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 Aubrie Green 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.
