Month: September 2020

FULL FIELDS AND EXCITING FINISHES FOR EACH OF THE LOUISIANA CUP DAY STAKES AT HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS

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Defending Champions Is Too Takes the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff

Leading Louisiana Downs Jockey Joel Dominguez Wins Two of the Six Features

 

Bossier City, LA – To say that 2020 has been a challenge for the Louisiana racing industry is a tremendous understatement. However, on Saturday, September 19, Louisiana-bred Thoroughbreds showcased their talent and gave breeders, owners, trainers and jockeys a well-deserved break from the stress of COVID-19 and hurricanes targeting the Gulf Coast. An enthusiastic crowd enjoyed the gorgeous weather, full fields and thrilling finishes in each of the six featured stakes on Louisiana Cup Day.

 

Mirabeau Powers to Her Second Stakes Victory in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies

 

Mirabeau with jocky Diego Saenz aboard winning the Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies.

Stakes action gets underway in the second race, the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies. A very competitive field of 11 accredited 2-year-old Louisiana-bred fillies entered the gate for the six furlong contest with a commanding victory by Mirabeau.

 

Owned by Larry Romero and Ron Faucheux, the daughter of Bind out of the Speightstown mare, Smittystown, was bred by J. Adcock and Nathan Granger and is trained by Faucheux. She was a commanding ten-length winner in the filly’s division of the $60,000 D.S. “Shine” Young Futurity on August 29 at Evangeline Downs and did not disappoint today.

 

“She gets better every time,” said jockey Diego Saenz, who patiently sat off the early pace before joining Ru Lala at the top of the stretch.

 

Mirabeau crossed the wire in 1:12.66, winning by a margin of six lengths. She has now won four of her five career efforts, banking $105,350.

 

“We couldn’t ask for anything more from a 2-year-old filly”, stated Faucheux. “I really liked her draw; there wasn’t much speed on the outside. I figured she might hook up with Asmussen’s filly, so our goal was to sit off the pace and make a run around the turn. It worked perfect for us! She keeps maturing. We aimed at this race after the “Shine” and will go right into Champions Day at Fair Grounds.  Our goal is to keep her healthy, sound and fit and hopefully she will continue on like this.”

 

Ru Lala, trained by Steve Asmussen who won his 9,000th career race last night at Remington Park, held for second. Longshot Tecate Timeclosed for third and Inawic completed the superfecta.

 

 

Chu Chu’s Legacy Denied His Rivals in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile

 

Chu Chu’s Legacy wins the Louisiana Cup Juvenile

It was another solid field of Louisiana-bred 2-year-old colts and geldings in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile going six furlongs on the main track.

 

The victory went to Allen Landry’s Chu Chu’s Legacy, who broke in front under jockey Tim Thornton and never relinquished the lead, drawing clear in a final time of 1:13.41.

 

The son of Bind, who won the $60,000 D.S. “Shine” Young Futurity division for colts and geldings was bred by J. Adcock and Hume Warnell.

 

“He’s a real professional horse,” said Thorton.  “Mr. Allen has done a great job with him. He looks like he has a bright future ahead of him.”

 

Owner/trainer Landry was pleased with the tenacity of his colt.

 

“He does what he has to do,” said Landry who purchased the colt for a modest $4,000 at the Equine Sales Mixed Sale. “He was pressured again today, but Tim said he stayed relaxed and just did his thing.”

 

Landry’s wife Sandra named the colt after Chu Chu Perez who worked for the couple as a groom and recently passed away.

 

Running second was 35-1 entrant Janets Jay Jay under rider Luis Batista, followed by Creole Charlie and G’wildcat.

 

Sent off as the favorite, Chu Chu’s Legacy paid $5.20 for the win, which was his third in four starts. With today’s winner’s share of $30,000, his earnings stand at $90,800.

 

 

Defending Champion Is Too Triumphs in Gate to Wire Fashion in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff

 

Is Too wins the Louisiana Cup Distaff

There was little pressure for defending champion Is Too who schooled a very nice field of fillies and mares in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff.

 

The 5-year-old daughter of Midshipman is owned by Barrone Farms LLC, and won last year under Colby Hernandez. This year, jockey Diego Saenz had the call and set very comfortable early fractions of :25.06; 50:47 before drawing clear in 1:43.33 over a firm Franks Turf Course.

 

“She was very relaxed,” said Saenz. “They let me set the fractions and I was able to walk the dog, like they say! I was a little nervous as I have ridden several of these mares, but she got it done.”

 

Trainer Edward Johnston was reached on the phone following the victory.

 

“Diego did a tremendous job setting the fractions,” he said. “I knew he would have plenty left when he was able to slow it down on the lead. They weren’t going to catch her today.”

Is Too ($7.20) won her seventh race from 22 starts and has now won $249,730..

 

Stakes winner Mariah’s Galaxy was running late under rider Kevin Smith to complete the exacta with Room To Finish and Alliceous completing the top four spots.

 

Snowball Surges to Capture the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint

 

Snowball prevails in a crowded field to win the Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint

The $50,000 Louisiana Filly and Mare Sprint attracted a highly competitive group of distaffers competing at the distance of six furlongs.

 

Tin Roof Farms LLC’s Snowball, a 4-year-old daughter of Apriority, won her last two races at Evangeline Downs, including the $60,000 Louisiana Legends Mademoiselle Stakes on July 4. Trained by Samuel Breaux, the gray filly broke from post position three with Diego Saenz in the saddle. Bred by 4M Ranch, Snowball made one previous start at Louisiana Downs in 2019, running fourth in the Elge Rasberry, which was run at a mile on the turf.

 

Sprinting has become her forte, according to her conditioner as he watched her cross the wire of the six furlong contest in 1:12.02.

 

“She had lots of traffic in the front,” said Breaux. “But Diego got her through it and she did the rest. We changed her style from a route horse to a sprinter and she has taken advantage of it.”

 

Owner Matt Jeffrey was on hand to see his filly pick up her third race in a row.

 

“It’s been a blast,” said Jeffrey. ”To be here with our family and friends is something we look forward to. Sam does an amazing job.”

 

Jeffrey’s 7-year-old daughter Payton named the filly after admiring her at the sale, she told her parents that the potential racehorse reminded her of a snowball!

 

Trainer Ron Faucheux saddled runner-up Play Unified, a 7-year-old mare by Exchange Rate, who rallied under Erica Murray. Our Lost Love, Louisiana 2-year-old champion filly, ran third followed by Miss Pat’s Girl.

 

 

Budro Talking Returned to the Winner’s Circle $50,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic

 

Budro Talking wins the Louisiana Cup Turf Classic

The $50,000 Louisiana Turf Cup Classic attracted 12 runners going a mile and one-sixteenth over the Franks Turf Course.

 

Budro Talking had an excellent turf record for owner Jack Randall and has won five of his eight Louisiana Downs starts, including last year’s Sunday Silence. Joel Dominguez piloted the 5-year-old son of Tale of Ekati, advancing gamely down the stretch over longshot Nippy Red and previous champion In The Navy.

 

In one of the most animated winner’s circle celebrations in Louisiana Cup history, trainer Keith Austin saluted owner Jack Randall and was thrilled to notch his first stakes win as a conditioner.

 

“I rode for 23 years and never won a stakes,” said Austin. “I said that if I ever got the opportunity to train horses, and rode the horses I trained, I would have won a stakes. Joel Dominguez was Superman today and Jack Randall is the reason I am here today. He gave me the opportunity to train when nobody else would. He believed in me. I had to make this horse happy and make him feel at home.”

 

“He’s just a champ; I was just the passenger,” said rider Dominguez. “I saved ground on the first turn and gave him a clean trip. I knew he was going to come running.”

 

Sydster followed Nippy Red and In the Navy to the wire. Budro Talking ($6.40) won in a final time of 1:41.9, earning his eighth win in 24 starts.

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First Stakes Score for Saltee Stark in the $50,000 Louisiana Sprint

 

Saltee Stark edges the competition to win the Louisiana Cup Sprint

Two previous champions of the $50,000 Louisiana Sprint were denied in the finale when Saltee Stark finished with a rush under Louisiana Downs leading rider Joel Dominguez.

 

The 5-year-old son of Calibrachoa was making his 17th career start for trainer Joe O. Duhon, who felt his runner would be competitive based on his August 14 win here.

 

“I decided to run him in this because he had a good recent race,” explained Duhon. “Fellow trainer Shane Wilson and I talked about it and he felt my horse could compete. I want give thanks to my owner, John S. Turner, who passed away a couple of weeks ago.”

 

This was the second stakes victory on the card for Dominguez, who will be honored with his first leading rider title on Wednesday.

 

“Joe and I talked and said if he ran like he did last time, he would win,” said Dominguez.

 

Defending champion Laughingsaintssong had the lead in the first half-mile, but faded to fifth/ Trainer Ron Faucheux looked for a good effort from his two entrants, Bertie’s Galaxy, who was game throughout the race under Erica Murray, finishing second and 2018 champion Monte Man, who rallied for third.

 

Saltee Stark ($12.00) was bred by Moon Lake Equine Center LLC and was clocked in 1:11.19. He will be pointed to Fair Grounds according to Duhon.

 

Just three more days remain in the 2020 Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Thoroughbred meet. Live racing continues Monday, September 21. Tuesday, September 22 and will conclude on Wednesday, September 23 with the presentation of the End of the Meet awards to the leading owner, trainer and jockey.

 

 

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.

 

Photos:  Hodges Photography

 

Multiple G1SW Imperial Hint to Stand at Clear Creek Stud

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Imperial Hint wins the G1 Vanderbilt Stakes. Susie Raisher photo.

Clear Creek Stud is proud to announce their new stallion for 2021 in Imperial Hint (Imperialism-Royal Hint)

The son of Grade II winner Imperialism, Imperial Hint earned in excess of $2,200,000 while winning eleven Graded Stakes including four Grade I Stakes.

He twice won both the Alfred G. Vanderbilt (GI) at Saratoga Race Course and the Vosburgh (GI) at Belmont Park. In the 2019 edition of the Alfred G. Vanderbilt he set a New Track Record running six furlongs in 1:07.92, getting the half mile in 44.21, while beating Eclipse Award Winning Male Sprinter, Mitole.

Also in his list of accomplishments is the True North Stakes (GII) and the Smile Sprint Stakes (GIII). In the Donald LeVine Memorial Stakes at Parx Racing he ran six furlongs in 1:07.55 with the half mile clocked in 43.81.

Imperial Hint recorded triple digit Beyer figures eleven times in his career with a high of 114.

Imperial Hint will be syndicated with shares available that will grant shareholders seven breedings in his first four years at stud plus bonus seasons after that. Shareholders participate in both stallion awards and stud fees from excess seasons sold.

Imperial Hint will stand the 2021 breeding season at Clear Creek Stud for a fee of $2,500 payable September 1st. To book a mare or receive information on buying a share contact Clear Creek Stud at 985-796-5563 or go to their web page at www.clearcreekstud.com.

New Jersey to Ban Riding Crop Use Except for Safety

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The regulation, the strictest in North America, was opposed by the Jockeys’ Guild.

A regulation passed Sept. 16 by the New Jersey Racing Commission will prohibit jockeys and exercise riders in the state from using the riding crop “except when necessary to control the horse for the safety of the horse or rider” beginning next year.

The ruling makes it the strictest in North America following earlier decisions by some regulatory bodies that have limited the number of strikes a horse can receive from a jockey. According to Daily Racing Form, the riding-crop restriction will take effect when Monmouth Park opens in 2021. The track customarily begins its race meet in May.

Read BloodHorse Article

Longtime Racing Official Hooper Retires

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He headed the Univerity of Arizona Race Track Industry Program in the early 1990s.

Dave Hooper, a longtime racing official and former head of the Texas Thoroughbred Association and University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program, is retiring upon the conclusion of the Canterbury Park meet that ends Sept. 17.

Hooper, 85, has served on the Canterbury board of stewards the past eight years, he said, the last six as chief state steward at the Minnesota track. During his time there, he was one of several recipients of the 2018 Pete Pedersen Award, which is presented to stewards who have demonstrated professional excellence and integrity in the performance of their duties.

Hooper worked in the racing industry for approximately 60 years, nearly 30 in a regulatory capacity. He has also worked as an association or state steward in Kentucky, Arizona, Idaho, Louisiana, Oregon, Washington, and Texas.

He said Canterbury was one of his favorite stops, praising track management and the people of Minnesota.

“I couldn’t have finished at a better place,” he said.

Before wrapping up his career as a regulator, Hooper was appreciated for his contributions as executive director for three breed organizations and one horsemen’s association. He was also a favorite among students at the University of Arizona, where he served as coordinator of the Race Track Industry Program in the early 1990s.

He plans to retire to Georgetown, Texas with his wife of 22 years, Martha.

“We have some bucket-list items we’d like to check off,” he said.

American Racehorse Magazine to Resume Printing with Stallion Register Issue

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American Racehorse magazine will resume publishing later this year starting with the Stallion Register issue in December. Just like in past years, the Stallion Register will be mailed to every member of the Texas Thoroughbred Association, as well as many other state breeder associations in the Southwest and Midwest. The advertising deadline is October 12!
For more information, contact Denis Blake at info@americanracehorse.com or 512-695-4541

Keeneland Fall Meet To Be Held With Limited Participants Due To COVID-19 Pandemic

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September 15, 2020

Keeneland today announced that its 2020 Fall Meet, to be held Oct. 2-24, will be closed to the public due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Only a limited number of participants and essential personnel will be permitted to attend the live race meet.

Keeneland conducted its five-day Summer Meet in July without spectators but did allow a limited number of owners and essential personnel to attend.

“The safety of our employees, our participants and our fans remains Keeneland’s top priority,” Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason said. “We have the most loyal fans in the world and we cannot wait for the day when we can welcome them back for live racing. The decision to close the meet to the public was made after consulting with local and state government officials and public health experts and monitoring how various sporting venues and events around the world have operated during the pandemic. With the guidance of these experts and lessons learned from recent events, we know this is the responsible course of action.”

“Sunday’s kickoff of the 12-day September Yearling Sale, which is followed by the Fall Meet, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships and the November Breeding Stock Sale, marks the beginning of a significant three months of business for Keeneland and the horse industry as a whole,” Keeneland President-Elect and Interim Head of Sales Shannon Arvin said. “It is paramount that we conduct our sales and racing operations in a safe and responsible manner that promotes the health and success of everyone involved.

“We will remain flexible and vigilant leading up to and throughout our Fall Meet to ensure that we observe the most current health and safety protocols and respond to any changes in a timely and thoughtful manner,” Arvin added.

To combat the spread of COVID-19, strict compliance with the following health and safety protocols will be required for participants and employees while they are at Keeneland. Similar protocols were in place for the Summer Meet and are in effect for Keeneland’s current September Yearling Sale:

·       Individuals permitted to come onto the Keeneland grounds will be credentialed or ticketed in advance. Seating will be assigned and properly social distanced on race days.

·       Participants include those with a competing horse, including a limited number of owners and trainers. Keeneland also will allow limited access to sponsors, box holders and Club members.

·       Keeneland will not permit any general admission or walk-up attendees. Credentialed participants will be assigned a seat for the race day.

·       Keeneland will maintain records to allow for contact tracing.

·       Health screenings, including a series of questions and temperature checks, will continue at all entrance gates.

·       All individuals must wear a face mask and maintain proper social distancing while at Keeneland.

Five Tips For Proper Hay Storage

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by

 

As summer winds down, focus turns from baling hay to storing hay. Although storing hay indoors is ideal, it is not always possible. To protect your hay investment, follow these five hay storage tips.

  1. When storing outdoors, bales should be covered with a tarp or another durable cover. Tarps and plastic covers have reduced storage losses by half. For round bales stored outdoors, using net wrap or B-wrap reduces storage losses compared to twine.
  2. Water and animal proof the storage site. Don’t stack hay under a leaky roof as it will grow moldier with each rainfall event. Plug rodent holes and detour wildlife, such as raccoons, from living in hay storage areas during the winter months. Not only can rodents and wildlife make a mess of hay storage areas, feces from some wildlife can cause diseases in horses.
  3. Regardless of indoor or outdoor storage, do not stack hay directly on the ground. Instead, stack bales on pallets to allow air flow and help prevent hay from absorbing ground moisture. Hay bales stored on wet surfaces can have as much as 50 percent spoilage.
  4. Use older hay first. However, hay should keep indefinitely if the hay was properly baled and stored. High humidity can increase moisture content and reduce storage life. Therefore, we recommend feeding hay within two years of harvest.
  5. When storing round bales outdoors, store them end to end. Stacking round bales while stored outdoors usually increases losses as stacking traps moisture and limits drying from the sun and wind. Additionally, buy or bale tightly packed bales, store bales on a well-drained surface, and never store bales under trees or in low lying areas.

Find more hay storage tips here.

Sign up for the University of Minnesota Extension newsletter here.

FULL FIELDS SET FOR LOUISIANA CUP DAY AT HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

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Shantel Lanerie Breast Cancer Foundation Fundraiser and Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA) Scholarship Drawings Also on Tap

 

Bossier City, LA – Full fields are set for Louisiana Cup Day at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs on Saturday, September 19.  First post is 3:05 pm (Central) for the eight-race card which will feature six stakes for accredited Louisiana-breds.Originally announced to run as $40,000, each of the stakes will now have a purse of $50,000 with full fields set throughout the card.

 

Mirabeau Looks for Her Second Stakes Score in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies

Stakes action gets underway in the second race, the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies. A very competitive field of 12 accredited 2-year-old Louisiana-bred fillies will vie six furlongs.

 

Five competitors from the filly’s division of the $60,000 D.S. “Shine” Young Futurity on August 29 at Evangeline Downs are entered, including Larry Romero and Ron Faucheux’s Mirabeau. The daughter of Bind out of the Speightstown mare, Smittystown, was bred by J. Adcock and Nathan Granger and is trained by Faucheux. She was a commanding ten-length winner, covering 5 ½ furlongs in 1:04.90 for her third victory in four career starts. The talented filly, who has been installed as the 3-2 morning-line favorite, will reunite with rider Diego Saenz.

 

“I wasn’t too sure about running her back so quickly,” admitted Faucheux. “But there is a nice gap between this stakes and Louisiana Champions Day (in December at Fair Grounds). She is so classy and mature for her age; we’re looking forward to it.”

 

Other contenders include Laurence Jones’ Squox and Mamas Gone Crazy, owned and trained by Carl DeVille, who ran second and third, respectively, behind Mirabeau. Another filly to watch is Rue Lala, breaking her maiden impressively here on September 5 for owners Spendthrift Farm LLC and William and Corinne Heiligbrodt. The daughter of Star Guitar, who is trained by Steve Asmussen, won by 7 ¾ lengths under leading Louisiana Downs rider Joel Dominguez, who will be back in the saddle on Saturday.

 

Louisiana native Faucheux, who has been training since 2009, has runners in five of the six Louisiana Cup Day stakes.

 

“These state-bred stakes days are so important for Louisiana racing,” he added. “Everyone has gone through so much this year with the pandemic, delayed race days and hurricanes! Hats off to David Heitzmann and LTBA for pushing for Louisiana Cup Day. My owners are pleased with the purse increase to $50,000; we are ready and will be bringing a full crew up on Saturday.”

 

Chu Chu’s Legacy Leads the Field in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile

The fourth race of the afternoon is the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile for Louisiana-bred 2-year-old colts and geldings.  A field of 13 will compete at six furlongs on the main track.

 

Allen Landry owns and trains Chu Chu’s Legacy, a son of Bind, who won the $60,000 D.S. “Shine” Young Futurity division for colts and geldings.  Bred in Louisiana by J. Adcock and Hume Warnell, he drew off to a four length victory on August 29, which was his second victory in three lifetime starts. The 2-1 choice boasts career earnings of $60,800.  Landry will give a leg up to rider Tim Thornton, who has guided the dark bay colt to his last two victories.

 

“He’s been doing so well, there was no reason not to run him,” Landry said of wheeling back in three weeks. “In his first start (on July 18), he got shuffled back, but made up ground. In the “Shine”, he was pressured the whole way, but drew clear on his own.”

 

Schnell, G’wildcat and Jimmy Two Times, who ran second, third and fifth in the “Shine” Futurity will also return to action. Schnell, a colt by Star Guitar is owned by Kaleem Shah, Inc., will make his fourth career start for Faucheux. He competed in the Grade 2, Best Pal at Del Mar on August 8, where he finished fifth.

 

The field also includes Von Dom, owned by Gulf Coast Stables, LLC, who won his debut at Evangeline Downs on July 30 for trainer William Meaux; Lt Bonura, who romped to a nine-length score here on August 12 for trainer Mike Stidham and Ready for Love, a half-brother to Our Lost Love, 2019 LTBA champion 2-year-old Filly.

 

Post time for the Louisiana Cup Juvenile will be 4:26 pm (Central).

 

 

Defending Champion Is Too Faces Eleven Rivals in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff

Twelve accredited Louisiana-bred fillies and mares will take to the Franks Turf Course for the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff.

 

Is Too, a 5-year-old daughter of Midshipman, was bred by J. Adcock and Montgomery Training Center. Owned byBaronne Farms LLC, the chestnut mare has won six of her 21 starts for trainer Edward Johnston. She surged past her six rivals in last year’s edition of the stakes, but will be tested by several stakes winners on Saturday at odds of 7-2. Diego Saenz has the call aboard the talented mare, who drew post position two in the mile and one-sixteenth stakes.

 

“She’s doing well,” said Johnston. “That’s a good post for her; she likes the rail.”

 

Room to Finish has been installed as the 5-2 morning line favorite and will break from the rail under jockey Gerardo Mora. The 5-year-old daughter of Giant Oak was bred by Mike Meeks and is owned by Westpoint Thoroughbreds, Forge Ahead Stables and Jerry Caroom. She has earned $224,105 in 18 efforts. This will be her first start at Louisiana Downs; she ships in off a turf allowance victory on August 5 at Arlington Park.

 

“She’s a very consistent mare,” stated trainer Wayne Catalano. “She ran second in her first two starts at Del Mar before we got her. I’m happier with her rail draw, versus the far outside.”

 

That far outside post belongs to multiple stakes winner Mariah’s Galaxy, trained by Victor Arceneaux and owned by Riley Blanchet and Todd Matte.  Regular pilot Kevin Smith has the call aboard the 6-year-old mare sired by Greeley’s Galaxy. She is the high earner in the field with $420,985 banked in 27 starts. Bred by Margie K. Averett, the winner of five career stakes will also be making her debut at Louisiana Downs.

 

The contentious field also includes Net A Bear, a 4-year-old filly by Awesome Bet owned by Maximo Lamarche and Federico Deltoro. She is also a multiple-stakes winner for breeder Lora Pitre with victories in the 2019 Elge Rasberry at Louisiana Downs and Louisiana Champions Day Turf at Fair Grounds. Trainer Allen Landry will give a leg up to Tim Thornton. Stakes winners Yes Gorgeous and Vacherie Girl are also among the contenders in the Louisiana Cup Distaff, which will run as the fifth race on the card.

 

Overflow Field of Fourteen Drawn in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint

The $50,000 Louisiana Filly and Mare Sprint is another Louisiana Cup Day feature that attracted a highly competitive group of distaffers competing at the distance of six furlongs.

 

Our Lost Love will seek her third stakes win for trainer Joey Foster. Bred and owned by Tri-Star Racing LLC, the 3-year-old daughter of Half Ours has already eclipsed the $200,000 earnings mark with five wins from nine starts. The talented filly broke her maiden at Louisiana Downs last September and won her first stakes, the $93,700 Louisiana Futurity on December 29 at Fair Grounds. Two months later, she added a victory in the $70,000 Take Charge Brandi at Delta Downs. On August 8, she made easy work of her rivals, winning a five-furlong turf sprint here in :57.35 seconds.  Carlos Lozada has the return call on the dark bay filly at odds of 7-2.

 

“She’s a very special filly and we are thrilled that Louisiana Cup Day will take place this year after so many challenges,” said Foster. “I am very happy with her draw; really wanted an outside post.”

 

Tin Roof Farms LLC’s Snowball, a 4-year-old daughter of Apriority, won her last two races at Evangeline Downs, including the $60,000 Louisiana Legends Mademoiselle Stakes on July 4. Trained by Samuel Breaux, the gray filly will break from post position three with Diego Saenz in the saddle. Bred by 4M Ranch, Snowball made one previous start at Louisiana Downs in 2019, running fourth in the Elge Rasberry, which was run at a mile on the turf.

 

“She’s turned into a sprinter and is definitely on top of her game,” said Breaux. “We gave her a work (on September 9) in Opelousas and she is ready.”

 

Trainer Ron Faucheux looks for a good effort from Play Unified, a 7-year-old mare by Exchange Rate, who has earned $324,737. Erica Murray has the mount and will break from post position 13.

 

“She’s very sound,” he said. “She can be her own worst enemy; sometimes being too fractious in the gate, but she is very talented.”

 

Sydster Takes on His Elders in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic

The $50,000 Louisiana Turf Cup Classic attracted thirteen runners going a mile and one-sixteenth over the Franks Turf Course. Several proven turf stakes winners are entered with a firm turf course expected for Saturday afternoon.

 

Sydster, a 3-year-old son of Power Broker, has won three of his six starts for owner Baronne Farms LLC. Bred by J.Adcock & Montgomery Equine Center, he broke his maiden last December and won the $75,000 Crescent City Derby on February 17. He ran second on July 4 in the Louisiana Legends Cheval Stakes at Evangeline Downs.

 

“He’s a young horse,” admitted Johnston. “He’ll be running against older horses for the first time, but I know he will like the nice sweeping Louisiana Downs turf course. Diego knows him well; he’ll put him in a good spot.”

 

In the Navy, owned by Kendel D. Standlee, won the 2018 edition of the race and finished second last year for trainer Scott Gelner. The 6-year-old son of Midshipman will be ridden by Alexander Castillo and will be making his 33rd career start. His last appearance in the winner’s circle came one year ago here at Louisiana Downs when he won the Frank L. Brothers Stakes.

 

“I’ve only been able to run him once this summer with so many races forced off the turf,” said Gelner. “He’s just a great turf horse and I am proud of the fact that he has won on each of the Louisiana turf courses.”

 

Other contenders include Snake Racing LLC’s Treys Midnite Moon, who has won nine of his 34 starts for trainer Corale Richards. Rider Devin Magnon has the call on the 5-year-old son of Neko Bay. Budro Talking has an excellent turf record for owner Jack Randall and has won five of his eight Louisiana Downs starts. Joel Dominguez will ride the 5-year-old son of Tale of Ekati for trainer Keith Austin.

 

 

Champions Laughingsaintssong and Monte Man Headline the $50,000 Louisiana Sprint

The final stakes on Saturday’s card is the $50,000 Louisiana Sprint which also drew an exceptional field, including two past champions, going six furlongs on the main track.

 

Rodney Verret’s Laughingsaintssong, a 6-year-old gelding bred by J.E. Jumonville and his wife, Bunny, who own one of the top Quarter Horse farms in Louisiana. They own a Vindication mare Laughing Saint and bred her to Grade 1 winner Songandaprayer.  He boasts a record of ten wins and earnings of $363,010 and exits a confident victory in the $60,000 Louisiana Legends Sprint at Evangeline Downs on July 4. Tim Thornton rode the bay gelding and will ride him in his 27th start this Saturday for conditioner Allen Landry.

 

“He’s a war horse,” stated Landry.  “He ran a great race at Evangeline Downs and has been training very well. He’s fired up and ready to defend his title!”

Monte Man, the pride and joy of Ivery Sisters Racing, won the 2018 Louisiana Cup Sprint and will be in pursuit of his 16th career victory on Saturday afternoon. Claimed for $25,000 in October, 2017, bay gelded son of Custom For Carlos was sent to Faucheux in Louisiana and reeled off seven wins in a row. Five of the victories were black-type stakes and he was honored as 2018 Louisiana Bred Horse of the Year. Bred by Val C. Murrell. Monte Man has banked $610,923 and is still going strong as a 7-year-old. Jockey Gerard Melancon has the call on the 9-2 second choice.

 

“We love this horse,” said Faucheux. “Drawing outside suits him and he ran a really good allowance race, in hand, to prep for this. His numbers might suggest that he is not as good as he has been in the past, but he’s still got a lot of fight in him.”

 

The field also includes Bertie’s Galaxy, also trained by Faucheux and 2019 Louisiana Cup Juvenile winner Scotty Boyfrom the barn of Ronnie Ward.

 

Post time for the Louisiana Cup Sprint, which runs as the final race on the card, is 6:15 pm.

 

Louisiana Cup Day News and Notes

Saturday’s weather forecast calls for a picture perfect afternoon with a high of 82 degrees and just 49% humidity! The public is invited to enjoy live racing, and culinary delights from the most popular food trucks in Shreveport-Bossier City.The following special events are set for Cup Day:

 

Handicapping Preview Show Begins at 2:00 pm

Louisiana Downs track announcer John McGary and regional racing publicist Martha Claussen will team up for a pre-race handicapping preview at 2:00 pm in the Inside Rail, located on the first floor of the grandstand. They will offer analysis and their selections for each of the races on the Louisiana Cup Day card. The seminar is free and open to all racing fans.

 

Shantel Lanerie Breast Cancer Fundraiser To Take Place on Louisiana Cup Day

Harrah’s Louisiana Downs will conduct a fundraiser on Saturday, September 19 in support of the Shantel Lanerie Cancer Breast Foundation.  The beloved Louisiana native and wife of jockey Corey Lanerie was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in January, 2018 and passed away just six months later.  She is survived by her parents, husband and daughter, Brittlyn.

 

Rick Mocklin, who was Lanerie’s agent for ten years and his wife, Janette, were close friends of Shantel.  Mocklin serves as founder and president of the Shantel Lanerie Breast Cancer Foundation (SLBCF). The 501(c)(3) organization was founded in September, 2018 with a mission of educating, empowering and encouraging women to become pro-active in early detection, and if diagnosed, surviving breast cancer.  Acknowledging that breast cancer impacts the entire family, the Foundation designates funds raised through donations and fundraisers to assist with basic needs of breast cancer patients through every stage of diagnosis and treatment.

 

Beginning at 2:00 pm on Louisiana Cup Day, a table will be set up in the grandstand with monogrammed apparel and memorabilia. Jockeys will be on hand to autograph the items, with all proceeds to benefit the foundation. Fans will be able to stop by the table, purchase items or make donations until 6:00 pm.

 

LTBA To Award Scholarships on Louisiana Cup Day

Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA) will draw for two $1,000 scholarships on September 19 via Facebook Live during Louisiana Cup Day at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs. The drawings will be between the fifth and sixth races in the winner’s circle.  *Due to the COVID-19 students do not have to be present to win a scholarship. For more information about Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association visit louisianabred.com or call 1-800-772-1195.

 

Post Times and Racing Dates

The 2020 Thoroughbred racing season at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs got underway on Saturday, June 6. The 64-day meet will run Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday through September 23. Post time is 3:05 pm (Central).

 

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.

 

LTBA Office Closed Monday and Tuesday, September 14 & 15 Due to Hurricane Sally

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The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association office will be closed Monday and Tuesday, September 14 and 15 as Hurricane Sally is predicted to affect New Orleans.

All Breeders’ data is backed up and will be in secure locations for the duration of the storm.

The office will re-open  as soon as it is safe to do so, hopefully Wednesday. Please check back on our website for updates.

We appreciate your patience and pray for the safety of all in the face of this hurricane

The Jockey Club Projects Foal Crop of 19,200 in 2021

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The Jockey Club is projecting a 2021 North American registered Thoroughbred foal crop of 19,200. The estimation for the 2020 foal crop remains at 20,500.

The foal crop projection, traditionally announced in mid-August, is computed by using Reports of Mares Bred (RMBs) received to date for the 2020 breeding season. RMBs are to be filed by August 1 of each breeding season.

“The Jockey Club delayed publication of the estimation of the 2021 foal crop to provide stud farms that may have been affected by COVID-19 additional time to submit their RMBs,” said Matt Iuliano, The Jockey Club’s executive vice president and executive director.

Additional foal crop information is available in The Jockey Club’s online fact book at jockeyclub.com/factbook.asp and in the online state fact books.

Stallion owners who have not returned their RMBs for the 2020 breeding season are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. Interactive Registration, which enables registered users to perform virtually all registration-related activities over the Internet, is the most efficient means of submitting RMBs and is available at registry.jockeyclub.com.

The Jockey Club, founded in 1894 and dedicated to the improvement of Thoroughbred breeding and racing, is the breed registry for North American Thoroughbreds. In fulfillment of its mission, The Jockey Club, directly or through subsidiaries, provides support and leadership on a wide range of important industry initiatives, and it serves the information and technology needs of owners, breeders, media, fans and farms. It founded America’s Best Racing (americasbestracing.net), the broad-based fan development initiative for Thoroughbred racing, and in partnership with the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, operates OwnerView (ownerview.com), the ownership resource. Additional information is available at jockeyclub.com.