Bossier City, LA – Jockey Richard Eramia has spent as much time on the road as he has in the saddle, but you will never hear him complain about his schedule. He began the year at Oaklawn Park, where he finished a respectable 12th in one of most competitive jockey colonies in the country.
Currently he is dividing his time between Louisiana Downs and Lone Star Park, which runs through July 15. He is solidly on top of their standings with 52 trips to the winner’s circle since their season began on April 19. He was honored as the Jockeys’ Guild Foundation Detox Jockey of the Week for April 23 – 20, 2018 by virtue of his huge week in which he won five races on the Lone Star card and topped all other North American jockeys in wins for the week.
This was the second time he was recipient of that award. Last June, he was recognized when he won five of the seven races on the June 21st card Louisiana Downs. Between Louisiana Downs and Lone Star Park, he posted the most victories of any jockey in the country.
For the next five weeks, Eramia will be dividing his time between Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas and Louisiana Downs.
“I like both track surfaces here,” said Eramia. “It’s a very good turf course, but the main track is excellent as well.”
He finished third behind Gerardo Mora and Aubrie Green in the standings here last year, departing six weeks early to return to Remington Park.
He won his 2,000th career last November at Remington Park, guiding Conquest Hiosilver to victory for trainer Kenneth Nolen. He won 73 races to finish second to Ramon Vazquez.
“Last year was my fourth full meet at Remington,” said Eramia. “It has been great.”
Born in Uruguay, Eramia began his United States riding career in 2005. He has surpassed the $4 million earnings mark six times with 2,106 wins to date. In excellent health, he has no time table for how long he will continue to ride and handles the wins and his losses with a quiet calm.
“It’s not my way to get overly excited about the wins or really down when I lose a race,” he said. “I prefer to stay steady and to take each day as it comes.”
Currently second to leading rider Joel Dominguez at Louisiana Downs, the hard-working veteran is highly respected in the jocks room. His fellow riders often compliment Eramia on his professionalism and willingness to serve as a mentor.
“That means a great deal to me,” he stated. “I was taught from an early age to show respect to others. I’ve always believed in treating people like you want to be treated.”
Eramia turns 39 on June 24. Chances are that he will be riding that afternoon at Lone Star Park and the birthday celebration will have to wait. That should be no problem for the easy-going family man, who makes his home four miles from Lone Star Park in Dallas.
However, he is looking forward to Saturday’s Belmont Stakes and will be rooting for Justify to win the Triple Crown.
“It is exciting to see a horse go for it,” he stated. “To get more attention for racing is great. It’s the way we make our living, and everyone wants to see another Triple Crown winner!”
Glory Be True Lights Up the Toteboard Monday Afternoon
The biggest win payout of the 2018 Louisiana Downs Thoroughbred meet came on Monday, June 4 when Glory Be True won the sixth race at odds of 72-1 and returned $146.60 for the $2.00 win bet. Owned by James Evans of Doyline, Louisiana, and trained by Beverly Burress, the 7-year-old mare by EZ Glory was making her 29th career start in a six furlong sprint for accredited Louisiana-bred fillies and mares. Breaking from post position seven under jockey Hector Del-Cid, the dark bay mare took the lead at the top of the stretch and held off a late bid from Gina’s Pie for her maiden-breaking victory.
“She had been off since last February,” explained Burress. “After her loss at Delta as a 6-year-old maiden, there were no other options, so we just turned her out. This year, Louisiana Downs changed their rule on maidens, so the owner wanted to give her another chance.”
Burress worked her in the mornings and explained that she struggled with the mare in her training efforts. Another exercise rider suggested taking off her blinkers, which made a huge difference.
“We clashed on the racetrack, but I always loved on her in the barn,” added Burress. “Hector knows her well; he had run second and third on her before. Now, she is no longer a maiden!”
It was the fourth win from 29 starters for Burress, the former jockey, who has just been training since 2016.
“She’ll run again,” said Burress said of Glory Be True. “James knew she would win and just told me to figure it out!”
Longshot players were rewarded handsomely on Monday with Mr Lexis ($64.60) winning the sixth race; Glory Be True ($146.60) captured the seventh and Bear Down Baby ($48.40) closing out the late Pick 3 for a 50-cent payout of $7,634.55.
Belmont Stakes Simulcast on June 9
Harrah’s Louisiana Downs invites fans of all ages to enjoy live racing and the simulcast of the 150thBelmont 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 13thThoroughbred 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.
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 |
