Month: August 2022

Fair Grounds Announces Twelve New Stakes and Earlier Opening Day for the 2022-23 Thoroughbred Racing Season

louisianathoroughbred

2022-23 STAKES SCHEDULE jumps to $8.5 MILLION,

the richest in Louisiana’s history

 

NEW ORLEANS (Tuesday, August 30, 2021) – Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots has announced that 65 stakes worth a combined $8.5 million, up more than $700,000 from last season, will be offered during the 80-day, 2022-23 Thoroughbred meet. In each of the 13 unrestricted, non-graded stakes, purses have been increased by $25,000. In addition, twelve new Louisiana-bred stakes have been added to the schedule, including six over the first two days of the meet.

“We worked with the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association and Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association to come up with these new stakes,” said Fair Grounds’ racing secretary Scott Jones. “We’re proud to have worked together for the betterment of our sport to create not only the best stakes schedule, but also the richest program we’ve ever offered in the state.”

The traditional Thanksgiving opening will give way to an earlier start to the meet, with opening day slated for Friday, November 18. Six inaugural $75,000 Louisiana-bred stakes will be run over the dirt course on the season’s first two days. Fillies and mares take center stage on Friday in the Happy Ticket Stakes (6 furlongs) and the Big World Stakes (1 mile & 70 yards), both for 3-year-olds and up. The Donovan L. Ferguson Memorial Stakes, a 5 1/2 furlong event for 2-year-olds, will also be carded on opening day. Saturday’s trio of stakes are a mirror-image in terms of age, distance and surface, but these open Louisiana-bred events are highlighted by a 6-furlong dirt sprint named in honor of Ivery Sisters Racing’s multiple stakes winning, fan favorite Monte Man, who retired from racing last year at age nine.

“Coming off a very successful 150th anniversary season we can’t wait to welcome fans back to experience the best winter racing in New Orleans starting in November,” said Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots’ president Doug Shipley. “We have made significant investments at the track which includes our new $1.5 million dollar state-of-the-art Tote board. The new board is one of the best in the country and provides an unparalleled experience. While our season will officially begin on November 18th we will still have our Thanksgiving day celebration that has become a staple for the residents of New Orleans. “

Louisiana Derby Day is scheduled for Saturday, March 25, and it will card eight stakes worth a total of $2.6 million. Run at 1 3/16 miles for the third time last year, the Twinspires.com $1,000,000 Louisiana Derby (G2) is traditionally worth 100-40-20-10 points to the top four finishers on the Road to the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (G1). The strong infusion of our sport’s top 3-year-olds training and racing at Fair Grounds was never more apparent than it was last season. Winchell Thoroughbreds’ Epicenter, who won the Gun Runner, Risen Star (G2) and Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds in 2021-22, would later run second in both the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness (G1) in advance of victories in both the Jim Dandy (G2) and Travers (G1) at Saratoga. Haskell (G1) winner Cyberknife, Jim Dandy runner-up Zandon, who finished third in the Kentucky Derby and Travers, Ohio Derby-winner Tawny Port, and the 148th Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike also participated in Fair Grounds’ 2021-22 Road to the Derby series.

Run at 1 1/16 miles, the Grade 2 $400,000 Twinspires.com Fair Grounds Oaks awards 100-40-20-10 points en route to the Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1). Last year’s winner Echo Zulu, who was Champion 2-year-old of 2021, finished fourth in the Kentucky Oaks. Second and fourth-place finishers Hidden Connection and Turnerloose also competed in the Run for the Lillies.

“Fair Grounds has proven to be one of the premier winter racing destinations,” Jones said. “Once again last year, the quality of horses who stabled or came through New Orleans have made a huge impact in premier stakes races all over the country. Beginning with the Gun Runner and the Untapable for late season juveniles, our progressive schedule of 3-year-old races for both the boys and girls gives horsemen even more opportunity to develop their horses and compete for excellent purses.”

A pair of high-impact, nine furlong stakes for older horses are also scheduled on the Louisiana Derby Day program — the $500,000 New Orleans Classic (G2) on dirt and the $300,000 Muniz Memorial Stakes (G2) on turf. Four undercard stakes, each worth $125,000, are slated for the lucrative card, including the Tom Benson Memorial for older fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles on grass and a trio of Louisiana-bred events – the Costa Rising Stakes, a 5 1/2-furlong turf sprint, the Crescent City Derby for 3-year-old males at 1 1/16 miles and the Crescent City Oaks for females at 1 mile and 70 yards. The purses for each of those stakes has been raised $25,000.

After 2021’s successful debut, the Road to the Derby Kickoff Day will keep the same December 26 date, but will card nine stakes, up three from last year. From top to bottom last year’s 13-race card was a holiday feast, featuring Cyberknife breaking his maiden, and the 148th Kentucky Derby exacta, Rich Strike and Epicenter, both participating in the Gun Runner. A pair of 2-year-old stakes with Kentucky Derby and Oaks point implications (10-4-2-1) highlight the 9-stakes race card: the $100,000 Gun Runner contested at 1 1/16ths miles and the 1 mile 70 yards $100,000 Untapable for fillies.

Two long standing juvenile 6-furlong sprint stakes have been moved to the December 26 card, the Sugar Bowl and the Letellier Memorial for fillies.  The 1 mile 70 yards Joseph E. “Spanky” Broussard Memorial Stakes for fillies and mares shifts to this date as well to pair with the Tenacious Stakes at 1 1/16 miles, both for 3-year olds and up. Also for older horses, the Buddy Diliberto Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on turf, the Blushing K.D. for fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles on turf, and the Richie Scherer Memorial at 5 1/2 furlongs on turf. All nine races will be run for $100,000, which is a $25,000 boost for the Sugar Bowl, Letellier, Broussard, Diliberto, Blushing K.D., and Scherer.

On January 21, Road to the Derby Day features a pair of key 3-year-old events — the $200,000 Lecomte Stakes (G3) which was extended from one mile to 1 1/16 miles three years ago, and the $150,000 Silverbulletday Stakes for fillies at 1 mile and 70 yards. The top four finishers in each race receive 10-4-2-1 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby and Oaks respectively.

Four stakes for older horses will also be presented on the January 21 program, including the $150,000 Louisiana Stakes (G3) run at 1 1/16 miles, the $100,000 Colonel E.R. Bradley Stakes at 1 1/16 miles over the Stall-Wilson Turf Course, the $100,000 Duncan F. Kenner Stakes at 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf and the $100,000 Marie G. Krantz Memorial Stakes for fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles on grass.

On February 18, Louisiana Derby Preview Day features a pair of key 3-year-old stakes — the $400,000 Risen Star Stakes (G2), which was extended from 1 1/16 to 1 1/8 miles three years ago, and the $300,000 Rachel Alexandra Stakes presented by Fasig-Tipton (G2), for fillies to be contested over 1 1/16 miles. The top four finishers receive 50-20-10-5 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby and Oaks respectively. The Rachel Alexandra has produced two of the last five Kentucky Oaks winners in Monomoy Girl and Serengeti Empress and 2014 victress Untapable also took down the Run for the Lilies.

Four stakes for older horses will also be presented on the February 18 program — the $250,000 Mineshaft Stakes (G3) at 1 1/16 miles, the $150,000 Fair Grounds Stakes (G3) at nine furlongs on turf, the $100,000 Colonel Power Stakes at 5 1/2 furlongs on turf and the $100,000 Albert M. Stall Memorial Stakes for fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles on turf.

Louisiana Champions Day presented by Acadian Ambulance will be held on December 10. With the races run in various divisions over a variety of distances on both dirt and turf, the program features nine stakes restricted to Louisiana-breds. Each Louisiana Champions Day stakes is worth $100,000 with the exception of the $150,000 Louisiana Champions Day Classic and the two new additions – the $50,000 Louisiana Champions Day Starter and $50,000 Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Starter, both of which will be run at 5 1/2 furlongs for 3-year-olds and up.

“This isn’t the first time we’ve started early,”  Scott Jones said. “It means less five-day weeks for us during the entirety of the meet and gives us the opportunity to run multiple preps for Louisiana Champions Day on December 10. Starting on Thanksgiving only gave us 16 days to Champions Day. In this day and age it’s just not enough time. Of course we will still have the Thanksgiving Classic, a fantastic day of racing, and a festive crowd, as is the New Orleans tradition.”

Three other stakes will make their debut in 2023, most notably on January 7 the $75,000 Gary P. Palmisano Memorial Stakes. Paired with the $75,000 Bob F. Wright Memorial Stakes for fillies and mares, both 6-furlong dirt sprints are for 4-year-olds and up. A longtime Louisiana trainer and most recently the paddock judge at Fair Grounds, Gary Palmisano, Sr., who passed away last December, was a beloved member of the local racing community.

Also added to the Fair Grounds’ stakes program are the $75,000 Louisiana Stallion of the Year Half Ours Stakes at 1 mile 70 yards and the $75,000 Louisiana Broodmare of the Year Buttercup’s Song Stakes at one mile – both written for 3-year-old Louisiana-breds and named for two of the great producing influences in Louisiana’s breeding history. Half Ours sired 22 stakes winners, but his reign came to an untimely end after a freak paddock accident in July of 2021. With twelve foals and nine starters, the earnings of Buttercup’s Song’s foals totaled $1,721,518, highlighted by Pound for Pound and the graded-stakes winner Flatlined. Those stakes will be contested on February 25.

The 80-day, 2022-2023 Fair Grounds racing season runs through Sunday, March 26. Regular post time will be 1:05 p.m. CT, but opening day post time is 3:00 p.m. CT. There will be an earlier noon CT first post on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 24), Louisiana Champions Day (Dec. 10), Road to the Derby Kickoff Day (Dec. 26), Road to the Derby Day (Jan. 21) Louisiana Derby Preview Day (Feb. 18), and Louisiana Derby Day (March 25).

Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Establishes Horsemen’s Advisory Group to Expand Ongoing Collaboration

louisianathoroughbred

August 29, 2022 (Lexington, Ky) – Today, as promised in remarks made by HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus during the August 14 Jockey Club Round Table, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) formally announced its intent to establish a Horsemen’s Advisory Group to provide feedback to its executive team and Standing Committees on the implementation and evolution of HISA’s regulations and protocols. HISA is inviting all horsemen and women who wish to be considered for membership in the Advisory Group to email horsemenadvisory@hisaus.org indicating their interest and qualifications by Friday, September 9, 2022.

“We look forward to building upon our existing efforts to collaborate with participants in all facets of the sport by seeking more targeted input from active horsemen and women. Their hands-on experience will help ensure the practicality and effectiveness of our rules for all racing participants,” said Lazarus. “HISA is proud of and grateful for the unparalleled expertise that has informed the development of our regulations – the first ever national rules to govern our sport. As we continue the implementation phase of our mandate from Congress, HISA will benefit immensely from additional perspectives from the trainers and owners who are on the backside, standing trackside and in the racing office every day.”

HISA’s executive team will select a diverse group of 10-12 horsepersons with input from its Standing Committees and is seeking members who are involved in both small and large racing operations across the country to represent the broad array of viewpoints that make up the American horse racing community. Those interested should expect to participate in monthly meetings with HISA leadership and to serve as individual sounding boards on specific issues on which they may have unique knowledge or insights on a more frequent basis.

“Establishing the Horsemen’s Advisory Group will significantly enhance our regulatory system and allow us to account for the wide range of environments found at tracks across the U.S. as we continue to implement HISA’s safety and integrity programs,” said Ann McGovern, HISA Director of Racetrack Safety.

The Advisory Group’s membership is expected to be announced and hold its first monthly meeting in October.

Meet the Horses of the 2022 Thoroughbred Makeover

louisianathoroughbred

The final entry list for the 2022 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America, is complete! View individual entries with a filtered search feature at theRRP.org/entries to look for specific horses; we’ve taken a look at trends and statistics for the entire class here.

With an initial round of trainer acceptance combined with wait list acceptance over 2022, a total of 484 trainer applications were accepted to this year’s event, representing 559 possible horse entries (trainers are permitted to participate with up to three horses including both individual and team entry). Ultimately, 516 horses were registered for the 2022 competition, and 377 made a final entry — that’s about two-thirds of the initially-registered field, which represents the highest retention rate to date for the Makeover.

Let’s take a closer look at the class of 2022!

DEMOGRAPHICS

Year Foaled
The average age for a Makeover participant has gradually been trending younger in recent years, indicating that racing connections may be choosing to retire horses from racing somewhat earlier.

Height
We have one proper pony entered in 2022: Dance With Bode, coming in at 14.1hh. The majority of the class of 2022 comes in at the 15.3 to 17hh range.

Gender
Mares make up a little under a third of entries, while geldings make up the vast majority of the field. Five stallions are currently entered to compete.

Color
Some trends stay the same… such as the coat colors represented at the Makeover this year. Bays and dark bay/browns will make up more than half of all horses!

RACING HISTORY

On average, our 2022 Makeover entries made about 18 starts with 2 wins and an average of $71,088. That’s fewer starts than previous Makeover years but a higher average of earnings — while we’ll take a closer a look at this trend, initial data may suggest that racing connections may be retiring horses somewhat earlier from higher classes of racing, rather than dropping horses in class and racing them longer.

In total, this year’s class of Makeover entries made a total of 9,018 starts with 1,061 trips to the winner’s circle. In total, they earned $36,113,138. Our highest earner is fan favorite Whitmore, who retired with over $4.5 million!

War Horses
To be eligible for the Thoroughbred Makeover, a horse must have been in training to race and must have at least one published work — and for about 8% of our entries, that’s as far as their race careers ever went. Others, including the top 10 listed below, achieved “war horse” status, making over 50 career starts.

Stakes Horses
We always love seeing former stakes winners embarking on their journeys to second careers: here are the stakes horses you can plan on seeing in person at the 2022 Thoroughbred Makeover!

BREEDING AND SALES

State Bred
Kentucky traditionally breeds a little over a third of our entries each year, but Florida and New York each bred 10% or more of the class as well. Here are the top ten states represented:

Sires Represented
We always love to look at the bloodlines of Makeover horses and see which of the industry’s stallions are represented: many of those we see over and over again are racing’s top sires, but some lesser-known names often crop up annually which can indicate both regional popularity as well as recognition of ability of offspring in sport. Here are sires represented by multiple offspring:

Top 10 Sire Representation
It’s fun to see which of the leading sires of 2022 (as reported by Bloodhorse as of press time) are represented by Makeover entries:

Siblings
We won’t be seeing any full siblings this year, but we will have two sets of half siblings: Rise Up Redhawk and Permit out of Best Credentials, and Spots Appeal and Maria Rose out of Mariastheboss. Interestingly, both Spots Appeal and Maria Rose are coming to the Makeover under the guidance of the same trainer, Karyn Wittek!

Sales History
Over a third of Makeover entries went through at least one sale, including Keeneland, Fasig Tipton and OBS in North America as well as Tattersalls in the UK.

HORSE SOURCES

The acquiring of Makeover horses represents the crossroads between racing and sport, and can provide valuable information for how these industries are interacting and working together.

Following the trend in recent years, a little over half of this year’s entries were acquired directly from their racing connections. Other sources for horses include non-profit aftercare organizations as well as for-profit resellers or listing agents. Four horses this year were true rescues, coming via auction or kill pens.

Interestingly, we observe that horses sourced directly from racing connections have less time elapsed from their last start to their acquisition by Makeover trainers — only 70 days on average, down from 114 days in 2020 and 85 days in 2021. That same timeframe is on the rise somewhat for non-profit aftercare facilities, with horses spending an average of 168 between last start and adoption.

The overall price paid by Makeover trainers for their horses continues to tick upwards: for 2022, trainers spent an average of $2,863 (including adoption fees as well as direct purchase).

Top Sources
While over half of entries came direct from racing connections, both non-profit aftercare organizations as well as listing agents/resellers remain popular sources for horses.

Last Track

Looking at the tracks from where horses retire offers insight into where rehoming programs and aftercare organizations are making an impact, as well as what tier of racehorse tends to be retiring into second careers.

Come see these horses perform in person at the Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium on October 12-15! Former connections are invited to stop by the Connection Corner in the TCA Covered Arena for assistance finding their former horses.

FEATURED ARTICLES

Too Much Bling Filly Tops Record-Setting Texas Summer Yearling Sale

louisianathoroughbred

(Austin, TX) – A Texas-bred filly by Too Much Bling led the way at the 2022 Texas Summer Yearling Sale, topping the sale when the hammer dropped at $100,000.

Hip 19. Olivia Friesen photo.

Cataloged as hip 19, the grey filly, out of the Action This Day mare Soft Music, is a full sister to 2016 Champion Texas-bred Two-Year-Old Filly Bling on the Music. Mansfield Racing signed the ticket on the filly out of the Highlander Training Center consignment. Hip 60, a Louisiana-bred colt by Take Charge Indy, was the top selling colt at $90,000. The colt, out of the stakes-winning Half Ours mare All Woman, was purchased by Mansfield Racing from the Clear Creek Stud consignment.

“We’re obviously thrilled that a Texas-bred by one of our state’s most influential stallions led the sale,” TTA Director Foster Bridewell said. “She was a beautiful filly and the full sister went through this same sales ring before going on to become a Texas champion. We’re thankful to breeder Danele Durham and Highlander Training Center for allowing us the opportunity to offer her here.”

The 2022 Texas Summer Yearling Sale set records for TTA Sales. One-hundred-sixty-one horses sold for $3.41M in total sales, up from $3.2M last year. The average price was $21,186, up from the $18,246 average price in 2021. The median price was $14,500 this year, up from $10,000 last year.

“We can’t thank our breeders, owners, consignors, and buyers enough for such a great sale,” Bridewell said. “The record results are an indication of the strength of the industry in this region right now and a testament to the hard work a lot of people put in to prepare these yearlings for this year.”

For full results, visit www.TTAsales.com. 

LOUISIANA DOWNS 2023 DATES APPROVED

louisianathoroughbred

LOUISIANA DOWNS 2023 DATES APPROVED FOR THE LIVE QUARTER HORSE AND THOROUGHBRED RACING SEASON

 

The 46-Day Quarter Horse Meet Will Begin on January 5

 

Bossier City, LA – The 2023 Quarter Horse racing season at Louisiana Downs will commence on Thursday, January 5 and continue through Saturday, April 1. The dates for both the 46-day Quarter Horse meet and 2023 Thoroughbred live racing season were approved by the Louisiana State Racing Commission (LSRC) on August 23.

Opening day for the 84-day Thoroughbred meet will be Saturday, May 6 and will conclude on Tuesday, September 26. Live racing will take place Saturday through Tuesday.

Louisiana Downs will wrap its 2022 Thoroughbred meet on  Tuesday, September 27. The final condition book is available on Equibase.

“We appreciate our horsemen for their support throughout 2022 and look forward to building on momentum for both our Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred seasons next year,” said Matt Crawford, Louisiana Downs Racing Secretary.

Wiener Dog Races Set for Monday, September 5

Louisiana Downs will celebrate Labor Day with live racing, family-friendly activities on the track apron and Wiener Dog Racing. Fans of all ages are invited to enjoy Bounce Houses, live music by our house DJ, tasty treats from area Food Trucks, and even participate in a blood drive, all beginning at 11:00 am. The Wieiner Dog competition gets underway at Noon with several preliminary heats leading up to the final. Proceeds from the races will benefit the Humane Society of Northwest Louisiana. Simulcasting from racetracks across the country including Saratoga and Delmar will be offered and seven live Louisiana Downs Thoroughbred races will begin at 3:05 pm (Central). For more information, visit ladowns.com.

Louisiana Cup Day Winners Continue to Shine

Several outstanding Thoroughbreds who won stakes here on Louisiana Cup Day, were successful last weekend at Evangeline Downs. Anna Guillot’s Bisping,  who was victorious in the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile, returned to the winner’s circle the $60,000 D.S. “Shine” Young Futurity on Saturday, August 27.

The 5 ½-furlong race for Louisiana-bred 2-year-old colts and geldings highlighted the card that also recognized the top horsemen of the season.

Trained by Ricky Courville and ridden by Devin Magnon, the son of El Deal, bred in Louisiana by Red River Farm LLC and J. Adcock, won his third race in four starts. He covered five and one-half furlongs in 1:05.54 over a fast track.

“He’s a lot more advanced than the average 2-year-old,” stated Magnon. “At Louisiana Downs, he broke from the two-hole, and we had a good idea of what to expect. In the Shine, he drew right in the middle, but broke super and got clear. He’s pretty automatic and very game!”

Magnon said that Bisping will ship to Delta Downs and is likely to make a start there prior to running on Louisiana Champions Day December 10 at Fair Grounds.

On Friday, August 26, Janet is Ready overcame a troubled trip to finish second in the fillies division of the $60,000 D.S. “Shine” Young Futurity.

Free Like a Girl who was a convincing winner in the $67,000 Louisiana Filly and Mare Sprint here on August 6, ran a game second in the $500,440 Charles Town Oaks (G2) on August 26.

Bred by retired jockey Kim Renee Stover and her sister, Lisa Osborne, the daughter of Flashy Prize, sired by El Deal, had won seven of her 14 starts for owners Gerald Bruno, Jr; Carl J, Deville; Chasey Deville Pomier and Jerry Caroom. She was honored as 2021 Louisiana Thoroughbred  Breeders Association (LTBA) Champion 2-year-old filly and continues to progress through her 3-year-old campaign.

Regular rider Pedro Cotto, Jr. guided the bay filly to her runner-up finish at Charles Town, which was her third graded stakes career placing. It marked the 16th career start for Free Like a Girl, who has a record of 8 wins, four seconds, three thirds and earnings of $562,128.

Jes An Angel Leads Qualifiers to the $3-Million All American Futurity (G1)

Lance Moore’s Jes an Angel will compete in the prestigious All American Futurity (G1) at Ruidoso Downs on Labor Day.  The filly by Jess Zoomin, bred in Texas by Jerry Windham, broke her maiden at Louisiana Downs in trials for the $324,288 Louisiana Downs Futurity (G2). She finished ninth in the final, but  was victorious the Old South Futurity at Delta Downs on May 21 before shipping to New Mexico. Her 440-yard trial win in :21.257 seconds on August 19 was the fastest clocking in the 32 heats contested over two days.

The durable filly drew post position eight for Monday’s final and will be ridden by Bryan Candanosa, who is one of the top young Quarter Horse riders in the country.

Very exciting that she made her debut at Louisiana Downs!

 

 

 

Annual Charity Golf Tournament Moved to Thursday, September 15

Louisiana Downs will host its annual Charity Golf Tournament at Northwood Hills Golf Club in Shreveport, Louisiana on Thursday,  September 15.  The event supports the Winner’s Circle Church and Chaplain Jimmy Sistrunk to assist the Louisiana Downs racing community and backstretch workers.

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 t-shirt/cap. Trophies will be presented to the first, second and third-place teams.

The deadline to enter is Wednesday, September 8. Attendees can register in person in the Louisiana Downs Racing office, or by mail. Checks should be payable to The Winner’s Circle Church and mailed to:  Jennifer Sokol, Louisiana Downs, 8000 East Texas Street, Bossier City, Louisiana, 71111.  For further information, please contact Jennifer Sokol at (318) 741-2512 or (318) 573-5830.

Trainer and  Jockey Standings Through August 30

Last year’s leading conditioner Shane Wilson remains the leader in the  trainer standings with  41wins since the meet began on May 7. Joey Foster follows in second place with 30 winners and Greg Tracy is third with 27 wins. Karl Broberg rounds out the top four with 24 victories.

 

Carlos Lozada, who was honored as leading jockey here in 2021 continues to have a very successful meet and leads his fellow riders with 73trips to the winner’s circle. Jose Guerrero is second with 67 wins followed by Joel Dominguez has ridden 37 winners. Alexander Castillofollows with 36 victories and Vicente Del Cid, who won the 2022 Evangeline Downs leading rider title, is next with 35 winners.

About Louisiana Downs

Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and is now owned by Rubico Acquisition Corporation. 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.

BISPING PROVES BEST IN $60,000 D.S. “SHINE” YOUNG FUTURITY AT EVANGELINE DOWNS

louisianathoroughbred

RICKY COURVILLE TRAINEE PICKS UP SECOND STAKES VICTORY

 

Bisping earns 2nd stakes victory in the 2022 Colt and Gelding Division of the D.S. Shine Young Futurity at Evangeline Downs. Coady Photography.

 

 

OPELOUSAS, LA – The curtain closed on the 2022 Thoroughbred season at Evangeline Downs with a sharp performance from Anna Guillot’s Bisping in the D.S. “Shine” Young Futurity.  The stakes for Louisiana-bred colts and geldings highlighted the card that also recognized the top horsemen of the season.

Breaking smoothly from the center of the starting gate, jockey Devin Magnon and Bisping were out quickly and joined Easy Chance in a battle for the lead down the backstretch.  The Boss Soss, Kajun Karma and Ranch Water were all in the early mix as the leaders traveled the opening quarter-mile in 22.18 seconds.  As the field moved through the far turn, Bisping assumed command and opened up a one-length lead.  The Boss Soss, Kajun Karma and Ranch Water were all giving chase as the field moved to the top of the stretch.

Past the half-mile split in 45.89 seconds, the Ricky Courville trainee was increasing the lead to 3-1/2 lengths with The Boss Soss giving chase, as Kajun Karma and Ranch Water were battling for minor awards.  Inside the final 100 yards Bisping had to dig deep as The Boss Soss made a final lunge at the leader.  The winning margin was ¾-lengths, with another 3-1/4 lengths back to Kajun Karma in third and a neck to Ranch Water in fourth.  The winner stopped the timer in 1:05.54 for 5-1/2 furlongs over a fast track.

The win by Bisping was the second consecutive stakes victory and is the third win from four career starts.  The $36,000 winner’s share increased his lifetime bankroll to $94,050.

Bred in Louisiana by the partnership of Adcock’s Red River Farm, LLC & J. Adcock, Bisping is a 2-year-old colt by El Deal, out of the More Than Ready mare Delta Sierra.

Sent off as the solid 3/5 favorite, Bisping returned $3.20 to win, $2.40 to place and $2.40 to show.  Longshots followed with 40-1 outsider The Boss Soss paying $18 to place and $14.40 to show, with 45-1 Kajun Karma worth $15.20 to show.

Leading horsemen for the 2022 season were honored between races with winner’s circle presentations.  Apprentice Vicente Del Cid captured his first career riding title with an impressive 124 wins on the season.  Karl Broberg (assisted by Darwin Quevedo) led the trainer standings with 44 wins.  The leading owner title went to End Zone Athletics Inc. (Karl Broberg and Matt Johanson) with 37 wins over the 84-day season.

Evangeline Downs kicks off the 2022 American Quarter Horse season on Wednesday, October 5.  The highlight of the season will take place on December 17 when the track hosts the Louisiana Million Futurity for 2-year-olds. First post time each Wednesday through Saturday night during the season will be at 5:35pm.

CAJUN GUMBOW ZIPS TO VICTORY IN THE $60,000 D.S. ‘SHINE’ YOUNG FUTURITY

louisianathoroughbred

STAKES VICTORY AMONG THREE WINNERS FOR JOCKEY C.J. MCMAHON

 

Cajun Gumbow wins the 2022 Filly Division of the D.S. Shine Young Futurity at Evangeline Downs. Coady Photography.

OPELOUSAS, LA –Cajun Gumbow delivered a tasty performance with a front-running score in the $60,000 D.S. ‘Shine’ Young Futurity at Evangeline Downs on Friday night.  The filly division of the futurity for Louisiana-bred runners was contested over the distance of 5-1/2 furlongs.

Breaking sharply under jockey C.J. McMahon, Cajun Gumbow was quickly in front for the run down the backstretch with Copper Moon and wagering favorite Janet is Ready in close attendance.  The Thompson Racing LLC (Stephen Thompson) runner sped through an opening quarter-mile in 22.13 seconds with a length advantage over the trio of Janet is Ready, who appeared to take a couple of awkward steps moving into the turn, as Lady Flurry moved outside of Copper Moon into a contending position.

Cajun Gumbow, a Jayde Gelner trainee, maintained the one-length lead into the stretch, as Janet is Ready moved off the rail to make a bid.  The leader covered the half-mile in 46.46 seconds and slowly drew away in the final 100 yards.  The winning margin for Cajun Gumbow was 2-1/2 lengths over Janet is Ready, with late running For Harper another 2-1/2 lengths back in the show position.  The winning time was 1:05.48 seconds over a track rendered muddy by afternoon rains.

Cajun Gumbow earned $36,000 for the victory, increasing her career earnings to $70,680.  The win is her second from three career starts.

The 2-year-old was bred in Louisiana by the partnership of Blanton & Perry LLC, Donny Burton, Angela Burton & Joey Burton.  The bay filly was sired by Oxbow and is out of the Indian Charlie mare Tattlesheet.

Off as the third-choice in the wagering, Cajun Gumbow returned $9.80 to win, $3.60 to place and $3.20 to show.  Janet is Ready paid $2.40 to place and $2.20 to show, with longshot For Harper returning $6.20 to show.

HISA Hearings Scheduled for August 30

louisianathoroughbred

 

NOTICE TO ALL HORSEMEN

 

Hearings regarding HISA are scheduled for Tuesday, August 30, 2022, for approximately 10:30 a.m. at the US Fifth Circuit Court (600 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130)

The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association encourages all Horsemen to attend and support Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry at his press conference scheduled for 9:30 a.m. outside the courthouse.

Sam Houston Race Park & Lone Star Park Apply for 2023 Race Dates

louisianathoroughbred

(Austin, TX) – At Wednesday’s Texas Racing Commission meeting, Sam Houston Park General Manager Dwight Berube confirmed that the Houston area track will apply for 43 live race dates in 2023, beginning January 6th.  The 2023 Texas live racing schedule will be similar to 2022, as Lone Star Park has already applied for 48 days.

While plans for the overall stakes program have not been finalized, the 2023 race meet at Sam Houston will feature the inaugural running of the $100,000 Texas Thoroughbred Association Derby and Oaks for graduates of the 2021 TTA Yearling Sale and 2022 TTA Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale.  The schedule will also include 10 Texas-bred stakes and two legs of the Clarence Schaubauer, Jr. Texas Stallion Stakes.

“With Monday’s Texas Thoroughbred Association Yearling Sale on the immediate horizon, we appreciate the continued support of the Texas tracks,” TTA Executive Director Mary Ruyle said.  “On Monday, we will offer more than 200 yearlings, which is the most in recent history.  Over the past couple years, we have made great strides in the quality of racing in Texas.”

Mr. Money relocates to Louisiana’s Clear Creek Stud

louisianathoroughbred
Mr. Money relocates to Louisiana’s Clear Creek Stud

‘I’m hoping a lot of people cash in on Mr. Money in Louisiana, me included’

(Photo: Mr. Money/Tandra Downs)

FOLSOM, La. (Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022) — Owner Chester Thomas is following the money: In this case, moving his five-time graded-stakes winner Mr. Money as a stallion from Florida to Louisiana’s Clear Creek Stud for the 2023 breeding season.

Thomas bred 24 mares to Mr. Money in 2021, with 16 foaling in Louisiana this year while they also remain eligible for Florida’s stallion stakes series. Thomas bred 20 mares to Mr. Money this breeding season.

Spendthrift Farm also is a partner in Mr. Money.

A fan of the Louisiana breeding program and racing in the Pelican State, Thomas decided to go all in by relocating Mr. Money to Clear Creek Stud near Folsom. With the breeding industry getting revenue from the state’s legalized sports wagering, the purses for Louisiana-foaled and Louisiana-sired horses are expected to explode. In addition, historical horse racing gaming terminals, which are being installed at tracks and their off-track-betting facilities, will boost purses for all horses racing in the state.

“I just really like the way the Louisiana program is heading,” said Thomas. “I think Mr. Money has everything it takes to be a successful sire, and I believe having him at a top farm in a growing regional market gives him the best chance to show what he can do. Most of my horses race in New Orleans in the winter anyway, and I’m sure going to have a lot of Louisiana-bred Mr. Money babies. I thought I might just as well take advantage of having Louisiana-sired as well as Louisiana-born Mr. Moneys.

“We think he will excel in Louisiana. They have one of the best — if not the best — breeding programs outside of Kentucky. I’m hoping a lot of people cash in on Mr. Money in Louisiana, me included. It’s exciting to have him there with such good people as those at Clear Creek.”

Mr. Money, out of the Tiznow mare Plenty O’Toole, is the son of two-time Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile winner Goldencents and grandson of international super-sire Into Mischief. He won six of 18 starts, including the Grade 3 quintet of the Pat Day Mile, Matt Winn, Indiana Derby and West Virginia Derby as a 3-year-old and Churchill Downs’ Ack Ack at 4. Mr. Money’s earnings of $1.36 million include finishing second by a neck in the Grade 1 Pennsylvania Derby. He was fourth in the 2018 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Churchill Downs off of his maiden victory.

Among the horses that Mr. Money defeated on the racetrack were future Horse of the Year Knicks Go, Preakness winner War of Will and Grade 1 winners Improbable, Spun to Run, Mind Control, Math Wizard and Hog Creek Hustle.

“Mr. Money was an unbelievable racehorse,” Thomas said. He beat a multitude of Grade 1 horses that year, just got a little unlucky and didn’t get the Grade 1 himself. His babies are coming out and are looking like stone-cold runners. They’ve got a lot of leg and their physicals are unbelievable. I’m very, very excited with what we’re seeing.”

Mr. Money’s third-year stud fee will be $3,500 if paid by Sept. 1 or $4,000 live foal. A limited number of lifetime breeding rights are available.

Clear Creek Stud is one of Louisiana’s premier stallion operations, including standing leading Louisiana sire Star Guitar.

“Mr. Money is a very attractive individual,” said Clear Creek general manager Val Murrell, who has been at the breeding farm since 1977. “He’s put together well, which likely explains how he held together so well while successfully competing in top company, retiring clean and sound. Talent and longevity are super significant.

“He complements an already strong roster. It’s a known sire line. Everybody knows Goldencents and Into Mischief. That’s going to appeal to our breeders. He was very successful at middle distances and beyond. Just as important around here is speed, and he had speed. I’ve seen some of his foals that were conceived in Florida. They’re a pretty impressive group. Muscle, bone, balance, put together very well. That goes a long ways. People get to see those, and that will make a difference.  He’s an exciting addition to a pretty great Louisiana program.”

Media contact:

Val Murrell, general manager

Clear Creek Stud

(985) 796-5563

info@clearcreekstud.com
Chester Thomas’ Mr. Money filly out of Very Cherry. Tandra Downs photo
Mr. Money colt out of the Uncle Mo mare Mo Gayle. Tandra Downs photo
Chester Thomas’ Mr. Money winning the Grade 3 Ack Ack as a 4-year-old at Churchill Downs under Gabe Saez. Coady Photography
Mr. Money winning the Grade 3 West Virginia Derby at Mountaineer Park, one of four straight graded stakes he won at 3. Coady Photography