Stable LLC’s Mr. Misunderstood scored a definitive victory in the richest race of the season. Trained by Brad Cox, the gelded son of Archarcharch, shipped to Bossier City for the $60,000 Prelude, won that easily to earn a berth to the Super Derby, the meet’s richest stakes.

 

Staton Flurry, 27, is a young owner with a keen eye for racing prospects. He purchased Mr. Misunderstood for $130,000 at the 2016 Ocala Breeders’ Two-Year-Old in Training Sale and sent him to Cox, who is emerging as one of the country’s most respected conditioners.

 

After Mr. Misunderstood finished a disappointing seventh in the 2017 Illinois Derby, Cox urged Flurry to consider a switch to grass for the dark bay gelding.

 

“Brad suggested we run Mr. Misunderstood on the turf,” Flurry explained. “He has a knack for listening to the horse and the horse really liked it.”

 

Make that really, really liked it!  Flurry’s pride and joy who was entered in a $30,000 claiming race at Fair Grounds at the end of 2016, went on to win seven consecutive turf races last year, culminating with a victory in the Grade 3, Commonwealth Turf Stakes at Churchill Downs.

 

Flurry has 15 horses in training with Cox, Kevin Martin and Karl Broberg and was not overly disappointed hearing the news that the Super Derby would revert to the main track.

 

“The way that I see it, we got a little piece of history,” he said. “I loved the experience and we enjoyed running at Louisiana Downs. I bought a Louisiana-bred at the TTA Sale last month; he had one of the top five works. If all goes well, we’re hoping to get him in a prep this meet and aim for the Prelude.”

 

Flurry makes his living in the family-owned parking lot business in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He has ties to Midget Car Racing but admits that horseracing is his passion.

 

“It gets in your blood,” admits Flurry. “I’m part owner of (the undefeated 3-year-old trained by Cox) Exclamation Point, who is pointed to the Sir Barton at Pimlico. I love studying bloodlines, attending the sales and watching my horses train. Of course, winning never gets old!”

Trainers and Jockeys To Watch

Joey Foster of Vinton, Louisiana, who has won the last two training titles at Louisiana Downs, returns with a full barn. He saddled 68 winners last year to top H. B. Johnson, Karl Broberg, James Hodges, Sarah Delany, Pat Mouton, Dana Whited and Danny Pish, all of whom return with runners on the opening day card.

 

Last year’s leading rider, Gerardo Mora, will be back, along with Richard Eramia, Aubrie Green, Filimon Rodriguez, Eguard Tejera Hector Del-Cid, Jose Guerrero, and Kevin Smith.

 

Post Times and Stakes Schedule

Live racing will be conducted Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and Saturday with a 3:15 p.m. (Central) post time through September 27.

 

The 84-day meet will include 14 stakes highlighted by two major events, Louisiana Cup Day on Saturday, August 4 and Super Derby Day on Sunday, September 2. As previously announced one major change for the upcoming season is that the Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby will return to the main track at a distance of mile and one-sixteenth on Sunday, September 2.

 

Saturday, August 4                           Louisiana Cup Day               Noms close July 21

$50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile                    2 YO LA-Bred                        Six furlongs

$50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies          2 YO Fillies LA-Bred             Six furlongs

$50,000 Louisiana Cup Filly & Mare Sprint  3 YO & Up F&M, LA-Bred  Six furlongs

$50,000 Louisiana Cup Sprint                        3 YO & Up LA-Bred              Six furlongs

$50,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic              3 YO & Up LA-Bred              1 1/16 miles (T)

$50,000 Louisiana Distaff                              3 YO & Up F & M LA-Bred  1 1/16 miles (T)

$60,000 Super Derby Prelude                         3 Y0                                        1 1/16 miles

 

Sunday, September 2                        Super Derby Day                  Noms close August 18

$60,000 Unbridled                                          3 YO & Up                             1 1/16 miles (T)

$60,000 River Cities                                       3 YO & Up F&M                    1 1/16 miles (T)

$60,000 Happy Ticket                                    2 YO Fillies                             One Mile (T)

$60,000 Sunday Silence                                 2 YO                                       One Mile (T)

$300,000 SUPER DERBY (G3)

​               ​

3 YO

​

1 1/16 miles

$60,000 A. L. (Red) Erwin                             3 YO LA-Bred                        One Mile (T)

$60,000 Elge Rasberry                                   3 YO Fillies, LA-Bred            One Mile (T)

 

Race Day Promotions

The Total Rewards program at Louisiana Downs is free for horseplayers. With the swipe of their card each Saturday, members will receive valuable incentives, beginning May 5.  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.

 

Also, fans in attendance on Saturday, May 5 will receive a $5.00 FREE BET which can be redeemed on Saturday, May 19.  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.

 

For more information on the upcoming racing season and special events, 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 | Bossier City, LA 71111
www.caesars.com