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Month: August 2018

GMB RACING’S LONE SAILOR LEADS A FIELD OF NINE IN THE GRADE 3, $300,000 SUPER DERBY AT HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS

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Seven Stakes Races Will be Contested on the Super Derby Program Sunday, September 2 at a Special Post Time of 12:00 pm

 

Autumn Warrior #7 Prelude Finish
Prelude Winner Autumn Warrior: Hodges Photography

 

Bossier City, LA – A quality field of 3-year-olds will run in Super Derby 39 at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, on Sunday, September 2. The marquee day of the 2018 Louisiana Downs Thoroughbred meet will get underway at a special post time of 12:00 pm (Central).

 

Leading the field is Lone Sailor who finished eighth in this year’s Run for the Roses for owner Gayle Benson’s GMB Racing.  The New Orleans-based group purchased the colt by Majestic Warrior out of the Mt. Greeley mare Ambitious  as a yearling for $120,000. He broke his maiden at Saratoga on September 3, 2017 and advanced directly into stakes company. Trained by Tom Amoss, the bay colt has faced the nation’s top three-year-olds, including Triple Crown winner Justify in both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. Lone Sailor ran second by a nose in the Grade 3, Ohio Derby and most recently finished a respectable third in the Grade 1, Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park. Lone Sailor has competed in eight graded stakes to date and is the high earner in the Super Derby field with $579,237 banked in twelve starts. Jockey James Graham has the mount and will break from post position three.

 

“We feel that this is a real opportunity for Lone Sailor to take a step forward,” said Amoss in a telephone interview today. “He’s been working well in the mornings and the Super Derby is a very important race. Once we began considering sending him to Louisiana Downs, it was an easy sell.”

 

This would be the first Super Derby win for Amoss, who ran Mo Tom in the 2016 edition of the race.

 

“I want to catch up with Al (Stall), the “Cajun Bob Baffert,” quipped Amoss. “But, seriously, running in this race is very important to me and my wife. Both our children were born in Shreveport, and we are looking forward to being there on Sunday.”

 

Trainer Al Stall Jr has a very talented 3-year-old in Autumn Warrior, who earned his berth into the Super Derby as the winner of the $60,000 Super Derby Prelude here on August 4. Bred and owned by Robert Guidry’s Autumn Hill Farms Racing Stable Inc., the son of Orb, is undefeated in three starts, including his first route race for Stall. Overcoming a troubled trip in the Prelude, he advanced from seventh to win in a thrilling photo finish under rider Colby Hernandez. The dark bay colt will break from the rail under Hernandez.

 

Stall has a longtime association with Guidry, who gave him his first horse in 1991, a filly by Mt. Livermore named Lady Cacharel.

 

One of the most successful Louisiana conditioners, Stall will be seeking his fourth victory in the Super Derby. He won the prestigious race in 2008 with My Pal Charlie and again two years later with Apart.  Departing was the third winner for the New Orleans native in 2013.

 

Trainer Brad Cox, who won the 2017 Super Derby, which was contested on the Franks Turf Course, with Flurry Racing Stable’s Mr. Misunderstood, has nominated High North, for owners Shortleaf Stables, Inc. Bred in Kentucky, the colt by Midnight Lute won the $250,000 Iowa Derby on July 5, and was third in the Grade 3, $500,000 West Virginia Derby on August 4.  Jockey Florent Geroux, who rode High North to victory at Prairie Meadows, will make the trip to Bossier City on Sunday.

 

Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC and Willis Horton Racing LLC’s Lionite will make the trip to Louisiana Downs for Hall of Fame conditioner Steve Asmussen.   This will be the tenth career start for the son of Quality Road, who broke his maiden in April at Oaklawn Park and won his first stakes on June 8 at Prairie Meadows. He finished third in the Iowa Derby and made his most recent start in the Grade 3,West Virginia Derby, where he ran fourth. Asmussen has given the mount to David Cabera, who won his 800th career race Saturday night at Remington Park.  Asmussen is also sending in Limation, for owner Michael Langford.  Sired by Alternation, he has won two of his seven career starts and exits a start in the Ellis Park Derby on  August 12. Diego Saenz will ride for Asmussen.

 

Other Prelude entrants, G’s Turn owned by Tom Galvin of Dallas, Texas will run for trainer Patricia West as well as Oakwood Stable Inc’s McFeely. The colt by Scat Daddy ran fourth in the Prelude for conditioner John Ney. Owner Danny Keene hopes for a better trip for his colt, Bode’s Maker, the fifth-place runner in the Prelude. The Kentucky-bred son of Bodemeister is trained by Allen Milligan and Louisiana Downs-based rider Joel Dominguez retains the mount.

 

“If he would have a had a clean trip, the outcome would have been different,” said Keene. “He was boxed in and when he finally got clear, it was too late. He’s a good colt and a strong closer.”

 

Keene won the 2016 Super Derby with Texas Chrome and has fond memories of the victory.

 

“Winning the Super Derby meant a great deal,” acknowledged Keene. “He was third in the wagering that day and stepped up big time. There are some good horses in this year’s field, but in racing, you never know!”

 

The field also includes Charlie’s Schiller, a son of Artie Schiller who will make his stakes debut for owners Daren Ives and James Adametz. He is trained by Tommy Ives who will give a leg up to Aubrie Green.

 

The Super Derby, which had its first running in 1980, has a distinguished list of past champions, including four Kentucky Derby winners, four Preakness Stakes winners, five Belmont Stakes winners and seven Travers Stakes winners. Six previous Super Derby entrants have won the prestigious Breeders’ Cup Classic and three Super Derby winners, Tiznow, Sunday Silence and Alysheba have been voted the Eclipse Award as Horse of the Year, the industry’s highest award.

 

“The Super Derby will always be the most significant race run at  Louisiana Downs,” said David Heitzmann, Louisiana Downs Director of Racing.  “Its return to the main track and Grade 3 status attracted an impressive field for Super Derby 39. With excellent fields in each of our seven stakes, we look forward to presenting an outstanding card for our local fans and horseplayers across the country on Sunday.”

 

Six Undercard Stakes Set for Super Derby Day

In addition to the Super Derby, six additional stakes will be contested on Sunday’s program. A press release on the entrants for the following features will be sent tomorrow:

 

$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)

$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)

 

 

Live Racing Schedule This Week at Louisiana Downs

Louisiana Downs will run live programs on Monday, August 27, Tuesday, August 28 and Saturday, September 1 at 3:15 pm (Central). There will be no live racing this Wednesday, due to the special Super Derby program carded for Sunday, September 2.

 

Super Derby Festivities Set for Sunday, September 2

Several promotions and special events are planned so that both racing fans and families will have an enjoyable Labor Day Sunday.

 

At 10:30 am, fans are invited to participate in a Jockey Meet and Greet and Autograph Signing in the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs main entrance area. A photo of the riders will be available for $5.00 with the proceeds to benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF).

 

Louisiana Downs track announcer John McGary and regional racing publicist Martha Claussen will team up for a pre-race handicapping preview at 11:00 am in the Inside Rail, located on the first floor of the grandstand. They will offer detailed analysis of the Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby as well as their selections for each of the races on the Super Derby card.

 

Also beginning at 11:00 am, a Children’s Area will open on the Racing Apron.  Face Painting is available for an additional charge. Children can join in the fun with the Super Derby Stilt Walkers and Hula Hoop Stars! Food Trucks from across the region will be serving up great local bites for purchase.

 

Beginning at noon and continuing through the last race, fans can swipe their Total Rewards card at the racing kiosks to receive their Super Derby 39 $5 Free Bet that can be redeemed on Saturday, September 8, 2018.

 

Also at 12:00 pm, registration begins for the Super Derby Ladies Hat Contest. Hats will be judged in three categories: Spirit of Louisiana, Classic and Most Original. The winners will receive $100 cash.

 

The Food Truck Face-Off  will take place after the 3rd race. Competitors will have five minutes to scarf down some of the yummiest foods available for purchase on the Racing Apron. Seven popular local celebrities and three participants from the crowd will compete to win, not only bragging rights, but $250 in cash.

 

After the 6th Race Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Super Derby 39 Opening Ceremony will include a Proclamation by Bossier City Mayor Lorenz Walker, posting of the colors by the Bossier Sheriff’s Young Marines and The National Anthem performed by American Idol cast member, Garrett Jacobs.

 

 

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.

FAT CLEMENZA TAKES DOWN THE $50,000 EVANGELINE DOWNS PRINCE

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STAKES VICTORY IS ONE OF THREE WINS ON THE CLOSING NIGHT CARD FOR JOCKEY COLBY HERNANDEZ

 

FAT CLEMENZA
Fat Clemenza wins the Evangeline Downs Prince Stakes, August 25, 2018. Coady Photography

 

Evangeline Downs Prince Stakes
Evangeline Downs, 8-25-18, 6 furlongs, $50,000
Two-Year-Old Colts and Geldings

FAT CLEMENZA
Closing Argument–Bronze Abe
Breeder: Chrislin LLC, (LA)
Owner: Darrah Wentworth
Trainer: Harvey Lourd, III
Jockey: Colby J. Hernandez

2nd
Wakefield
Munnings–Proudtobeajones
Breeder: Nathan Wallis (TX)
Owner: Jerry Namy
Trainer: Karl Broberg
Jockey: Timothy Thornton

3rd
Geauxcro
Unbridledsensation–Holy Vision R. N.
Breeder: Carrol J. Castille (LA)
Owner: Whispering Oaks Farm LLC
Trainer: Steven B. Flint
Jockey: Kerwin D. Clark

OPELOUSAS, LA – Darrah Wentworth’s Fat Clemenza was an impressive maiden-breaking winner at Evangeline Downs on August 3, winning that first start by seven lengths. The gelding made it two in a row here this season by overcoming traffic trouble in the stretch to claim a victory in the $50,000 Evangeline Downs Prince on Saturday night.

The early fractions were carved out nicely by B W P Express, who led through a quarter-mile of 22.02 seconds and a half-mile of 45.68. Fat Clemenza was pinned in at the rail through the early stages and was still fighting for racing room as the field entered the stretch. Meanwhile, the 2-5 betting favorite, Wakefield, had made a nifty move on the far turn while running three-wide and made the lead at the 3/16 pole. Fat Clemenza was angled out by jockey Colby Hernandez and moved to the outside of Wakefield to make a challenge. The grey gelding wore down the leader in the stretch to prevail by one length in a final time of 1:12.07 for six furlongs over the fast track.

Fat Clemenza returned $8 to win, $2.60 to place and $2.60 to show. Wakefield paid $2.10 to place and $2.10 to show. A 46-1 longshot, Geauxcro, came in third and paid $8 to show.

Fat Clemenza was bred in Louisiana by Chrislin, LLC and he is trained by Harvey Lourd III. The 2-year-old gelding is by Closing Argument, and is out of the Two Punch mare, Bronze Abe. He is now 2-for-2 in his career and the $30,000 first-place purse increases his lifetime earnings to $45,300.

Live racing at Evangeline Downs will resume on Wednesday, October 3 when the 2018 American Quarter Horse season begins with a 46-night racing season. Post time for that season will be 5:35 pm Central Time.

For more information on the upcoming season, visit the track’s website at www.evdracing.com. Evangeline Downs’ Twitter handle is @EVDRacing and the racetrack is also accessible on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EvangelineDownsRacing.

 

Churchill Downs Inc. Hopes to End Racing at Calder

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Horsemen note that such a move would cost some $10 million in purse money.

Florida industry groups have lined up to oppose a plan by Churchill Downs Inc. to end Thoroughbred racing at its Calder property, a move that could cost horsemen about $10 million a year in purses generated by slot machines at Calder Casino.

In February, CDI was awarded a pari-mutuel jai alai license from Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering. With that approval, CDI currently holds pari-mutuel licenses for both jai alai and Thoroughbred racing at Calder, but the latter will expire in 2020.

In documents submitted to the DPMW, CDI said it wishes to switch from racing to jai alai, a move that would reduce its expenses associated with statutory purse fund requirements. On July 31, Calder submitted an email to the DPMW requesting a declaratory statement from the regulator about whether the switch would jeopardize its casino license.

Under state law, the casinos at Gulfstream Park and Calder both pay into a single Thoroughbred purse fund, a commitment of 10% of their slot machine revenues. Even though Gulfstream owner The Stronach Group has taken over racing operations at the former Calder Race Course property—now run as Gulfstream Park West—the Calder casino generates revenues for purses and breeder awards all year. The Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association estimates revenue from the Calder casino committed to the purse fund will reach $9 million-$10 million this year.

The Florida HBPA has filed motions with the DPMW opposing CDI’s plans to change the Calder pari-mutuel license from Thoroughbred racing to jai alai. Late Aug. 23 in a joint release, Gulfstream Park, the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association, and the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company each expressed opposition to CDI ending racing in favor of jai alai.

The Florida FTBOA noted that voters approved casino gaming at Calder with the understanding that it would support Thoroughbred racing. It said that support has allowed CDI to successfully operate slot machines at its Calder property since 2010.

“Now, Churchill Downs apparently sees the opportunity to pull a ‘bait-and-switch’ in the interests of increasing its profits, with little regard for the economic harm its moves will cause to the faithful Florida trainers, owners, and breeders that have long supported its racing program, as well as the other Florida tracks and participants in Florida’s Thoroughbred industry,” the FTBOA noted.

Calder officials believe that under the language of the state law, a move from racing to jai alai should be allowed. Under the company’s interpretation, it’s not a high bar to clear for such a switch. It said the law only requires the property be located in Miami-Dade County, existed at the time added gaming was adopted, and conducted live racing in the calendar years 2002-03—all standards Calder meets. If the DPMW agrees with the company’s assessment, Calder plans to offer summer jai alai and discontinue Thoroughbred operations.

The Florida HBPA noted that following the 2004 state-wide vote that allowed slot machines at Calder and six other pari-mutuel facilities in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, the legislature recognized the “importance of protecting and promoting Florida’s Thoroughbred racing industry against the possibility that Calder and Gulfstream Park, the state’s two Thoroughbred tracks eligible for slot machine gaming, would abandon their Thoroughbred racing activities and instead offer patrons slot machine gaming only.”

In a filing with the DPMW, the Florida HBPA noted that in 2004 it committed $1 million to Calder to help campaign for the approval of slot machine gaming at tracks. It also outlined the far greater interest in Thoroughbred racing, as opposed to jai alai.

“The division knew, or should have known, that the substantial interests of FHBPA and its members would be or would likely be adversely affected,” the FHBPA argued.

In the release, Florida industry groups said if Calder is allowed to abandon Thoroughbred racing, the negative impact will be significant.

“It is extremely disappointing to watch Churchill Downs continue its effort to extricate itself from the racing business in Florida while adding millions more to its bottom line in slot revenue,” OBS officials said, before referencing the elimination of the grandstand and barns on the Calder property. “Calder’s Florida mission is illustrated by its past performances, which include bulldozing over half of the barn area, taking a wrecking ball to the grandstand, and supporting decoupling. Its latest attempt to exit racing via jai alai is a backdoor effort to continue operating slots and reopen its card room without horse racing. If Churchill gets its wish, the implications will stretch far beyond the Florida borders, and ripple effects will be felt nationwide in the sales ring, on the racetrack, and in the breeding shed.”

Decoupling is a proposal being debated that, if adopted, would allow operators to cease pari-mutuel wagering but retain their casino license.

In terms of casino operations, Gulfstream noted that if Calder eliminates its commitments to racing, that reduction in expenses will provide its casino a competitive advantage in the South Florida area. It also said Thoroughbred racing and breeding in the state would be hurt.

“We are obviously worried about the unlevel playing field and advantage Calder would have, along with the loss of breeders’ awards and purse money that has helped grow the industry,” Gulfstream officials said. “The ability just to change the use of a license after being granted slots under a different license would undermine all the growth we have achieved.”

On Aug. 24, a CDI spokesperson declined to comment on the Florida industry release.

Calder began advertising a part-time position on the company website and on LinkedIn for a jai alai player manager/trainer Aug. 6 and a position Aug. 9 for a cesta and pelota maker. A cesta is the basket a jai alai player wears on his or her hand to throw and catch the ball, and the pelota is the ball.

Since 2014, The Stronach Group has run the racing operations at Calder, which races as Gulfstream Park West. According to the DPMW, in fiscal year 2016-17, Gulfstream Park West offered 37 race dates and 346 races, with total purses of $7,593,910.

John Valene, Age 100, Passes

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John Valene, age 100 of Deephaven, Minnesota passed away at home, surrounded by family, on Tuesday afternoon, August 21, 2018. He served in the US Army Air Force during WWII. John was a true entrepreneur and founded his first business in 1947 and was President and Owner of RPP, Inc.

He was an avid horseman breeding and owning many successful Louisiana-bred thoroughbreds with his son Murray under the banner of Valene Farms, a venture the pair started in 1962. In 2000 Valene Farms was the Louisiana TOBA Breeder of the year. Notable Louisiana-bred runners from the Valene Farms stables include Asta’s Foxy Lady, Doctor Mike, Ide Like A Double (Louisiana Bred Champion), Hisse, Autobeacat (Louisiana Bred Champion), Platinum Lady, and G2 Adirondack Stakes winner Designer Legs (Louisiana Bred Champion). Designer Legs brought Louisiana-breds to the national stage once again competing in the 2013 Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies Stakes.

Survivors include his children, Murray Valene (Geraldine) of New Orleans, LA, Valerie Valene (Michael Pukas) of Gypsum, CO, Scott Valene (Patrice) of Long Lake; 8 grandchildren, Kym Valene of New Orleans, Kari (Sean) Dart of Settle, Brandon Valene of Seattle, Courtney (Ari) Low of Wayzata; McKenna, Connor, Riley and Jack Valene, all of Long Lake; 5 great- grandchildren, Samantha and Jesse Dart, Ethan, Alexandra and Chase Low; nephew, Robert (Angilea) McNae of Orono. He was preceded in death by his wife Sally, his daughter Marjorie Valene Grossman, his brothers Jacob, Leo & Sam, & his sisters Rose, Helen & Mary. A special thank you to his care team: Missy, Diana, Alex and especially Barb Cummings-Ward. A gathering to honor John and celebrate his life will be held from 4:00PM – 7:00PM, Monday, August 27, 2018, at David Lee Funeral Home, 1220 Wayzata Blvd. E., Wayzata, 55391. David Lee Funeral Home Wayzata 952-473-5577 davidleefuneralhome.com

G1SW Daaher to Stand at Circle H

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G1 Cigar Mile H. winner Daaher is moving from Shadwell Farm in Lexington, Kentucky to Circle H Farms in Abbeville, Louisiana for the 2019 breeding season.

A 2004 son of Awesome Again out of the stakes winning Irish Open mare Irish Cherry, Daaher won the G1 Cigar Mile Handicap at Aqueduct by 2 1/2 lengths, earning a 114 Beyer Speed Rating in the process at age three. The same year he won the G2 Jerome Handicap at Belmont by 2 1/4 lengths, earning a 110 Beyer for his effort.

With 8 crops of racing age, Daaher is the sire of 8 blacktype winners including G2 stakes winner Gypsy Robin ($598,900) G2 placed stakes winner Clothes Fall Off ($485,660) and 2018 multiple stakes winner One Last Empress.

In an agreement between Shadwell Farm and Circle H Farms, Daaher will be standing for a 2019 fee of $3,000 Live Foal.

NOMINATIONS CLOSED FOR THE GRADE 3, $300,000 SUPER DERBY AND SIX UNDERCARD STAKES AT HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS

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Special Post Time of 12:00 pm Set for Sunday, September 2

 

Bossier City, LA – Nominations have closed for Super Derby Day at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, which will take place on Sunday, September 2. The marquee day of the 2018 Louisiana Downs Thoroughbred meet will get underway at a special post time of 12:00 pm (Central).

The Super Derby program will feature seven stakes, highlighted by the Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby, for 3-year-olds going a mile and one-sixteenth on the main track. The Super Derby closed with 30 nominations, and included four Thoroughbreds who had competed in the Grade 1, $2 million Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

Trainer Tom Amoss has nominated Lone Sailor, who finished eighth in this year’s Run for the Roses for owner G M B Racing.  The colt by Majestic Warrior faced Triple Crown winner Justify again in the Preakness Stakes. Lone Sailor ran second by a nose in the Grade 3, Ohio Derby and most recently finished a respectable third in the Grade 1, Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park.

John Oxley’s Flameaway, who also ran in the Kentucky Derby would certainly receive considerable attention from horseplayers should trainer Mark Casse decide to send him to Louisiana Downs. The colt by Scat Daddy has earned over $834,000 in his 12 career efforts. He ran second in the Grade 2, $600,000 Jim Dandy at Saratoga in his most recent start.

Trainer Dale Romans has nominated eight runners for the Super Derby, including two Kentucky Derby participants: Promises Fulfilled and Free Drop Billy. Promises Fulfilled, a son of Shackleford owned by Robert J. Baron, triumphed in the Grade 2, Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream Park and was a three-length winner in the Grade 3, Amsterdam on July 28 at Saratoga.

Albaugh Family Stables, LLC’s Free Drop Billy has competed in nine graded stakes to date. Sired by Union Rags, the chestnut colt made his last start in the Grade 1, Belmont Stakes in June.

Trainer Brad Cox, who won the 2017 Super Derby, which was contested on the Franks Turf Course, with Flurry Racing Stable’s Mr. Misunderstood, has nominated High North, for owners Shortleaf Stables, Inc. Bred in Kentucky, the colt by Midnight Lute won the $250,000 Iowa Derby on July 5, and was third in the Grade 3, $500,000 West Virginia Derby on August 4.  Mr. Misunderstood, who won the Prelude and Super Derby last year, has racked up seven stakes wins for Cox and owner Staton Flurry since last August at Louisiana Downs. One of the country’s most accomplished turf specialists, the 4-year-old son of Archarcharch will make his next start on September 1 in the $750,000 Tourist Mile at Kentucky Downs.

Indiana Derby champion Axelrod owned by Slam Dunk Racing, is another notable nominee. The victory at Indiana Grand on July 14 was the first Grade 3 for the Florida-bred son of Warrior’s Reward.

Another talented 3-year-old who earned his berth into the Super Derby on August 4 is Autumn Warrior, winner of the $60,000 Super Derby Prelude at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs. Bred and owned by Robert Guidry’s Autumn Hill Farms Racing Stable Inc.,  the son of Orb, is undefeated in three starts, including his first route race for trainer Al Stall Jr. Overcoming a troubled trip in the Prelude, he advanced from seventh to win in a thrilling photo finish under rider Colby Hernandez. The dark bay colt has remained at Louisiana Downs under the watchful eye of Stall’s assistant, Pam Fitzgerald.

“He’s doing well,” she reported. “He had a real easy breeze last Saturday and will work again this Saturday. Although he can be a handful, we get along well. We were proud of his effort in the Prelude; he handled the difficult trip very well and couldn’t have gotten more experience from his first time stretching out.”

Other Prelude top four finishers, G’s Turn owned by Tom Galvin of Dallas, Texas is nominated and will likely enter, according to trainer Patricia West.. Amoss also trains Zanesville, a son of Tiznow, who ran third in the Prelude for Rosemont Farm LLC. Also, Oakwood Stable Inc’s McFeely, who completed the superfecta in the Prelude, is on target for the Super Derby The colt by Scat Daddy is conditioned by John Ney.

The Super Derby, which had its first running in 1980 has a rich history. The illustrious list of past champions includes four Kentucky Derby winners, four Preakness Stakes winners, five Belmont Stakes winners and seven Travers Stakes winners. Six previous Super Derby entrants have won the prestigious Breeders’ Cup Classic and three Super Derby winners, Tiznow, Sunday Silence and Alysheba have been voted the Eclipse Award as Horse of the Year, the industry’s highest award.

 

The draw for Super Derby Day will take place on Monday, August 27. The featured stakes are:

 

$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)

 

 

Louisiana Downs Trainer and Jockey Standings

Through August 20, Karl Broberg is the leading trainer with 19 wins. Al Stall, Jr, is next with 17 victories. Last year’s leading conditioner Joey Foster has saddled 15 winners and  Jorge Lara, Danny Pish and Joe O. Duhon are tied with 14 wins each.

Emanuel Nieves continues to lead his fellow riders with 62 wins, and is hoping to clinch his first leading rider title when their meet wraps on September 27.  Joel Dominguez is in second-place in the standings with 52 wins and Gerardo Mora, last year’s top jockey, is third with 49 victories. Richard Eramia follows with 38 trips to the winner’s circle, but has departed to ride at Remington Park. Hector Del-Cid rounds out the top five riders with 35 wins.

End Zone Athletics, Inc. tops the owner standings with 12 wins. Dream Walkin Farms, Inc. follows closely with 11 first-place finishes. Patti Turner has nine wins and Indian Creek Thoroughbred Farms, LLC has won eight races in the 2018 Thoroughbred meet.

 

Super Derby Handicapping Seminar Set for Sunday, September 2

Louisiana Downs track announcer John McGary and regional racing publicist Martha Claussen will team up for a pre-race handicapping preview at 11:00 am in the Inside Rail, located on the first floor of the grandstand. They will offer detailed analysis of the Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby as well as their selections for each of the races on the Super Derby card.

 

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.

 

Study: Betting Could Help Sports Attract Younger Fans

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For horse racing, this crowd should provide target for some crossover.

Sports-betting adults are more affluent, younger, more diverse and better educated adults than the general population, according to an American Gaming Association commissioned study from Nielsen Sports.

The research identifies groundbreaking demographic and behavioral characteristics of self-identified bettors who the AGA believes will populate the future legal U.S. betting landscape. A second, forthcoming element of the project will estimate the amount of revenue this demographic can help unlock for the major U.S. sports leagues.

For horse racing, the crowd should provide a target for crossover.

Experts: Horse Racing Left at Gate in Digital Marketing

Among this crucial demographic for sports leagues and broadcasters, 71% of those research participants who currently bet with a bookie say they would shift some or all of their betting activity to a regulated market if they had access to a legal platform.

According to Nielsen Sports, 44% of sports bettors are adults under the age of 35, as opposed to 31% of the general population. Looking at household income, 29% earn $100,000 or more, almost double the proportion of the general population.

“The Nielsen Sports data supports what we’ve long expected: access to legal sports wagering will increase fan engagement in major sport contests and enable a significant revenue generation opportunity for major sports leagues and teams,” said Sara Slane, senior vice president of public affairs for the AGA. “Expanding access to legal sports betting will bring millennial audiences back to sports broadcasts and stadiums, which is a huge benefit for sport enterprises across the country.

“However, this potential will only be realized with proper policy frameworks that empower consumers with competitive odds, access to all bets, and the ability to tap into modern platforms including mobile. Without this focus on consumers, the illegal market will continue to thrive.”

Nielsen Sports surveyed more than 1,000 adult sports fans—including fans of the National Football League, major league baseball, the National Basketball Association, and the National Hockey League—and self-identified sports bettors nationwide, identifying demographics and consumption habits to quantify the value of the legal sports betting market.

Additional research is underway to quantify how much each league can realize from widely available, legal, regulated sports betting. Topline findings from the research are available here.

Lanerie Sweeps Ellis Park Juvenile Stakes With Tobacco Road, Serengeti Empress

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Tobacco Road and Corey Lanerie win the Ellis Park Juvenile

Corey Lanerie swept Ellis Park’s pair of 2-year-old stakes but in completely different fashion Sunday: Serengeti Empress led all the way to an electrifying 13 1/2-length blowout over the late-running Include Edition in the $75,000 Ellis Park Debutante. A race later, Tobacco Road wore down stablemate Whiskey Echo to take the $75,000 Ellis Park Juvenile by three-quarters of a length.

Lanerie won four races out of five mounts on the card to take the lead — 24-22 over Shaun Bridgmohan — in the jockey standings for the first time this meet, for which he missed the first six days following the death of his wife, Shantel.

“When I came back here, I didn’t know how well I would do after Shantel’s passing, just if people would give me back my mounts right away,” Lanerie said. “It’s been a blessing. I took off where I left, kind of kept on winning. My business didn’t seem to linger at all. Once I saw I had a little chance, I kind of made it a goal to try to do it and be leading rider for Shantel.”

Trainer Tom Amoss loved Serengeti Empress even before the 2-year-old filly won her first start by 5 1/2 lengths July 4 at Indiana Grand. He was extremely disappointed when the daughter of Alternation was fourth in Saratoga’s Grade 3 Schuylerville, a race in which Hall of Fame jockey Javier Castellano dropped the whip turning for home.

“We classified her as one of the best in the barn,” Amoss said by phone from New York after Serengeti Empress’ 13 1/2-length laugher over the late-running Include Edition in the $75,000 Ellis Park Debutante. “A big disappointment at Saratoga when Castellano dropped the stick on her and just quit riding her. I’ve never figured out what went wrong in that race. But she came back to show what she was today.”

Serengeti Empress rolled through testing fractions of 22.21 seconds for the first quarter-mile, 45.29 for the half and 1:09.66 for three-quarters of a mile before finishing the seven furlongs in 1:22.29. She paid $4.80 as the 7-5 favorite in the field of 11 two-year-old fillies.

“My filly broke really well right from the gate,” Lanerie said. “She was in hand pretty much all the way around there. When I got to the quarter pole, I kind of pushed the button and she went on and finished all the way to the wire. I had plenty left on the gallop-out. She was so far in front by herself that I think she was getting a little lost. I was keeping her busy. But she didn’t need any encouragement today. She was going to win.

“The sky’s the limit, I think. Tom has done a fantastic job with her, him and his team. I’m sure he’ll get her as far as he can go and do his best. She’s a good one.”

Vickie Foley, trainer of Alexis Harthill’s Include Edition, said she was “loving it,” seeing the fast pace. “But that filly didn’t come back at all,” she said wistfully. “She’s a runner.”

Include Edition trailed the field for half the race, having to come six-wide on the turn. She took second by 1 1/2 lengths over 107-1 shot Lucky Girasol, who won a $16,000 maiden-claiming race at Ellis Park July 29.

Said James Graham, rider Include Edition, who came from well back to win her debut July 15 at Ellis Park: “She tries. She’s just not that quick early. Like in her first race, you say, ‘Oh yeah, maybe a little green and stuff.’ Sent her away a little bit, couldn’t keep up. I tucked in, saved a little ground, made a huge run around the turn. I passed everybody and I looked up and Corey’s 15 in front!

“I think she’ll be better at two turns, and she’s in the growing stage. I like her, I like what she might be able to become. She got a little bit of an education. They were so bunched up in turn and said, ‘OK, I can’t wait and try to go on and hope to kick home.’ Because she’s not quick, she’s just steady. She ran her race, tried her butt off.”

Amoss bought Serengeti Empress for $70,000 for Joel Politi of Columbus, Ohio, at Keeneland’s 2017 September yearling sale. He said the filly will return to his Churchill Downs base and could be pointed for that track’s Grade 2, $200,000 Pocahontas Stakes, whose winner gets an automatic berth and entry fees paid in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies on Nov. 2, also at the Louisville track.

Asked what he liked about Serengeti Empress before she ran, Amoss said, “
“Super intelligent. Went through all of her drills without blinking an eye. I mean, every time we challenged her she was up to it. So when we made her first start with her, it was more because that’s where the maiden race (at Indiana Grand) appeared at that time. We wanted to go to Saratoga, which we kind of pushed that issue together because they were close together. Just happened to have a maiden race at Indiana Grand as opposed to Ellis, so that’s where we ended up.”

Rounding out the field were Shanghai Rain, Somewhere, Profound Legacy, Kristizar, Bivian B, Spice It Up, Wakeeta and La Coyota.

Corey Lanerie completed his sweep of the stakes by guiding Tobacco Road from eighth to a three-quarters of a length triumph over Whiskey Echo in the $75,000 Ellis Park Juvenile, with Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen training both horses. Manny Wah finished another head back in third in the field of 10 two-year-old colts and geldings.

“He had a completely different trip from the filly,” Lanerie said, referring to Serengeti Empress’ front-running 13 1/2-length romp over Include Edition in the $75,000 Ellis Park Debutante a race earlier. “He doesn’t have as much speed as she did. He broke really good, and then the speed just kind of ran away from him. I had to kind of keep him busy the first quarter of a mile. Once he found his stride around the turn, from the three-eighths to the quarter pole, I could tell I had a lot of horse. It was just trying to time it right and get him to the front at the right time.

“Actually at the quarter pole, I thought I had the two in front of me with ease. I hadn’t really asked my horse. I didn’t think the two in front, that they had that much. When I got to his (Whiskey Echo’s) hip, he proved me wrong. I got a little worried at the eighth pole. And then by the sixteenth pole I was kind of taking control and getting away from them.”

After three races, Tobacco Road has followed the identical path as Lookin At Lee, the 2017 Kentucky Derby runner-up ridden by Lanerie. Both horses are trained by Asmussen and owned by Lee Levinson’s L and N Racing. Both horses finished fifth at Churchill Downs in their first start, won at Ellis in their second and took the Ellis Park Juvenile in their third. Tobacco Road just now needs to run out $1.1 million and be at least second in a Triple Crown race to keep up the comparisons.

“It was a good day,” Levinson said by phone from Tulsa. “The comparisons continue. The best part was how he finished, because he was pulling away at the end. Boy, can you imagine at a distance? You never know but, boy, he sure looks like he’s got distance, doesn’t he?

“… When he came around the turn, you could just see him coming. He was catching them with every stride. We were pretty excited. We thought we had a great chance. But you never know, watching those races. How many times have you watched and they’re coming up like gangbusters and just stop?”

Mitch Dennison, Asmussen’s assistant trainer at Ellis Park, has had Tobacco Road in his care all summer and said the winner was showing a lot in his timed workouts in company.

“He’s very competitive and he always just has his ears up, is very happy and has kept very good weight,” he said.

Though the early pace (22.47, 45.66) was similar to what Serengeti Empress set in the Debutante, the boys finished much slower, with Tobacco Road wrapping up the seven furlongs in 1:23.99. after the six furlongs slowed down to 1:11.02. But there also was more competition for the lead, with Manny Wah and Whiskey Echo right up on the pace battling long shot S S. Trooper.

Whiskey Echo, the program favorite who went off second choice behind Tobacco Road, won his first start at Belmont Park and then was third in Saratoga’s Grade 3 Sanford Stakes. Asmussen said by phone that both colts will go to Churchill Downs and be considered for that track’s Grade 3, $150,000 Iroquois, whose winner receives an automatic berth and entry fees paid to the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile on Nov. 2 at the same track.

“They’re both really nice colts, obviously,” Asmussen said. “We felt good about our chances going in. Whiskey Echo off the third in the Sanford, I thought this was the perfect spot for him. And then when Tobacco Road ran so well there a couple of weeks ago, it was obvious to run him back at Ellis. But both colts ran well and handled more ground, and that’s kind of what it’s all about right now.”

Said Shaun Bridgmohan, rider of runner-up Whiskey Echo: “The horse tried really hard. He gave me what he had. The winner came on the outside and got us all. But me and Channing (Hill, on Manny Wah) were running right along. The winner just outgamed us today.”

Overanalyzer finished fourth, followed by Mine Inspector, S S Trooper, Shanghaied Roo, Pradar, Lady’s Weekend and Veritas.

NTRA Provides Updates on Industry Issues

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An NTRA legislative briefing held Thursday, Aug. 10 at Fasig-Tipton Sales Paddocks provided updates on a diverse range of topics impacting Thoroughbred breeding, racing, and handicapping.

NTRA President and CEO Alex Waldrop and Greg Means, principal and CFO at The Alpine Group, which represents the NTRA and the industry’s lobbying interests in Washington, D.C., provided updates on a range of topics, including:

Federal Withholding & Reporting – Long-sought Treasury and IRS regulations that modernize federal withholding and reporting of pari-mutuel winnings have resulted in a 90-95% reduction in the filing of IRS Form W-2Gs. The changes have led to a drastic reduction in the reporting and withholding of winning wagers, which in turn has helped fuel handle increases. During the first six months of 2018, overall handle increased 5.5%. Average handle per race day in 2018 has increased 8.7% through June (vs. a 3.7% gain in all of 2017). Overall, U.S. pari-mutuel handle in 2018 is on course to exceed $11 billion for the first time since 2010.

Tax Reform – The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that became law in December 2017 contains a number of incentives that promote investment in Thoroughbred breeding and racing. Among the many positive changes included in the bill were:

•    An increase in immediate expensing to 100% and expansion of the definition of “new property.” Buyers would be able to write off 100% of all horses purchased, including breeding stock, as long as the asset purchased has not been previously owned by the purchaser.

•    An increase in the Section 179 limit to $1 million from $500,000, and an increase in the cost of property subject to the phase-out to $2.5 million from $2 million, which would be beneficial to industry participants that generate net taxable income.

•    Inclusion of a new 20% deduction for certain pass-through business income. Owners of businesses such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, trusts and S corporations now may be able to deduct 20% of their qualified business income when filing their tax returns. Qualified business income includes domestic income from a trade or business but does not include employee income, capital gains, interest and dividend income. Additionally, business owners can combine their businesses into a single unit to claim the benefit, thereby making the process of filing more efficient and less costly.

Waldrop stressed the importance of each taxpayer consulting with his or her tax advisors to assess how the bill will specifically affect their operations.

Sports Betting – The Monmouth Park/New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association Supreme Court victory put horseracing at the epicenter of sports betting. It also extends the industry’s reach from online wagering under the Interstate Horseracing Act–space it has occupied since 2000–into a vast new area of the American gaming market, where sports betting is estimated to be a $400 billion business. While the primary activity since the Supreme Court decision has been at the state level, Means noted that the major sports leagues, in particular, are already advocating on Capitol Hill for a uniform federal bill aimed at consumer protections, among other issues. Means projected that it is unlikely that Congress will consider any legislation on this topic this year. However, the issue will likely arise in more force in 2019. Both Means and Waldrop noted that Thoroughbred racing must be aggressive in defending its interests relating to Sports Betting and be ready to take advantage of new opportunities on Capitol Hill should they arise.

Credit Card Transactions Involving Advance Deposit Wagering (And, Potentially, Sports Betting) – While many banks permit Visa and MasterCard credit cards to be used in funding an Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW) account, up until this year four of the largest banks that are significant card issuers have refused to allow this legal use. In January, JP Morgan Chase, the nation’s largest issuer of credit cards, began allowing this activity and the NTRA continues to work with the three other large banks to secure a reversal of their exclusions.

The same challenges to ADW wagering may affect those who seek to fund sports betting accounts via credit card, meaning that those in our industry who offer ADW and sports betting will have multiple banking issues.
On the same front, ADW wagering is being blocked by search engines such as Google that do not readily turn up direct links to horseracing betting sites, but simply link to informational stories about wagering or horse races. The advent of sports betting will change this landscape rapidly, again posing potential threats–and opportunities–for the Thoroughbred industry.

Immigration – There is strong disagreement on Capitol Hill over Immigration policy. Efforts earlier this summer to pass immigration bills failed and it is unlikely that Congress will take any major action on Immigration prior to the November elections. Thoroughbred trainers continue to face major labor shortages due to a lack of H-2B visas available to backstretch employees. While comprehensive immigration reform will be necessary if Thoroughbred racing is to receive the relief it needs from the current guest worker program, Waldrop and Means acknowledged that such reform is not likely to occur in the near term due to the current political environment in Washington.

New Team of Officers Elected to Lead the American Youth Horse Council

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McDonald, NM, August 17, 2018– The American Youth Horse Council (AYHC) board of directors elected new officers to guide the organization for the next two years. Newly elected officers include President – Marla Lowder, Alaska; Vice-President – Debbie Manring, Ohio; Secretary – Hayley Eberle – Oklahoma; Treasurer – Dr. Dean Jousan; Mississippi. Former president, Dr. Jenifer Nadeau will move into the Past President advisory role.

 

President – Marla Lowder

Marla Lowder was raised in Idaho on a dairy farm the youngest of 11 children and grew up participating in 4-H horse projects.  Marla earned a bachelor degree in Parks and Recreation with an emphasis in youth camps and a minor in Horse Training from Utah State University.  She received a Master’s degree in Agriculture Education with an emphasis in adult education from University of Idaho. Marla is the Interim Alaska State 4-H Program Leader at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks where she oversees the State Horse Development Committee and helped them implement their first State Horse Contest in 2007. Her two passions in life are youth and horses.  She loves the motto of the American Youth Horse Council and honestly believes that “Kids + Horses = Magic”.

 

Vice President – Debbie Manring

Debbie Manring has been a 4-H volunteer, youth leader and coach for Horse Bowl, Hippology and Horse Judging teams for over 25 years. She was selected as the 2009 AYHC National Youth Horse Leader of the Year and received the 2017 AYHC Distinguished Service Award. Debbie was an approved Ohio 4-H Horse Show Judge for over 12 years and remains an active volunteer/judge for state events. Additionally, she has been a volunteer/judge for Horse Bowl and Hippology contests at the All American Quarter Horse Congress and Eastern Nationals 4-H Horse Round-Up Horse Bowl contest since 2002. She recently retired from a 41-year career as a nurse and now has more time for volunteer activities. She enjoys spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren and also enjoys backpacking.

 

Secretary – Hayley Eberle

Originally from Georgia, Hayley became involved with horses at a very early age.  Having competed in several equestrian disciplines from speed events to hunt seat classes, she became successful and desired to be involved in the equestrian industry. A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, Hayley earned a bachelor’s degree in horse science with a minor in business administration while also competing in Intercollegiate Horse Show Association shows and on the horse judging team. To gain experience with event management and horse associations while still in college, she spent much of her free time working equestrian events such as American Stock Horse Association Shows and American Quarter Horse Association events. Since early 2013, Hayley has been employed with the National Reining Horse Association. She currently manages the Sire & Dam program, NRHA Professional Committee, and alliances all while fulfilling marketing responsibilities. Hayley works with NRHA staff to help coordinate and promote many different youth activities such as Ride A Reiner’s and the NRHA Collegiate Judging Contest.

 

Treasurer – Dr. Dean Jousan

A native of Joaquin, Texas, Dean Jousan grew up showing livestock through 4-H and FFA. He received his BS in Animal Sciences from Texas A&M University in 2000, his MS in Animal Sciences with a focus on reproductive physiology from Virginia Tech University in 2002, and his PhD in Animal Sciences with an emphasis in Animal Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Florida in 2006. Dean joined the faculty in the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences at Mississippi State University as the Extension 4-H Livestock Specialist in September 2006. As a former 4-H’er, Dean realizes the positive impact youth programs can have on the lives of young people. Providing avenues for youth to connect with horses at an early age is critical. Taken together, the experiences, knowledge, and skills gained using horses enable youth to develop connections with leaders in the equine industry where they become invested for a lifetime.

 

About the American Youth Horse Council

The American Youth Horse Council is a network of academic, breed, industry and other representatives interested in facilitating the flow of horse-related educational resources for youth. AYHC’s mission is to provide encouragement, communication, leadership & resources to serve and promote the youth horse industry. For more information about the association, please visit AYHC.com or contact the American Youth Horse Council at info@AYHC.com.

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