Month: September 2020

HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS ANNOUNCES ADDITION OF EXTRA RACE ON EACH PROGRAM BEGINNING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

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Draw for Louisiana Cup Day to Take Place Saturday, September 12

 

Bossier City, LA – Harrah’s Louisiana Downs will add one additional race each day, beginning Monday, September 14 through the conclusion of the 2020 Thoroughbred racing season on Wednesday, September 23.  This is in addition to the purse increase of $1,500 per race which was announced on August 8.

 

“Supporting our local horsemen continues to be a high priority for Harrah’s Louisiana Downs,” said David Heitzmann, Director of Racing. “We were forced to delay the start of our meet due to COVID-19, which was not expected. Then, Hurricane Laura had a devastating impact on many members of our racing community. We are hopeful that the purse increase and extra day will benefit these horsemen who have been very loyal to our racetrack.”

 

Tight Trainer Battle Developing at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs 

The next two weeks at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs will offer an exciting battle for leading trainer honors with three horsemen solidly in contention.  Steve Asmussen is the current leader with 36 wins; Karl Broberg follows closely with 34 and Shane Wilson is also in the hunt with 31 winners to date.

Asmussen, who has traveled from Texas to New York to Kentucky this summer has a solid team in place at Louisiana Downs. Assistants Mitch Dennison and Misty Drinkwater handle the day to day care of the Hall of Fame conditioner’s runners at Louisiana Downs. Dennison explained that when the Evangeline Training Center closed two years ago, it was Louisiana Downs that stepped up with an opportunity to stable and train in Shreveport.

“Louisiana Downs has been our hub for this region for two years,” said Dennison. “Steve believes in having each horse being productive at their class level. So, in addition to our success here this meet, we are able to train and ship horses where they fit.”

Dennison credits David Heitzmann and his team for their continued commitment this season.

“I can’t thank them enough for working with us and being so accommodating,” added Dennison. “The track surfaces are excellent; (track superintendent) Billy McKeever does an amazing job. We have a couple of horses pointed to Cup Day and hope we will be able to win the training title”

 

 

Karl Broberg, who has been the #1 trainer by wins in North America for the past seven years, won 45 races here last year, finishing second to Joey Foster. He and his crew will be gearing up over the next nine live racing days.

“I’m thankful that Louisiana Downs has been so accommodating to horsemen through this incredibly tough year,” said Broberg. “They were the first track in this region to turn the lights on and work to get racing back on track. All credit goes to the management team.”

It is the first time in eight years that Wilson, a native of Haughton, Louisiana, has stabled here.

“We were all in limbo several months ago,” said Wilson describing the impact of COVID-19 on the resumption of racing in Louisiana. “However (Director of Racing) David Heitzmann was the first to step up with a plan. We knew the early May date was not possible, but David set June 6 as the opening date at Louisiana Downs and quickly got the condition book posted.”

There were some anxious moments for Wilson, but he credits his owners for their support.

“So many of my owners were loyal and I knew we had a good barn coming into the meet,” he said. “I came in thinking we had a good chance to win 30 races, and we have done that already.”

Wilson reflects on the impact of COVID-19 on racing over the last six months.

“It’s been a challenge for everyone,” Wilson stated. “But one positive is that my two sons stayed with us and home schooled. They were looking to make some extra money, so got up every morning at 4:00 am to help out at the barn. My wife, Becky, was with us as well. So, despite all the challenges, it has been a good summer for our family.”

However, there is little doubt that Joel Dominguez will be caught in the race for leading jockey of the meet. He has been racking up the wins throughout the season and currently tops his fellow riders with 59 wins since the meet began on June 6. Jack Gilligan is second with 37 trips to the winner’s circle. Jose Guerrero has ridden 36 winners to date and Gerardo Mora rounds out the top four with 32 victories.

 

This is the fourth year that Dominguez has been based at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs. He began 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. The 30-year-old Dominguez was born in Durango, Mexico, and experience in the saddle began in Kentucky, galloping for both Asmussen and veteran Kentucky-based conditioner, Neil Howard.

 

Louisiana Cup Day Draw Set for Saturday, September 12

Nominations for the annual Louisiana Cup Day at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs have closed with tremendous interest from horsemen. Six stakes for accredited Louisiana-breds will be contested on Saturday, September 19. The draw for the following Louisiana Cup stakes will take place on Saturday, September 12.

Louisiana Cup Day Featured Stakes

                                   

$40,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile                    2 YO LA-Bred                        Six furlongs

$40,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies          2 YO Fillies LA-Bred             Six furlongs

$40,000 Louisiana Cup Filly & Mare Sprint  3 YO & Up F&M, LA-Bred  Six furlongs

$40,000 Louisiana Cup Sprint                        3 YO & Up LA-Bred              Six furlongs

$40,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic              3 YO & Up LA-Bred              1 1/16 miles (T)

$40,000 Louisiana Distaff                              3 YO & Up F & M LA-Bred  1 1/16 miles (T)

 

 

Update on Jockey Rico Flores

Jockey Rico Flores was injured in a spill on Tuesday, September 1 and was transported to the hospital. He was diagnosed with a cervical spine injury and underwent surgery earlier this week.

 

His companion, Sally Warne, stopped by the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs racing office on Tuesday and gave an update that Flores was able to move his legs and feet fine; lift his head, shoulders, and elbows, but still not able to move his fingers. He will begin physical therapy today. She added that it will be a “long road” to recovery.

 

According to statistics on Equibase. Flores has won 366 races and purses of $5.9 million since he began riding in 1994.

 

A GoFundMe account has been set up to assist Flores in his recovery. If you are able to make a donation, please visit: GoFundMe.com.RicoFlores.

 

 

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.

The requirements for the scholarship are as follows:

Must be a college student enrolled full-time in a Louisiana College, University or Community College for Fall 2020.

Must be in good standing with the college or university.

Must have University ID number or Social Security number.

The scholarship will be deposited directly into the student’s account at the college or university. The student is asked to know the name and address of the college that they are attending.
REGISTER NOW.

Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association manages the best incentive program for breeding thoroughbreds in the United States. Since the organization formed, this has led to increased purses, better quality horses, and increased interest in racing and breeding horses. The thoroughbred racing and breeding industry generates over $1 billion and employs over 60,000 people in the state of Louisiana.

For more information about Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association visit louisianabred.com or call 1-800-772-1195.

 

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.

 

Mocklin has reached out to each of the Louisiana racetracks on their premier racing days to support fundraising efforts for the foundation. Sadly, due to COVID-19, many of the scheduled events this year have been canceled.

 

“The pandemic has affected so many people this year and events at many tracks were not able to take place,” said Mocklin.  “We are grateful to Louisiana Downs for welcoming us back on Cup Day again this year.

 

Handicapping Preview Show Set for Saturday, September 19

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.

 

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.

Louisiana Judge to Rule Friday on Fair Grounds Emergency Stabling

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By T. D. Thornton

A temporary restraining order issued Sep. 4 has blocked a Louisiana State Racing Commission (LSRC) mandate from taking effect that seeks to force the Fair Grounds to open its backstretch stabling to as many as 500 Thoroughbreds displaced by Hurricane Laura in the last week of August. An Orleans Parish Civil District Court judge is now expected to rule on the injunction after a Sep. 11 hearing.

The news site Crescent City Sports first reported on the 57-page request for injunction filed by attorneys for the Fair Grounds, which is owned by the gaming corporation Churchill Downs, Inc. The filing stated that the LSRC “does not have the legal authority to issue the mandatory injunction” and that “issuing such an order constitutes an unconstitutional taking and violates Fair Grounds’ constitutional rights to due process.”

After the Aug. 27 hurricane wrecked infrastructure at Delta Downs, the racino announced that its property would close to assess and repair damage. The Oct. 6-Feb. 27 meet could be delayed or abbreviated.

Read TDN Article

Two Scholarships Each Valued at $1,000 to be Awarded on Facebook Live Sept. 19. Live from Harrah’s Louisiana Downs.

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Two Scholarships to be Awarded on Louisiana Cup Day at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs!
We are drawing 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 winners circle. The first race starts at 3:05 p.m. CDT.
The requirements for the scholarship are as follows:
  • Must be a college student enrolled full-time in a Louisiana College, University or Community College for Fall 2020.
  • Must be in good standing with the college or university.
  • Must have University ID number or Social Security number.
*Due to the COVID-19 students do not have to be present to win a scholarship.
**There will not be a registration booth on site.
The scholarship will be deposited directly into the student’s account at the college or university. The student is asked to know the name and address of the college that they are attending.
Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association manages the best incentive program for breeding thoroughbreds in the United States. Since the organization formed, this has led to increased purses, better quality horses, and increased interest in racing and breeding horses. The thoroughbred racing and breeding industry generates over $1 billion and employs over 60,000 people in the state of Louisiana.
For more information about Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association visit louisianabred.com or call 1-800-772-1195.

LA Horsemen Plea to Commission for Emergency Stabling

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By T. D. Thornton

In the aftermath of Hurricane Laura that devastated structures at Delta Downs last week, the Louisiana Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (LHBPA) made a written plea to the Louisiana State Racing Commission (LSRC) Sept. 2 asking for an emergency order to be handed down that would mandate “immediate access to stalls to stable at both Louisiana Downs and Fair Grounds.”

The request for stabling involves both Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses, and is complicated by meets for both breeds ending and starting within the same rough time frame at Louisiana’s four tracks. Additionally, the presence of the COVID-19 pandemic is making movement of people and horses difficult.

Read TDN Article

Jockey Brian Hernandez Cleared To Resume Riding Thursday At Churchill

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Just after hearing that his Kentucky Derby mount, Art Collector, wouldn’t be entered in the race due to a minor foot injury, jockey Brian Hernandez, Jr. found out that he had tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday. He was subsequently taken off all mounts at Churchill on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The 34-year-old rider then took an antibody test on Tuesday, which was also positive.

According to the Daily Racing Form, Hernandez consulted with both local health officials and Churchill representatives, and eventually it was decided to allow him to resume riding on Thursday, “on the basis that he is not an infectious danger to others.”

LA Cup Day Features Shantel Lanerie Breast Cancer Fundraiser

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

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.

Read TDN Article

Jockey Hernandez Tests Positive for COVID-19

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Rider off Churchill Downs mounts Sept 1.

 

Jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. reported Sept. 1 that he had tested positive for COVID-19, but that he is no longer contagious since he is also positive for the virus antibodies.

Hernandez was taken off the four mounts on which he was named for the Tuesday card at Churchill Downs that kicks off the week leading up to the rescheduled Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1), and it was unclear when he would be able to resume riding. He had 25 mounts lined up for Sept. 1-4.

“We got the antibody results back,” Hernandez wrote in a text message. “I am positive for the virus but positive for the antibodies as well, which means I am no longer contagious. Now we are waiting for Churchill and the health department to tell us when we can go back to riding.”

Read BloodHorse Article

KARL BROBERG, TIM THORNTON AND DALE WHITE, SR. WIN TITLES AT EVANGELINE DOWNS

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THE 50-NIGHT SEASON CONCLUDED ON SATURDAY NIGHT

 

OPELOUSAS, LA – There was a long time during the Thoroughbred season at Evangeline Downs this summer where it appeared that Karl Broberg would not defend the training title he has won so many times before. That was until the night of August 19, when horses trained by Broberg won six of the nine races on the program and catapulted him back to the top of the standings. Broberg totaled 23 wins for the season, which was six more than a three-way tie for second at 17 wins between Sam David, Jr., Ron Faucheux and Eduardo Ramirez. For the season, Broberg’s horses earned $374,150 in purse money, which also topped the table.

The complete top 10 trainers’ standings were: Karl Broberg (23 wins), a three-way tie for second with Sam David, Jr., Ron Faucheux, and Eduardo Ramirez at 17 wins each, a three-way tie for fifth with Allen Landry, Lee Thomas and Dale White, Sr. at 15 wins each, a two-way tie for eighth with Keith Bourgeois and Bret Calhoun at 14 wins each and a three-way tie for ninth with Sam Breaux, Kenneth Hargrave and Corale Richards at 13 wins each.

Tim Thornton handily won the jockeys’ title at Evangeline Downs in 2020 with 73 victories from 339 starts for a 22% winning percentage. When you add 71 second-place and 47 third-place finishes to his record, that gives Thornton an in-the-money percentage for the season of 56%. Thornton and runner-up Diego Saenz were the only riders whose mounts earned in excess of one million dollars in purse money with Thornton’s horses picking up $1,268,850 and Saenz’s earning $1,050,461.

The complete top 10 jockeys’ standings were: Tim Thornton (73 wins), Diego Saenz (56), Gerard Melancon (46), Devin Magnon (31), Jansen Melancon (26), Ty Kennedy (25), C.J. McMahon (22), Joe Stokes (21), and a two-way tie for ninth between Jarred Journet and E.M. Murray at 18 wins each.

It was a stellar season for Dale White, Sr. at Evangeline Downs. White not only finished in the top five in the training standings, he also managed to finish the meet as the leading owner with 14 victories from 84 starts, ending up four wins ahead of a tie for second between Elite Thoroughbred Racing LLC and End Zone Athletics, Inc. White also added 13 seconds and 17 thirds for an in-the-money percentage of 52% for his runners. His horses earned $248,180 in purses, which was also led the standings.

The complete top 10 owners’ standings were: Dale White, Sr. (14 wins), a two-way tie for seconds with Elite Thoroughbred Racing LLC and End Zone Athletics, Inc. at 10 wins each, a two-way tie for fourth with Earl Hernandez, Keith Hernandez & John Duvieilh and Red Rose Racing at 9 wins each, a two-way tie for sixth with Rylee Grudzien and M & M Racing at 7 wins each and a three-way tie for eighth between Allied Racing Stable, LLC, Norman Stables, LLC and Whispering Oaks Farm, LLC at 6 wins each.

Live racing at Evangeline Downs will resume on September 17 with the beginning of the American Quarter Horse meeting. Post time for the season will be 5:35 pm Central Time.

 

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

INTEREST STRONG FOR LOUISIANA CUP DAY AT HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

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 Nominations Close This Saturday for the Six Louisiana-bred Stakes

 

Bossier City, LA – There is a lot of activity this week in the Louisiana Downs racing office as this Saturday is the deadline to nominate for Louisiana Cup Day.  The annual event featuring six stakes saluting Louisiana-bred Thoroughbreds set for Saturday, September 19.

Last weekend, Evangeline Downs hosted the $60,000 D.S. “Shine” Young Futurity for accredited Louisiana-bred 2-year-olds. Both the winner of the filly and colts/gelding divisions are under consideration for Cup Day.

Mirabeau, a daughter of Bind, was nothing short of sensational as she drew off by a margin of

10 ¼  lengths under jockey Diego Saenz. Owned by Larry Romero and Ron Faucheux, she covered 5-1/2 furlongs in 1:04.90, which impressed both her connections and racing fans.

As reported by Mary Rampellini in the Daily Racing Form, Mirabeau was bred in Louisiana by J. Adcock and Nathan Granger. Faucheux purchased Mirabeau as a yearling at the Equine Sales of Louisiana auction in 2019. Not long afterward, he sold an interest in the daughter of Bind to Larry Romero. Mirabeau is by Bind and is out of the Speightstown mare, Smittystown.

She has won three of four lifetime starts and the $36,000 first-place purse increases her lifetime earnings to $75,350. Faucheaux was asked about the next start for Mirabeau.

“We will probably nominate her for Louisiana Cup Day, but have not made a decision,” said Faucheaux.. “There’s a chance; we were ecstatic with her stakes win Saturday night.”

Faucheaux acknowledges that he has several runners in mind for Cup Day, including Monte Man, who won the 2018 Louisiana Cup Sprint. Bred by Val Murrell, the son of Custom For Carlos is a multiple-stakes winner who has earned $610,923. Claimed for just $5,000 by Ivery Sisters Racing, the now 7-year-old gelding won an allowance race at Evangeline Downs on August 20.

“He’s still got a lot of fight in him,” added Faucheaux.

$60,000 D.S. “Shine” Young Futurity Chu Chu’s Legacy is also under consideration for Louisiana Cup Day according to his conditioner Allen Landry.  Bred in Louisiana by J. Adcock and Hume Warnell, and also sired by Bind, the gelding drew off to a four length victory under rider Tim Thornton.

He has won two of three lifetime starts and the $36,000 first-place purse pushes his career earnings to $60,800.

“It was really exciting,” Landry said of the stakes score. “He will be nominated (for Cup Day) and we’ll see how he is doing. He’s certainly heading in the right direction.”

Landry had confirmed that he will have two previous Louisiana Cup Day winners set for the September 19th event.  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 won the 2019 Louisiana Cup Sprint as well as the Louisiana Champions Day Sprint at Fair Grounds. Landry will look to the turf for

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 Scott Gelner is pointing In The Navy to the Louisiana Cup Turf Classic. Owned by Kendall Standlee, the 6-year-old son of Midshipman won the 2018 edition of the race and was a convincing winner in the 2019 Frank Brothers, also contested on the Louisiana Downs turf course last September.

“I’ve only been able to run him once this summer with so many races forced off the turf,” said Gelner. “He had a good work on Monday; I think he’s back on target.”

G’Wildcat, who ran third to Chu Chu’s Legacy in the D. S. “Shine” Futurity, may return to action in the Louisiana Cup Juvenile, according to Gelner.

“He won his first out, but on Saturday, they got away from him,” he said. “He galloped out well, so we’ll see about heading to Cup Day.”

As previously mentioned, trainer Joey Foster confirmed that Our Lost Love will seek her third stakes win. 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 sprint in :57.35 seconds.

“Knowing that we can run on Cup Day means everything for me and my owners,” said Foster. “Our Lost Love showed us she is ready, getting the win (on August 8) so easily with the rail out. We’ve got big plans for Cup Day!”

 

Further information on the following Louisiana Cup Day features is posted on Equibase.

                                   

$40,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile                    2 YO LA-Bred                        Six furlongs

$40,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies          2 YO Fillies LA-Bred             Six furlongs

$40,000 Louisiana Cup Filly & Mare Sprint  3 YO & Up F&M, LA-Bred  Six furlongs

$40,000 Louisiana Cup Sprint                        3 YO & Up LA-Bred              Six furlongs

$40,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic              3 YO & Up LA-Bred              1 1/16 miles (T)

$40,000 Louisiana Distaff                              3 YO & Up F & M LA-Bred  1 1/16 miles (T)

 

Nominations will close on Saturday, September 5. Contact David Heitzmann atdheitzmann@caesars.com or by calling (318) 741-2511.

 

 

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.

Mocklin has reached out to each of the Louisiana racetracks on their premier racing days to support fundraising efforts for the foundation. Sadly, due to COVID-19, many of the scheduled events this year have been canceled.

“The pandemic has affected so many people this year and events at many tracks were not able to take place,” said Mocklin.  “We are grateful to Louisiana Downs for welcoming us back on Cup Day again this year.

“Breast cancer can be devastating for so many people,” added Mocklin. “To lose Shantel when she was just 42 years-old was heartbreaking for her family and many friends. The foundation has already helped 40 women diagnosed with breast cancer and we want to keep raising funds to support those in need.”

 

Handicapping Preview Show Set for Saturday, September 19

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.

 

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.

 

September Calendar of Events from the LTBA

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 Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association would like to share the following list of dates of interest to Louisiana horsemen and women.

Brought to you by Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association, Whispering Oaks Farm,  and  Equine Sales Company. Click images to link to more information

September 4

  • Equine Sales Open Yearling and Mixed Sale Consignment Deadline

September 5

  • Kentucky Derby

September 7

  • Labor Day

September 10 and 11

  • Backside Benevolent Fund at Louisiana Downs, Chaplains Awards Banquet. To be held on consecutive nights at the church on Louisiana Downs Backside. Dinner 7:00.  Tickets $40 each. Limited to 100 guests each night. Contact Loretta Romero for tickets or more information. 318-470-2002

September 19

  • Louisiana Cup Day.  Louisiana Downs, Bossier City. 1st Post 3:15 p.m. Six stakes races for Accredited Louisiana Bred Thoroughbreds worth total purses of $240,000

September 23

  • Louisiana Downs, final day of 2020 Thoroughbred Meet

September 26

  • National Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Assoc. (TOBA) Awards Virtual ceremony hosted by Gabby Gaudet at Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa
    Brittlyn, Inc. to be honored as the recipients of the 2019 TOBA Award for the State of Louisiana.

September 30

  • 2020-21 LTBA Regular Membership Applications and Renewals Due.  $75 before Sept. 30/$85 after Sept 30.

October 1

  • Louisiana Champions Day Early Bird Nominations are due

 

Would you like to sponsor a newsletter? Reach @ 2,500 readers.

Please contact Linda 985-386-0360, linda@louisianabred.com or Roger 504-947-4676, roger@louisianabred.com for cost and availability.

Do you have a date pertaining to Louisiana-breds that you would like included in an upcoming calendar? Please contact Linda 985-386-0360, linda@louisianabred.com or Roger 504-947-4676, roger@louisianabred.comfor consideration.

 

Any questions or need more info call

Roger A. Heitzmann III, Secretary/Treasurer

Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association

504-947-4676