LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 27, 2019) – After a meeting of and discussion with its Board of Directors today in Lexington, Ky., Breeders’ Cup Limited affirmed by unanimous decision its commitment to conduct the 2019 Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif. on November 1-2. This will mark the 10th time the event will be held at Santa Anita, the most of any host venue over the 36-year history of the Breeders’ Cup.
“Foremost among the core values of the Breeders’ Cup are the safety and integrity of the competition and we hold ourselves, our host sites and our competitors, to the highest standards of both. It is clear that meaningful and effective reforms and best practices have been implemented in recent months at Santa Anita through the collective efforts of The Stronach Group, the Thoroughbred Owners of California, the California Thoroughbred Trainers, and the California Horse Racing Board,” said Craig Fravel, President and CEO of the Breeders’ Cup. “We fully embrace those reforms and will devote our time and energy in the coming months to further advance those efforts. We look forward to showing the world the best in Thoroughbred racing at one of its finest venues.”
The Breeders’ Cup is committed to conducting its annual World Championship event at the highest levels of safety and integrity. For more information please visit the Breeders’ Cup Safety & Integrity web page.
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About Breeders’ Cup
The Breeders’ Cup administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred racing’s year-end Championships. The Breeders’ Cup also administers the Breeders’ Cup Challenge qualifying series, which provides automatic starting positions into the Championships races. The 2019 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, consisting of 14 Graded Stakes with purses and awards totaling more than $30 million, will be held on November 1-2 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., and will be televised live by the NBC Sports Group. Breeders’ Cup press releases appear on the Breeders’ Cup website, www.breederscup.com. You can also follow the Breeders’ Cup on social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Sens. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, introduced legislation today to permanently end the slaughter of American horses for human consumption in the United States and abroad.
The John Stringer Rainey Safeguard American Food Exports (SAFE) Act is supported by leading animal welfare groups, including the Animal Welfare Institute, the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), the Humane Society of the United States, the Humane Society Legislative Fund, and Return to Freedom Wild Horse Conservation.
Tens of thousands of American horses are shipped each year to Canada and Mexico to be slaughtered for human consumption—a practice that 80% of American voters oppose. American horses are not raised for food and routinely receive a wide range of medications that are expressly prohibited for use in meat products. Even so, the problem of horses and burros being butchered for human consumption persists because “kill-buyers” can legally purchase horses at auctions or from unsuspecting owners in order to ship them to slaughterhouses abroad.
Horses endure long stressful journeys without food, water, or rest and can experience severe injuries and even death en route to slaughterhouses. During the slaughter process, it can be extremely difficult to accurately stun horses—who react to noise, smells and sounds in a commercial plant with their natural flight response. Improperly stunned horses may even remain conscious during the butchering and dismemberment process. The inherent cruelty of sending horses to slaughter is evident at each stage of their journey and was well documented—even in the presence of government oversight—when slaughterhouses existed in the United States.
Further complicating the issue is that unsuspecting individuals who wish to rehome their horses are being duped into selling them into the slaughter pipeline. A recent example involved a veterinary student who deceived owners into giving up their horses by stating that she would find good homes for them, but instead profited by selling them for slaughter. As long as no federal law prohibits the sale for human consumption, owners are unable to ensure that any horse they sell will not end up on a truck bound for a slaughterhouse across the border. Every horse, in fact, is one bad sale away from slaughter.
The John Stringer Rainey SAFE Act would amend Title 18 of the U.S. Code to make it illegal for anyone to knowingly transport, purchase, sell, possess, ship or receive any horse with the intent of slaughtering the animal for human consumption. The SAFE Act would also codify penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for individuals who violate the law. The bill—which mirrors legislation that was introduced in a prior session of Congress—will be referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, of which Sen. Graham is the chair.
The legislation is named for the late John Stringer Rainey of South Carolina. Rainey was a business leader and philanthropist who supported organizations that promote second careers for retired racehorses, including the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. He also worked for the passage of legislation to end slaughter of horses.
“The gruesome practice of slaughtering horses for food has no place in the United States, and it’s well past time for Congress to say once and for all that horsemeat is not what’s for dinner,” said Sen. Menendez. “Horses are routinely treated with drugs that are dangerous for human consumption and do not belong in our nation’s food supply. Our bipartisan legislation will help put an end to the cruel and inhumane slaughter of horses while protecting families from toxic horse meat and safeguarding the reputation of the U.S. food industry worldwide.”
“Horse slaughter is fundamentally cruel. The fear and suffering of the animals, while reason enough to stop this industry, are not the only problems,” said Kitty Block, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, “Since American horses are not raised for human consumption and are given medications that can be dangerous to humans, their meat is not safe for human consumption. We applaud these Senators who have taken a stand with most Americans who view horse slaughter as the true abomination it is.”
“It is time to ban the slaughter of American horses for human consumption. Horses are an iconic American species, in large part because of their amazing contributions to the building of our nation,” said Sara Amundson, president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. “They deserve better than being shipped overseas to slaughter. We applaud Senators Menendez, Whitehouse, Collins and Graham for helping to protect them from the inhumane practices of slaughter.”
“We are grateful to Senators Menendez, Graham, Whitehouse, and Collins for their leadership in ending the slaughter of American horses for human consumption by introducing the John Stringer Rainey Safeguard American Food Exports (SAFE) Act,” said Cathy Liss, president of the Animal Welfare Institute. “The problem of tens of thousands of American horses being shipped to slaughter abroad has persisted for far too long, despite overwhelming public opposition to this practice. The food safety and animal welfare concerns associated with the horse slaughter industry are simply too great to ignore. We owe it to these majestic animals to ensure that they do not meet an inhumane death and that the predatory horse slaughter industry is finally stamped out in the United States.”
“Horse industry stakeholders and animal welfare organizations are joining forces on equine welfare solutions by assisting at-risk horses and providing safety net services for owners in need, but those efforts cannot prevent this practice as long as it remains legal. Each year that passes without a ban on horse slaughter in place subjects tens of thousands of American horses to a horrific fate—one that is entirely avoidable,” said Nancy Perry, senior vice president of ASPCA Government Relations. “We are grateful to Senators Menendez, Graham, Whitehouse, and Collins for their leadership in moving the SAFE Act forward to protect horses from this greed-driven cruelty.”
“That more than 80,000 American horses—including an unknown number who once roamed freely on our public lands—are shipped to their deaths in foreign slaughterhouses each year is an unnecessary betrayal of the animals that helped us build our country, continue to serve humanity and inspire people around the world as a symbol of the American spirit,” said Neda DeMayo, president of Return to Freedom Wild Horse Conservation. “RTF applauds Senators Menendez, Graham, Whitehouse and Collins for recognizing the public’s overwhelming opposition to horse slaughter and continuing this bipartisan fight for the good of America’s horses and for human health.”
The groups encourage the public to contact their senators to urge them to cosponsor the SAFE Act and do all they can to secure its swift passage in order to protect America’s horses and overall consumer health from horse slaughter.
Bossier City, LA – Things are going very well for jockey Carlos Lozada so far this season at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs.
Born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, a municipality south of San Juan, Lozada learned his craft in Puerto Rico’s Escuela Vocational Hipica, the famed jockey school with a noted list of riders that have reached the top ranks in North America. Irad Ortiz, Jr, Jose Ortiz as well as 2018 Harrah’s Louisiana Downs top-ranked rider, Emanuel Nieves, all graduated from the school.
Lozada, 34, made his United States debut at Evangeline Downs in 2007. He has won 490 races over the last 12 years, and is off to an excellent 13th year on the Louisiana circuit.
He is the current leading jockey at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs with 40 wins since the meet began on May 4. Lozada has made 14 more trips to the winner’s circle than fellow riders Joel Dominguez and Richard Eramia. Last year’s champion, Nieves is sidelined with a broken arm.
Lozada appreciates the hard work of his agent, Ronald Ardoin, in booking him quality mounts for each live race day. He rides for a multitude of trainers including Joey Foster, Joe Duhon, John Henry Prather, Jr., James Hodges, Raul Rangel and Alfonso Banderas.
On May 20, Lozada rode three winners for three different barns, including a game victory in the seventh aboard Come On Get Higher ($14.60) for Rangel. The 5-year-old Louisiana-bred gelding was tenth by five lengths in the early stages before Lozada guided him to a neck victory in the one-mile turf event.
The horsemen all concur that Lozada is a skilled rider with an excellent work ethic.
“He’s a good jockey and comes to work every day,” said Duhon.
When it comes to turf, dirt, sprint or route races, Lozada has no preference. He just loves to ride and enjoys the challenges of each race. Ardoin, who will be inducted into the Louisiana Downs Racing Hall of Fame on July 13, is well respected in the industry and on the backside. He makes his rounds in his golf cart and Lozada is there with him each morning.
“Ronald has won over 5,000 races,” said Lozada. “That’s a lot of races! He watches me ride and sometimes gives me suggestions. It helps and we get along well. The main difference is that I would rather walk the barns than ride in the golf cart!”
Ardoin is enjoying his association with Lozada, citing just one minor flaw.
“His English is very good,” stated Ardoin. “I just wish I could get him to talk more!”
Lozada is pleased that his family is with him here this summer in Louisiana. He and his wife, Eileen, have three sons: Anthony, Jean Carlos and Jandriel. They will return to Puerto Rico when the school year gets underway.
This would be the first leading rider title for Lozada, but that honor is not his top priority.
“I’ve never won a title,” he acknowledged. “Things have been going well for me at Louisiana Downs, but I am not thinking too far ahead. I just want to try hard to win every race and provide for my family.”
Leading jockey Carlos Lozada, his wife, Eileen and sons Anthony, Jean Carlos and Jandriel. Hodges Photography.
Super Tuesday Pick 4 Debuts on Tuesday, June 25
A new wager, the SuperTuesdayPick 4, will be introduced on Tuesday, June 25. The wager teams two Caesar’s Entertainment racetracks: Harrah’s Louisiana Downs and Indiana Grand Racing and Casino, which both offer Tuesday matinee racing programs. Two races from each property will be selected for the Super Tuesday, Pick 4 wager: races six and seven from Indiana Grand and races two and three from Harrah’s Louisiana Downs.
Both racetracks will offer their fans a free Pick 4 mini-program with past performances on the four races as well as selections from analysts Rachel McLaughlin and John McGary.
The Super Tuesday Pick 4 Wager with a reduced takeout of 15%, will be offered each Tuesday through September 24.
“We are excited about this wager,” said Eric Halstrom, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs vice president of operations. “Our horseplayers have been highly receptive to handicapping contests and innovative wagers, so we believe they will embrace the Super Tuesday Pick 4 with enthusiasm. It is a tremendous opportunity for both properties to attract new fans and follow the action in Louisiana and Indiana.”
Fan Vote for the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Racing Hall of Fame Open Through June 29
Harrah’s Louisiana Downs recently announced the formation of its first Racing Hall of Fame. It will honor the achievements of horse owners, trainers, jockeys, horses and property contributors who have played pivotal roles in the rich history of Harrah’s Louisiana Downs. Members of the first class are John Franks, Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr., Frank L. Brothers, C. W. Walker, Ronald Ardoin, Larry Snyder, Sunday Silence and Free Spirits Joy.
Beginning on Saturday, June 15, the public will be able to cast a vote for an additional inductee in the category of trainer, jockey, racing contributor and horse. Voters can select ONE of the following nominees in each category by clicking on the following link on the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs website: http://shout.lt/bQZNV.
Voting will close on Saturday, June 29 with the Racing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony slated for Saturday, July 13.
No Live Racing Wednesday, June 26 Due to Addition of Thursday, July 4 Card
Harrah’s Louisiana Downs has amended its schedule for the next two weeks to include a live card on Thursday, July 4. There will be noracing on Wednesday, June26. Live programs will continue on Saturday, June 29 and take place Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of next week.
On Thursday, July 4, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs will host a family-friendly afternoon of live racing, kid’s activities and Exotic Animal Racing. Post time is 3:15 pm for all cards.
Indiana Horseplayer Wins the Caesars Rewards Handicapping Challenge
Caesars Entertainment horse racing properties – Harrah’s Louisiana Downs , Indiana Grand Racing & Casino, Harrah’s Hoosier Park, and Harrah’s Philadelphia hosted its first-ever Caesars Rewards Handicapping Challenge on Saturday, June 22.
Dean Ehrgott of Camby, Indiana, who participated at Indiana Grand, was the top player, winning the $20,000 first prize by the margin of 40 cents over second place finisher Paul Napoli, who participated at Harrah’s Philadelphia and earned $10,000.
Ehrgott, a former Standardbred owner in the state of Indiana, credited his friends, Greg Gass and Deniz Sidkey, for helping him get to the top of the leaderboard. He was visible in the top 10 standings throughout the contest and was able to select Chief Red Bull in the final race offered to complete the challenge with a bankroll of $129.00 and take home the top prize. Napoli had an accumulated total of $128.60 in second place while Frederick Nielsen, also of Harrah’s Philadelphia, finished third with a balance of $127.00 to earn the $1,500 third place prize. Erghott’s second entry finished fourth with a $107.80 tally. Places four through 10 received $500 each.
“I got lucky and hit three races that paid pretty good at Philly (Harrah’s Philadelphia),” said Ehrgott. “I’m a harness guy, so going into the last race, I got help from my Thoroughbred guy and I selected the one (Chief Red Bull). He finished second and paid $3.40, which was just enough to move me into the lead. We play a lot in these types of contests,” added Ehrgott. “We play in the Santa Anita Breeders Cup $10,000 Challenge every year. We have a lot of fun traveling around.”
In addition to his $20,000 top prize, Ehrgott will also receive a seat in the 2020 National Horseplayers Championship (NHC) in Las Vegas. And, if he should win the 2020 NHC, Ehrgott would earn a $1 million bonus provided by the Caesars Rewards Handicapping Challenge.
Players in the Caesars Rewards Handicapping Challenge made selections from all four racetracks involved in the contest. A total of 20 races were provided, 12 of which were mandatory for each player. Also, each player had to use one race from each track, making it a unique format as they played both Thoroughbred and Standardbred races during the four-hour challenge. All four racetracks had at least one player in the top ten.
“This was a great way to expose more of our Louisiana Downs customers to the Caesars Entertainment family of racetracks and do so in a very rewarding way,” said Eric Halstrom, vice president of operations at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs.
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.
Phoenix-based Turf Paradise, Arizona’s largest horse racing track, saw racing-related equine fatalities fall by nearly 40% during the season that ended May 3, according to a press release from the Rose, Moser, Allyn public relations firm.
During the 2017-’18 meet there were 7,452 starts and 23 Thoroughbred racing related equine fatalities. During the 2018-’19 meet there were 7,050 starts and 14 Thoroughbred fatalities. That’s 1.99 per 1,000 starts, which is dramatically down from 3.09 per 1,000 starts in 2017-’18. The national average is 1.68, according to the Equine Injury Database.
The sharp decline followed the implementation of a series of protocols including pre-race veterinarian inspection of all horses on every live race day. Those exams began in February and continued through the end of the season.
In the 2017-’18 race meet there were there were five fatalities in February, seven in March and two in April. For the 2018-’19 meet there was one fatality in February, zero in March and 1 in April.
Other measures taken include:
Trainer review of necropsy report following a fatality.
Track veterinarian review of horses while in the paddock, during warm-ups, gate loading and post-race exams.
Twice monthly testing of sand to dirt ratio balance on the main track.
A panel of experts also carefully reviewed safety protocols. The Equine Wellness Committee composed of the Director of the Division of Racing, track and state veterinarians, the Arizona HBPA and the general managers of the state’s three race tracks met monthly to review data and make recommendations. Academic and private sector statisticians also reviewed horse injury statistics to spot any trends. That review is ongoing.
Turf Paradise general manager Vincent Francia said, “The protocols we initiated this season were a collaborative effort of Turf, the Arizona Division of Racing and the Arizona Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association. We are encouraged by the results, to have reduced fatalities by almost 40%. However, the goal is zero fatalities. The Committee is reviewing additional protocols.”
Turf Paradise opened its doors in in 1956 and has been at 19th Ave. and Bell Road ever since making it Arizona’s first sports franchise.
Jockey Randy Romero, elected to racing’s Hall of Fame in 2010, said last weekend he is hospice care but is at home in Lafayette, La., where a brother is staying with him and helping with his care.
“I’m very sick but I haven’t given up,” he said by phone. Romero, 62, said doctors told him he is not strong enough to undergo the surgery necessary to remove tumors that were discovered in 2015. He said his pain is being managed and hospice is allowing him to undergo dialysis three times weekly at a facility close to his home, a procedure he has done for some 15 years.
Benton – Mel Phillips, age 69, passed away on Monday June 17, 2019, after a rather short battle with pulmonary fibrosis. The visitation will be held Saturday, 10:00 AM at First United Methodist Church, Old Minden Road, Bossier City, followed by a Celebration of Life.
Mel attended Mcleansboro HS in southern Illinois and played basketball on scholarship at North Texas State University. He entered the U.S Navy where he met Brenda which would begin their journey from CA to LA, where they’re resided 37 years. Mel started his career with Prudential and years later transitioned to Edward Jones, Acquiring many loyal clients and friends. His hobbies have been golf, horses, baseball and fishing, but his most recent passion has been watching his two granddaughters play softball. Mel loved people and gatherings with family and friends. He was a man of strength and honor, who set a Godly example and lived out his faith. “Mr. Mel” will remain in the hearts of those he touched.
Mel was preceded in death by his Father, Carrol Phillips; mother, Kathleen; Brother Leon; son, Tony Ortiz, he is survived by his wife, Brenda; brother, Roger and wife Miya; children are daughter, Ginger, and Michael Bellindo, son, Tommy Ortiz; daughter, Tina Phillips. Grandchildren are Marco, Bryson, Jessica, Ava and Dylan; One great-grandson Luca, with numerous nieces and nephews.
The family request memorials are made to the Helping Hands of United Methodist in lieu of flowers.
Top Ten Finalists Will Share $35,000. Winner to Take $20,000 in the One of a Kind Contest
Bossier City, LA – The races are set for Saturday’s Caesars Rewards Handicapping Challenge.
The contest involves handicapping from four Caesars Entertainment horse racing properties – Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, Indiana Grand Racing & Casino, Harrah’s Hoosier Park, and Harrah’s Philadelphia in a unique one day contest format involving both Thoroughbred and Standardbred handicapping. Cash prizes will be distributed to the top ten finalists with the winner receiving an entry into the prestigious National Horseplayers Championship (NHC) in Las Vegas.
Entry into the Caesars Rewards Handicapping Challenge requires a $150 fee due upon check-in on the day of the challenge. Reservations are currently being accepted and the challenge will be capped at 400 entries. Players are encouraged to sign up quickly as the entries will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Contestants will be limited to two entries per person. The entry fee will include dining offerings at each location, race day simulcast programs and tip sheets. The selected races, with approximate post times, are:
Track Races Approximate Post Times (ET)
Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Races 2-6 4:45 -6:45 pm
Harrah’s Philadelphia Races 8-12 4:25 – 5:45 pm
Indiana Grand Racing and Casino Races 1-5 6:19 – 8:20 pm
Harrah’s Hoosier Park Races 2-6 6:50 – 8:10 pm
The Caesars Rewards Handicapping Challenge – sponsored by John Deere and Cowpokes – will be hosted at the four Caesars Racing properties: Harrah’s Louisiana Downs in Bossier City, LA; Indiana Grand Racing and Casino in Shelbyville, IN; Harrah’s Hoosier Park in Anderson, IN; and Harrah’s Philadelphia in Chester, PA. Players can also participate at the tracks’ Off-Track Betting properties: Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Mound OTB in Tallulah, LA; VooDoo BBQ & Grill and Winner’s Circle OTB in New Haven, IN; Winner’s Circle Pub, Grille & OTB in Indianapolis, IN; and Winner’s Circle OTB in Clarksville, IN. Participants must be 21 or over.
The first-place winner in the Caesars Rewards Handicapping Challenge will walk away with $20,000, a seat at the $3,000,000 estimated National Horseplayers Championship, and a chance at an additional $1 million cash prize in the event of a double victory. First-place winner must be eligible to participate in the NHC in order to receive the NHC seat. For more information about the National Horseplayers Championship, visitwww.nhctour.com. The $1 million prize will be awarded either as an annuity that pays $25,000 per year for forty years without interest or as a discounted lump sum payment of $550,000, which represents the approximate present value of the annuity. Second place will be awarded $10,000 while the third-place winner will take home $1,500. There will be additional cash prizes for fourth through tenth place.
The format for the challenge will require contestants to make 12 $2 win and place fictional wagers on the designated challenge races. Contestants must place a win and place wager on one horse in 12 mandatory races out of 20 available from Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, Harrah’s Philadelphia, Indiana Grand, and Harrah’s Hoosier Park. At least one race per track must be included on each entry to be eligible for the challenge. The wagers must be placed at a designated challenge location. All wagers are fictional; no money is paid on challenge wagers. Reservations for the Caesars Rewards Handicapping Challenge can be made by calling (866) 357-1731. Official rules and more information is available on the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs website or by contacting Harrah’s Louisiana Downs coordinator Shelli Briery at 318-742-0711 extension 54382.
Fan Vote for the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Racing Hall of Fame Open Through June 29
Harrah’s Louisiana Downs recently announced the formation of its first Racing Hall of Fame. It will honor the achievements of horse owners, trainers, jockeys, horses and property contributors who have played pivotal roles in the rich history of Harrah’s Louisiana Downs. Members of the first class are John Franks, Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr., Frank L. Brothers, C. W. Walker, Ronald Ardoin, Larry Snyder, Sunday Silence and Free Spirits Joy.
Beginning on Saturday, June 15, the public will be able to cast a vote for an additional inductee in the category of trainer, jockey, racing contributor and horse. Voters can select ONE of the following nominees in each category by clicking on the following link on the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs website: http://shout.lt/bQZN9.
Voting will close on Saturday, June 29 with the Racing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony slated for Saturday, July 13.
Louisiana Downs Trainer, Jockey and Owner Standings
As of June 19, Joey Foster tops his fellow conditioners with 16 wins since the Thoroughbred meet began on May 4. Karl Broberg is second with 14 victories followed by Joe Duhon with 12 wins. Beverly Burressrounds out the top four as she has saddled ten winners.
Carlos Lozada continues to lead in the jockey standings. He has made 34 trips to the winner’s circle with Richard Eramia second with 25 wins. Joel Dominguez follows with 23 wins and AubrieGreen and Eguard Tejera have both won 16 races to share fourth-place.
End Zone Athletics, Inc. and Dream Walkin Farms, Inc. are tied for the lead in the owner standings with eight wins each. Ronnie P. Ward is next with five winners and Penny Scarberry, Patti Turner and Steve Asmussen follow closely with four wins each.
Daily Racing Promotions and Daily Offers
Harrah’s Louisiana Downs welcomes patrons four days a week for live racing and daily simulcast wagering on racetracks across the country. Promotions and food and beverage specials include:
Mobile Mondays | Enjoying the races? Check-in on the Caesars Rewards app from your smart phone to receive an entry into the weekly “Day at the Races” drawing. Winner will receive a dining experience for two to the Harrah’s Club (max value of $100).
2X Tuesdays | Present your Caesars Rewards card when making a wager and receive a 2X racing reward credit multiplier each Tuesday.
Watch & Wager Wednesdays | Enjoy hotdogs, popcorn, beer and racing programs for only $1.00!
$5.00 Free Bet | Saturdays, May 4 & 18 |Opt in and receive a ticket at the Racing Kiosks between 11am and 5pm. Saturdays, May 11 & 25| Redeem your Free Bet at the Mutuel Counter.
Super Saturdays| Race to more Rewards by presenting your Caesars Rewards card when making a wager and receive up to a 7X Racing Reward Credit Multiplier.
Saturday Pick 4 Family Day| Enjoy a box seat for 4 with food and drinks for only $16 on select Saturdays.
Bet & Earn| Check out Harrah’s new Bet & Earn offered through Racing by Caesars Rewards. Guests wagering using a Caesars Rewards card will now receive one Tier Credit and one Reward Credit on a three dollar bet.
As much as $17.5 million per year could be used to support Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse purses in Texas as a result of legislation signed into law last weekend by Gov. Greg Abbott.
House Bill 2463 diverts sales taxes on horse feed, tack and other horse-related products and services from the state’s general fund to an escrow account established by the Texas Racing Commission and capped at $25 million annually. No more than 70% of the funds in the escrow account may go toward purses. If the escrow account reaches $25 million, that would be an additional $17.5 million in purse money annually, virtually doubling the current amount, based on an economic study conducted by TXP Inc. consultants.
The National Horseman’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) announces its opposition to the Senate version of the Horseracing Integrity Act (S. 1820), introduced last week by Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Martha McSally (R-AZ). On behalf of Thoroughbred race horse owners and trainers, the HBPA has been steadfast in its opposition to the House companion measure introduced earlier this year by Reps. Paul Tonko (D-NY-20) and Andy Barr (R-KY-06) (H.R. 1754).
“Senator Gillibrand and Senator McSally have clearly been misguided. Banning race day Lasix will cause more equine deaths, and additional regulations will cause jobs to be lost,” stated Eric Hamelback, CEO of the HBPA.
The HBPA fully supports the veterinary community and the science on which they base their opinions. Under S. 1820, owners, trainers, and veterinarians would no longer have the choice to utilize the therapeutic, legal medication furosemide, more commonly known as Lasix. Lasix is used in horses to control or prevent Exercise Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhages (EIPH), or “bleeding” and has been used safely and humanely for the last 40 years in American horse racing. Horses often experience EIPH episodes during intense exercise, such as during races. Current industry policy endorses and strictly regulates the use of this medication on race day because it is in the best interests of the health and welfare of the horse.
“If Lasix is completely banned the number of fatalities on race tracks throughout the country will increase. While we are committed to finding answers that will prevent, reduce, and solve the occurrence of any fatality for our thoroughbred athletes, this bill is NOT the answer.” said Hamelback.
Also, the HBPA has deep concerns about the additional fees and costs that S. 1820 would place on those in the horse racing industry. For the smaller industry folks, these new fees will be the tipping point that pushes them out of the business. While wealthy owners may not feel the pinch, rural and agrarian jobs will be lost, and lives will be devastated. This loss of income will have a rippling effect on state and local economies that depend on the industry.
Hamelback believes the introduction of this legislation is a misguided attempt to address the recent equine deaths in California: “S. 1820 would not have prevented one single death. My members are as concerned as any about the recent tragedies in California, and we agree more independent research needs to be done to discover the cause of these deaths. However, implying that the racing industry is rampant with doping and that this legislation is the solution is completely wrongheaded.”
The HBPA strongly opposes the Horseracing Integrity Act and encourages industry participants to voice their opposition by contacting their representatives in Congress.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 13, 2019) – Three organizations dedicated to the improvement of horse health today announced a call for research proposals to investigate bisphosphonate administration in racehorses and in young racing prospects intended for sale at public auction.
The initiative by the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC), the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and the American Association of Equine Practitioners Foundation seeks to understand how bisphosphonates affect the long-term health and soundness of equine athletes. No research exists regarding the medication’s influence on horses under four years of age.
“The expeditious development, funding and execution of targeted tactical research will be critical to our industry’s efforts to effectively regulate the use of bisphosphonates and prevent their abuse,” said RMTC Chair Alex Waldrop.
The areas of requested research are:
Improving existing detection methodologies, including the potential use of alternative matrices such as hair and biomarkers in addition to the traditional testing matrices of urine and blood.
Understanding the effects of bisphosphonate administration on bone healing and remodeling.
Assessing the analgesic properties of bisphosphonates in the horse.
The complete Request for Proposals can be read here. The deadline for submission is Oct. 1, 2019.
For more information about submitting a proposal for consideration, please contact Johnny Mac Smith, DVM, Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, at (859) 224-2850.
The National Horseman’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) announces its opposition to the Senate version of the Horseracing Integrity Act (S. 1820), introduced last week by Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Martha McSally (R-AZ). On behalf of Thoroughbred race horse owners and trainers, the HBPA has been steadfast in its opposition to the House companion measure introduced earlier this year by Reps. Paul Tonko (D-NY-20) and Andy Barr (R-KY-06) (H.R. 1754).
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