Horses and Heroes Benefit, Wednesday, Sept. 4 at Blue Star
Month: August 2019
JOCKEY JOEL DOMINGUEZ SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS AT HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS
In Pursuit of His First Leading Rider Title
Bossier City, LA – Jockey Joel Dominguez has made the most of his three-year tenure at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs.
He began riding here in 2017 as an apprentice, winning 31 races that year and returning in 2018, losing his bug on May 22, but transitioning smoothly to the journeyman ranks. He wrapped up the Louisiana Downs meet as the third-leading rider with 66 wins, completing the year (at Delta Downs) with 83 wins and $1.1 million in purses. This year, he has already won 70 races with five more weeks remaining in the 2019 Louisiana Downs Thoroughbred season.
The 29-year-old rider offers his explanation on the success he is having in 2019.
“Horsemen know me a lot better now,” stated Dominguez. “I am getting greater opportunities and feeling more confident.”
One of his most special victories came on Louisiana Cup Day, Saturday,
August 3, when he won the first stakes of his career. The win came in the final feature of the afternoon, the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint aboard Diamond Cutter. The 7-year-old mare, owned by World War IV Racing, advanced steadily under Dominguez, drawing off to a 3 ½ length win in the six-furlong event. Trained by Dwight Viator, she was sent off as the seventh choice in the eight-horse field, rewarding her backers with a $23 win payout.
“I really enjoyed that race,” he said. “She was not one of the favorites, so I just wanted to do my best. She really responded and it was a great feeling to win my first stakes!”
There was only one grin bigger than the smile on the face of Dominguez, and that belonged to his agent, Don Simington.
“I broke her maiden as a 2-year-old and rode her several times when she was trained by Pam Simpson,” said Simington. “She never ran that well for me!”
Simington, one of the top riders in Texas and Louisiana for three decades, retired in 2015 after winning over 3,400 races. He has been a key factor in the success of Dominguez.
“Don has won a lot of races and has given me great advice and feedback,” explained Dominguez. “Trainers know him well and he works hard to book me on good horses.”
Dominguez was athletic as a child growing up in Durango, Mexico, playing soccer and then becoming a boxer; undefeated in his weight class. He moved to Kentucky and learned to ride under the tutelage of his brother-in-law Pablo Teutla. Dominguez galloped for Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen as well as the highly respected Kentucky-based conditioner, Neil Howard.
The Harrah’s Louisiana Downs live racing season will conclude on September 25 and Dominguez is locked in a contentious battle with fellow rider Carlos Lozada, with just one win separating them. It would be the first leading rider title for Dominguez; who is supported by his wife, Janet, and two sons.
“I prefer not to think about it and put too much pressure on myself,” admitted Dominguez. “All I can do is continue to work hard and improve my skills. I have always done well getting horses out of the gate and driving to the wire. This year, I feel that I have done a better job of saving ground and getting in better position in the route races. It’s been a great season and I thank all the trainers who have given me mounts.”
Super Derby Nominations Close on Saturday, August 24
The Harrah’s Louisiana Downs racing office is busy taking nominations this week for Super Derby Day on Saturday, September 7. The card will include seven stakes, highlighted by the Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby.
The top four finishers from the $60,000 Super Derby Prelude on August 3 have received invitations to return for the mile and one-sixteenth main track championship. They include winner Leader of Men, owned by Walpole Racing LLC; Trevilion, owned by Tigertail Ranch, who ran second and Paynt Battle for Norman Stables, LLC. The fourth-place finisher, Rotation stumbled out of the gate, almost unseating jockey Richard Eramia, but battled to complete the superfecta. The colt by Tapit, bred and owned by Winchell Thoroughbreds, LLC is trained by Hall of Fame conditioner Steve Asmussen, who won last year’s Super Derby with Limation.
The nominations do not close until Saturday, August 24, but several noted horsemen have expressed interest. Brad Cox, who won the 2017 Super Derby (run on the turf) with Mr Misunderstood, has nominated four runners. Also, Ellis Park Derby champion Gray Magician, trained by Peter Miller, has been nominated. The son of Graydar ran second in the UAE Derby (G2) before competing in the 2019 Kentucky Derby.
In addition, Mary Rampellini, correspondent and handicapper for the Daily Racing Form, interviewed trainer Al Stall, Jr, who ran Prelude winner Autumn Warrior last year. Stall, who has won three previous editions of the Super Derby, has several runners in mind, including Adele B. Dilschneider‘s homebred Rescind.
A full list of nominations will be posted on Monday and the draw for the Super Derby Card will take place this Saturday, August 31.
Noon Post Set for Super Derby Day on Saturday, September 7
An early post time of 12:00 pm (Central) is planned for the Super Derby card. The program will feature the following seven stakes:
$60,000 Frank L. Brothers 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)
Super Derby Festivities Set for Saturday, September 7
Several promotions and special events are planned for Super Derby 40 so that both racing fans and families will have an enjoyable afternoon at the racetrack.
Watch and wager on the Super Derby Card in the air-conditioned comfort of the Harrah’s Club. An All You Can Eat Buffetoffering for $39.99 per person will be available, beginning at 11:00 am. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made by calling 318-752-6367. An upscale buffet, thee Super Derby 40 in the Sky, will also be available for $49.99 per person. Reservations are required: 318-752-6367.
At 10:30 am, a Jockey Meet and Greet and Autograph Signing will take place 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.
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.
Super Derby Festival 40 Golf Tournament Set for August 29
On Thursday, August 29, the Super Derby Festival 40 Charity Golf Tournament will be held at Northwood Hills Golf Clubin Shreveport, Louisiana.
The event will benefit Chaplain Jimmy Sistrunk and The Backside Benevolence Fund, which provides assistance to the Louisiana racing community and backstretch workers. It serves as one of the special events saluting the annual Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby, the marquee race of the Louisiana Downs Thoroughbred season, which takes place on Saturday, September 7.
Sign in for the event’s Four Person Scramble kicks off at 10:00 a.m. with tee off at 10:30 a.m. The fee is $80 per person or $320 for a four-person team. The fee includes green fees, golf cart, lunch, and Super Derby t-shirt/cap.
Attendees can register in person in the Louisiana Downs Racing office, or by mail. Checks should be payable to The Backside Benevolence Fund and mailed to: Jennifer Sokol, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, 8000 East Texas Street, Bossier City, Louisiana, 71111.
The deadline for registration is August 22. For further information, please contact Jennifer Sokol at (318) 741-2512.
Labor Day Festivities Set for Monday, September 2
Harrah’s Louisiana Downs will present a fun-filled Labor Day program with live Thoroughbred races and the always popular Wiener Dog Races on Monday, September 2nd. The fun starts at 11:00am. The first Wiener Dog race begins at 12pm with the Championship Race at approximately 2:00 pm. There will also be race heats for children. Proceeds to benefit K9 Karma Service Dogs. Families can enjoy a children’s area including a petting zoo (free admission) located on the Racing Apron. Face Painting will be available for an additional charge.
Food Trucks from across the region will be serving up great local bites for purchase.
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.
Thoroughbred Idea Foundation: Seeking Transparency
All photos courtesy Alex Evers
While the North American racing industry continues to face a raft of serious issues, there should be little denying the need to present a sport that promotes far greater transparency than it does currently.
Some jurisdictions have a head start over others, but all are in need of massive improvement. A more seriously arranged adjudication arm for racing could build confidence in racing stakeholders, particularly owners and bettors, the lifeblood of the sport.
The case for North America to shift from its existing patchwork-quilt of in-race interference rules, based around the Category 2 interference philosophy, to a more consistent standard based under the Category 1 philosophy was espoused in Saratoga Springs last week at a series of industry meetings.
Mr Kim Kelly, Chief Stipendiary Steward of the Hong Kong Jockey Club and Chairman of the International Harmonization of Racing Rules Committee (IHRRC), made the case on behalf of the racing world at the Jockey Club Round Table on Matters Pertaining to Racing, furthering the call made by the Thoroughbred Idea Foundation in our late 2018 white paper “Changing The Rules.” (CLICK TO READ)
According to the model rule adopted by the vast majority of jurisdictions under the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, the Category 1 philosophy could be summarized as follows – if it cannot be reasonably believed that the horse which suffered interference would have finished in front of the interfering horse if not for the interference, then no change should be made.
The exact language of the model rule states:
“If, in the opinion of the Staging Authority’s relevant judicial body, a horse or its rider causes interference and finishes in front of the horse interfered with but irrespective of the incident(s) the sufferer would not have finished ahead of the horse causing the interference, the judge’s placings will remain unaltered.
“If, in the opinion of the Staging Authority’s relevant judicial body, a horse or its rider causes interference and finishes in front of the horse interfered with and if not for the incident(s) the sufferer would have finished ahead of the horse causing the interference, the interferer will be placed immediately behind the sufferer.”
Racing Authorities may, within their Rules, provide for the disqualification of a horse from a race in circumstances in which the Staging Authority’s relevant judicial body deems that the rider has ridden in a dangerous manner.”
Adopting Category 1 across North America would yield a sport with a greater understanding of how a race is adjudicated, far fewer instances in which the stewards are called upon to review a race for a potential change, fewer demotions, should be accompanied by an enhanced penalty structure for jockeys guilty of careless riding, and delivers increased confidence for all stakeholders in the adjudication of the race.
At last Friday’s IHRRC meeting in Saratoga, officials from France, Germany and Japan, all jurisdictions to switch from Category 2 to Category 1 in recent years, cited absolutely no regrets in the decision, and re-iterated that they could not imagine returning to the highly flawed Category 2 system.
Regardless of the rules philosophy in place, stewards should be the guardians of transparency for the sport.
Kelly spoke of that need for stewards to lead the cause of transparency as paramount for customer confidence.
“Racing stewards must never be afraid of explaining their decisions to the public or any member of the industry. So long as decisions are properly considered with all of the relevant factors and competing arguments being taken into account and the correct decision arrived at, then those decisions will always be able to be supported in any forum. Transparency is king. Confidence in the stewards is paramount. Confidence lost, everything lost.”
The transparent adjudication of racing in North America is a necessity. It does not exist today.
This paper seeks to update the situation of stewarding in North America through the lens of recent events – the Kentucky Derby and the Haskell Invitational.
The 2019 Kentucky Derby
Let there be no mistake.
The decision of the stewards to demote Maximum Security in the 2019 Kentucky Derby was justified given the rules of racing (below) in Kentucky.
“If a leading horse or any other horse in a race swerves or is ridden to either side so as to interfere with, intimidate, or impede any other horse or jockey, or to cause the same result, this action shall be deemed a foul. If a jockey strikes another horse or jockey, it is a foul. If, in the opinion of the stewards, a foul alters the finish of a race, the offending horse may be disqualified by the stewards.”
Almost without fail, the stewards must exercise some degree of judgment – it is folly to believe there are always clear cut decisions where racing stakeholders would agree in every circumstance. Some element of subjective judgment enters into the equation before these decisions, again, whether a jurisdiction is using Category 1 or Category 2.
As it relates to the 2019 Kentucky Derby, the following steps are achievable in the mind of a steward.
– Maximum Security swerved and impeded other horses. This is a foul.
– It is believable that the horses impacted by the foul would have finished in some different positions – specifically Long Range Toddy – and thus this foul altered the finish of the race.
– Thus, a demotion of Maximum Security is warranted.
That is simple.
It might not be fair in the minds of those that wagered on a horse that was nearly two lengths clear as a winner of the Kentucky Derby or to the winning owners or breeders of the race. Proponents of the Category 1 philosophy could think the decision was unjust.
But it is simple to at least visualize how such a decision could be achieved given the rules as written, and the long-applied Category 2 rules philosophy in place.
What this does not address, however, is the subsequently uncovered, revealed or apparent elements of the review of the Derby itself which exposed the state of stewarding in North America today. The process involved in the demotion of Maximum Security is symptomatic of a long-ignored problem in North American racing.
The big-picture blame does not reside with the current stewards or regulators, though there were some clear mistakes. These simple and understandable mistakes and oversights, some surely a function of the heat of the moment, are the product of years of neglect in modernizing a system for adjudicating racing, and communicating decisions with regularity to racing stakeholders – something which has become standard operating procedure for the rest of the racing world.
If it can happen in the continent’s premier race, there is every reason to believe these could have occurred with any similar set of stewards adjudicating any North American race.
Ask Your Insurer: When And Why To Change A Horse’s Insured Value
Equine insurance experts answer your questions about insuring Thoroughbreds for the breeding and auction realms. Email us at info@paulickreport. com if you have a question for an insurer.
QUESTION: When should I consider increasing or decreasing the insured value of my horse, and how do I do it?
BRYCE BURTON: There are various reasons that a policyholder would want to amend the insured value of their horse, which is done in order to accurately cover the horse for its true value.
For a racer, the owner would want to increase the value if the horse has won a race that inherently increases the value of that horse, or even if the owner has received an offer for the horse, which is higher than what that owner currently has the horse insured for. The same goes for decreasing the value of an insured horse, which would normally be done if the horse is dropping in class, for instance, from an allowance race into the claiming ranks.
With respect to broodmares and foals, an event within the family could spark the need for an increase. For example, if the first foal out of an insured mare were to win a big stakes race, it may be worth looking into increasing both her insured value and potentially any of her promising foals.
Depending on the size of the increase, either a veterinary certificate or a declaration of health, which can be completed by the owner, will need to be completed on the horse. Once approved by the company, the increase or decrease in value will be calculated on a pro-rata basis. This means that you will only be charged for your time on risk for the increase. So, if the increase is put into effect six months into the policy period, you will only pay for that increase for the remaining six months.
QUESTION: Can the Full Mortality Rates provided by the company be changed in the middle of a policy-term?
BRYCE BURTON: Yes. If the insured horse’s use is changed in the middle of the policy period, the rate will be changed respectively. The most common example of this that we see is when a horse is retired from racing. If it’s a filly and she is taken off the track to be bred, we would decrease her Full Mortality Rate mid-policy term and the insured would receive a return premium, or credit, for the remaining time on risk. The same would be true if a gelding were retired from racing and re-trained for another discipline.
Bryce Burton is a property and liability specialist for Muirfield Insurance. He is from Frankfort, Ky., where he grew up an avid race fan. His Thoroughbred racing fandom combined with a collegiate internship in the insurance industry, culminated in a start in the equine insurance field. Bryce has been with Muirfield Insurance since 2014, following his graduation from Transylvania University in Lexington
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Copyright © 2019 Paulick Report.
RTCA Seeks Nominations for White Horse Awards
Event will be held Oct. 31 at Santa Anita Park.
Calling Horse Racing’s Heroes: 2019 White Horse Awards
– Nomination Deadline: September 27th
WHO: Race Track Chaplaincy of America (RTCA)
WHAT: 17th Annual White Horse Awards
WHEN: Thursday, October 31st, 2019, at 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Santa Anita Racetrack
WHY: To honor heroism on behalf of human or horse
Lexington, KY—A hero is a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. There are heroes all around the horse-racing industry and the Race Track Chaplaincy of America (RTCA) wants to recognize these selfless servants.
The Race Track Chaplaincy of America (RTCA) is currently seeking nominees for our 17th Annual White Horse Awards (WHA). These awards are presented annually at the White Horse Awards program. This year’s program will take place on Thursday, October 31st, at Santa Anita Racetrack in Arcadia, California, just prior to the beginning of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships being held at the same track. It is a way to recognize those unsung heroes of horse racing, whether their actions are headline-grabbing or the quiet and not-so-obvious kind of heroism.
Nominees are being sought for the following awards:
• White Horse Award—An award given to individuals who have done something heroic on behalf of human or horse.
• Community Service Award—An award given to an individual who has made significant contributions to the welfare of racetrack chaplaincy ministries.
To submit a nomination for either the White Horse or Community Service Awards, visit https://www.rtcanational.org/events for a complete list of rules and selection criteria, as well as nomination forms. The deadline for submission is September 27th, 2019. For more information, please contact the RTCA National Service Center at (859) 410-7822.
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More about the White Horse Award—The WHA was established in 2003 to recognize individuals within the horse racing industry for their acts of selflessness and bravery. The most recent recipient was The San Luis Rey Heroes for risking their lives to save many horses from an imminent death by the fire.
More about the Race Track Chaplaincy of America—The overall mission of the Race Track Chaplaincy of America (RTCA), through its Councils and Chaplains, is to minister to the spiritual, emotional, physical, social, and educational needs of those persons involved in all aspects of the horse-racing industry.
Tips To Recognizing Legitimate Horse Rescues
In June, 159 horses were seized from Scarlet’s Legacy Equine Rescue in Camp County, Texas. A 501(c)(3), the organization, based on 45 acres, was managed by Deanna Tierney. Local media covered the seizure extensively, and Horse Nation reported on how horse lovers can help horses in need, like those who were taken from Scarlet’s Legacy, and how to prevent similar future situations. Currently, the horses in Safe Haven’s care need feed, hay and hay bags; their Amazon Smile wishlist includes other items the organization needs.
To prevent future cases like this one, Horse Nation reports that Jessica Johnson, Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) Animal Crimes Director, encourages people who are considering working with or adopting from a rescue visit the organization in person if the entity is local.
DELTA DOWNS RELEASES STAKES SCHEDULE FOR 2019-20 THOROUGHBRED SEASON
84-DAY MEETING GETS UNDERWAY TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8
VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel today announced its 2019-20 Thoroughbred stakes schedule. The track will offer 26 stakes races during an 84-day season that runs from October 8, 2019 through February 29, 2020. The stakes schedule includes $2.245 million in total purse money.
This year’s stakes activity will kick off on opening weekend with a pair of added-money events. On Friday, October 11 the track will host the $100,000 Magnolia for Louisiana-bred fillies and mares and on Saturday, October 12 the $100,000 Gold Cup for Louisiana-bred 3-year-olds and upward will take center stage to close out the first week of racing.
The richest race day of the season will happen on Saturday, February 8 when Delta Downs hosts another edition of Louisiana Premier Night, which will offer a total of $895,000 in purse money for Louisiana-bred horses. The highlight of the evening will come in the $150,000 Louisiana Premier Night Championship for older horses. The most famous winner of the Championship was Star Guitar, who scored four consecutive victories in the race between 2009 and 2012 and later finished his career as the highest earning Louisiana-bred in history with over $1.7 million in purses won.
There will also be a couple of important simulcast dates to take note of during the upcoming season. This year’s set of 14 Breeders’ Cup races will take place on Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2. All the action from Santa Anita Park can be watched and wagered on inside Delta Downs’ spacious OTB.
After Delta Downs’ opening weekend, which includes a special Tuesday card to start the meet on October 8, Delta Downs will race each Wednesday through Saturday night during the meeting. Regular post times are scheduled for 4:55 pm Central Time.
To view the entire stakes schedule and to get more information about the upcoming season at Delta Downs, visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com. Fans can also get information on Facebook with the track’s page ‘Delta Downs Racing’ and on Twitter with the handle @deltaracing.
EQUINE SALES 2019 CONSIGNOR SELECT YEARLING SALE CURRENT SUPPLEMENTS
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HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS TO HOST SUPER DERBY FESTIVAL 40 GOLF TOURNAMENT ON AUGUST 29, 2019
Annual Fundraiser Moves to Northwood Hills Golf Club This Year
Bossier City, LA – Harrah’s Louisiana Downs supports many worthy charities and causes. Last Saturday, officials donated $1,000 to support the Shantel Lanerie Breast Cancer Foundation and fans lent their support with purchasing caps, t-shirts and jockey autograph signings.
On Thursday, August 29, the Super Derby Festival 40 Charity Golf Tournament will be held at Northwood Hills Golf Club in Shreveport, Louisiana.
The event will benefit Chaplain Jimmy Sistrunk and The Backside Benevolence Fund, which provides assistance to the Louisiana racing community and backstretch workers. It serves as one of the special events saluting the annual Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby, the marquee race of the Louisiana Downs Thoroughbred season, which takes place on Saturday, September 7.
Sign in for the event’s Four Person Scramble kicks off at 10:00 a.m. with tee off at 10:30 a.m. The fee is $80 per person or $320 for a four-person team. The fee includes green fees, golf cart, lunch, and Super Derby t-shirt/cap.
“I am always so humbled to see all the support that the Golf Tournament brings to our ministry,” said Sistrunk. “The people in our industry are some of the most caring and supportive people that I know. And plus, it is a great time that we can get away from the everyday duties of the racetrack. I am truly a blessed person and Chaplain to get to work with such a great group of people!!!
It’s also an event that brings a lot of joy to the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs employees, including Jennifer Sokol, who serves as racing office coordinator.
“We had an amazing turnout last year,” said Sokol. “Chaplain Jimmy does so much for our racing community and our annual charity golf tournament is such an enjoyable way to raise valuable funds. We thank our horsemen and local businesses for their support and look forward to another successful event this year!”
Attendees can register in person in the Louisiana Downs Racing office, or by mail. Checks should be payable to The Backside Benevolence Fund and mailed to: Jennifer Sokol, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, 8000 East Texas Street, Bossier City, Louisiana, 71111.
The deadline for registration is August 22. Hole sponsorships for $100, including a sign, are available, but must be purchased by August 16. For further information, please contact Jennifer Sokol at (318) 741-2512.
Super Derby Prelude Winner Leader of Men Sets Sights on the Super Derby
Louisiana Cup Day at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs took place on Saturday, August 3. The card was highlighted by the running of the $60,000 Super Derby Prelude.
Leader of Men, owned by Walpole Racing LLC, stretched out to a mile and one-sixteenth for the first time, advancing comfortably to win his first career stakes in a final time of 1:46.96. The victory was celebrated by owner Kevin Walpole and his wife, Amy; trainer Jodie Hodges and jockey Hector Del-Cid.
The son of War Front, out of the Unaccounted For mare Refugee, had won three consecutive races at Louisiana Downs and Hodges was confident that his charge would handle the jump to the stakes level. He described the May 28th foal, as a “big kid”, who was finally getting the hang of his job.
Hodges confirmed that Leader of Men came out of the race in great shape and would advance to the Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby on Saturday, September 7.
“We hand-walked him on Sunday and he went to the track Monday morning,” said Hodges. “We had to; he loves his works and our goal is to keep him happy.”
One very important part of the team is groom Daniel Broussard, who Kevin Walpole mentioned in his post-race interview.
“They have a solid bond,” confirmed Hodges. “Leader of Men will bite me and pretty much everyone who comes near him, but not Daniel.”
It was also the first stakes win for Hodges, born in Fort Worth, Texas, who has enjoyed his time with the Kentucky-bred half-brother to Hoppertunity, since he arrived in Louisiana in February. His top horse prior to Leader of Men was Texas-bred Chief Three Sox, who won both the Chick Lang Memorial and Texas Racing Hall of Fame stakes in 2000 at Retama Park.
Hodges knows that the competition will be tough on September 7.
“I’m not going to worry about it,” he stated. “This horse has done everything we have asked of him and we are proud of what he has done here.”
Noon Post Set for Super Derby Day on Saturday, September 7
Harrah’s Louisiana Downs is preparing for Super Derby Day which will take place on Saturday, September 7. An early post time of 12:00 pm (Central) is planned for the Super Derby card. Nominations close on August 24 for the following seven stakes:
$60,000 Frank L. Brothers 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)
Trainer, Jockey and Owner Standings
As of August 6, Joey Foster tops his fellow conditioners with 38 wins this meet. Karl Broberg is second with 30 firsts. Beverly Burress has saddled 21 winners and Joe Duhon follows with 12 wins.
Carlos Lozada has been steady throughout the 2019 Thoroughbred meet and remains in the current leader in the jockey standings with 66 wins. Joel Dominguez is second with 64 victories, including a stakes score aboard Diamond Cutter in the $50,000 Louisiana Filly and Mare Sprint on Louisiana Cup Day. Richard Eramia, who had been dividing his time between Lone Star Park and Louisiana Downs, has made 43 trips the winner’s circle. Rounding out the top four is Aubrie Green, who has won 33 races this season.
End Zone Athletics, Inc. has a firm command in the owner standings with 17 wins. Dream Walkin Farms, Inc. follows nine victories and Indian Creek Thoroughbred Farms LLC, Ronnie P. Ward, Albert Salmon, Jr, Penny Scarberry and Margaret Lanetta Haas are tied for third with seven wins each
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.
Diamond Cutter Game Winner of the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint
Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint
Louisiana Downs, 8-3-19, 6 furlongs
3YO and upwards, Accredited Louisiana Bred Fillies and Mares, $50,000
DIAMOND CUTTER
Salute the Sarge–Sparkling Diamond
Breeder: World War IV Racing
Owner: World War IV Racing
Trainer: Dwight J. Viator
Jockey: Joel Dominguez
2nd
Tensas Thought
Custom for Carlos–Tensas Idea
Breeder: Curt Leake
Owner: Cash is King, LLC and Edward Johnston Racing Stables, Inc.
Trainer: Edward J. Johnston
Jockey: Colby J. Hernandez
3rd
Galaxy Thirtysix
Greeley’s Galaxy–Stang Thirtysix
Breeder: Gerald L. Averett Jr.
Owner: Arian Haxhillari
Trainer: Ron Faucheux
Jockey: Edgar S. Prado
The $50,000 Louisiana Filly and Mare Sprint closed out Louisiana Cup Day with a field of eight distaffers competing at the distance of six furlongs.
It was the 7-year-old Diamond Cutter, who sprinted home like young filly, who drew off convincingly for World War IV Racing crossing the wire in 1:10.96. Trained by Dwight Viator and ridden to victory by Joel Dominguez, the mare by Salute the Sarge was making her 38th career start.
“She is such a game mare,” said Viator. “Joel put a great ride on her.”
Tensas Thought was second, followed by Galaxy Thirtysix and Play Unified. The third defending champion on the card, P Boo, faded to eighth.
Diamond Cutter, at odds of 10-1, paid $23.00 for the win. She increased her bankroll to $345,625.
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