The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association is hosting Oct. 1 a yearling sale followed by a mixed session under the banner of the Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana.
“We have a very strong catalog of quality Louisiana-accredited yearlings in this year’s catalog,” said Breeders Sales of Louisiana director Tom Early. “Louisiana has one of the best breeders incentive programs in the United States. It rewards the breeders of these young horses and encourages quality breeding for race horses.
“I expect this year’s sale to continue the momentum that started with the sale last year and anticipate an increased interest from buyers,” he added. “The increase in purses is due to be evident by the time this year’s yearling crop reach racing age.”
The sale will be held at the Equine Sales Co. auction house at 372 Harry Guilbeau Road, Opelousas, La. All horses in the sale will be on the grounds by noon Sept. 30.
“Louisiana-breds have been very popular at the sales around the country. Now with the introduction of sports betting and the coming of Historical Horse Racing machines, we anticipate that purses for accredited Louisiana-breds will increase dramatically. We expect the value of, and demand for Louisiana Bred-yearlings to increase substantially as well,” says LTBA secretary/treasurer Roger Heitzmann III.
LTBA Board of Directors nominations due. Must include resume and photo.
Columbus Day
Oct. 14
Louisiana Jewel S., Delta Downs
Oct. 15
Louisiana Legacy S., Delta Downs
Oct 17
Louisiana Horse Stallion Register Stallion Submissions are due
Louisiana Horse Stallion Register Farm and Service Directory submissions are due along with payment
Oct 31
Halloween
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.
Bossier City, LA – The 2022 Thoroughbred racing season at Louisiana Downs concluded on Tuesday, September 27. The meet leaders, jockey Carlos Lozada, trainer Shane Wilson andowner End Zone Athletics, Inc. were honored for their accomplishments on the final afternoon of the 84-day meet, which began on Saturday, May 7.
Kevin Preston, Louisiana Downs owner and president, credited his team, horsemen and local racing fans for their support.
“As we wrap up the live racing season at Louisiana Downs, I want to take a moment to thank thosewho have contributed to our success,” said Preston. “First, our hard working team who show their commitment to making Louisiana Downs great again and overcome all obstacles thrown their way.Also, to the horsemen, both on the Thoroughbred and Quarter horse side, for showing their support and caring for these amazing athletes. And, finally, to our fans in the Bossier City/Shreveport metroplex. Throughout 2022, we offered live and simulcast racing, sports wagering and many promotions.We are grateful for the positive feedback we have received. I can promise that we will make it even better in 2023!”
Carlos Lozada Wins His Third Leading Rider Title
Carlos Lozada, who won his first title here in 2019, clinched top honors once again. He was involved in a competitive battle with Jose Guerrero entering the final week of the season, but drew offby five wins. Lozada capped his meet by winning the final race of the meet aboard Super Wise ($20.40) on the turf for trainer Al Cates.
“I want to thank my family, my agent Ronald Ardoin and each of the owners and trainers who gave me such good mounts,” said Lozada. “I worked hard, as did Jose this year at Louisiana Downs. It means a lot to win my third title here.”
Lozada was the leading rider here in 2019 and secured the 2021 title with 84 wins. He rode for a variety of trainers including Greg Tracy, Joe Duhon, Joey Foster, Al Cates and Karl Broberg, completing the 2022 meet witha record of 85 wins, 59 seconds and 61 third-place finishes. His mounts earned $1,097,345.
The 37-year-old native of Puerto Rico began riding in the United States in 2007 after attendingPuerto Rico’s Escuela Vocational Hipica, the famedjockey school with a noted list of riders, including Irad Ortiz, Jr., Jose Ortiz as well as 2018 Louisiana Downs top-ranked rider, Emanuel Nieves.
Lozada is supported by his wife, Eileen Quinones and their three sons: Anthony; Jean Carlos and Jandriel. While the majority of the Louisiana Downs jockeys will head to Delta Downs, Lozada will return to his home in Tampa and ride some races at Tampa Bay Downs.
Jose Guerrero had an excellent meet, winning 80 races and edging Lozada in earnings with $1,144,805. Joel Dominguez, who was second in the standings in 2021, finished third with 59 trips to the winner’s circle. Apprentice Vicente Del-Cid, winner of the 2022 Evangeline Downs leading rider title, was fourth in the standings with 52 victories.
Shane Wilson Honored as Leading Trainer
It was another excellent showing for Shane Wilson who repeated as leading trainer at Louisiana Downs with 50 victories.
The Haughton, Louisiana resident started 217 Thoroughbreds adding 42 runner-up finishes and 33 thirds to earn $762,665 for the meet.He took the lead from the beginning of the meet and was never caught.
“We came in with 58-60 horses; no 2-year-olds,” said Wilson. “The first condition book was super for us and from there we kept our foot on the pedal. We were able to pick up a few horses after Lone Star Park wrapped up. Some of the better horses only got one start, but overall, we were pleased.”
Jockeys Jose Guerrero and Alexander Castillo rode the majority of the Wilson trainees with both riders showing improvement in their skill level.
Of course, Wilson is grateful to his owners, including Wayne T. Davis, Jim and Kathy Reeves, Hugh Moore, Craig Drago and Phyllis Presswood.
“I’ve been blessed with loyal owners who have supported us for over ten years,” added Wilson. “Tye Smith joined us this year and I am fortunate that they trust me and let me place their horses where they can win, but also let me take some chances. To be able to try a horse on turf or see how they handle going long is important. Everything is about the owners and I wouldn’t have won these titles without them.”
It’s a family affair at the Wilson barn, with his wife Becky and younger son, Connor, sharing in the key duties. His oldest son, Peyton, is an honors engineering student at LSU.
Wilson will stable at Fair Grounds in New Orleans for their 2022-2023 live racing season.
Joey Foster, who has won the Louisiana Downs trainer title three times, finished in a tie for second with Karl Broberg.Both horsemen won 38 races. Greg Tracy followed with 30 victories and Steve Asmussen won 28 races.
Leading Owner Title Goes to End Zone Athletics, Inc
End Zone Athletics, Inc. claimed its third leading owner title. The highly successful partnership of Karl Broberg and Matt Johanson won 21 races this meet, after topping the standings in 2019 and 2020, and finishing second last year to Wayne T. Davis.
Broberg’s longtime assistant, Kevin Martin, accepted the award on Tuesday afternoon.
“We are thankful that we got on a roll after a mediocre start to grab this award,” said Martin. “Our thanks go out to everyone involved in our outstanding team, including our grooms, gallop boys and our jockeys.”
Davis, who won the 2021 title, finished in a tie for second with Greg Tracy. Both owners won 15 races.Elite Thoroughbred Racing, Inc. rounded out the top four in the standings with 12 wins.
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.
Current Hodges Photography Assistant to Take the Helm in 2023
Bossier City, LA – Since 2005, photographer Lou Hodges, Jr. has captured the excitement and beauty of horse racing at Louisiana Downs. On the final day of the 2022 Thoroughbred racing season, he will officially pass the baton to his highly respected assistant Ann Switalski.
Lou Hodges, Jr. served as track photographer at several racetracks, including Rockingham Park, Washington Park and Arlington Park. His father, Lou Hodges was the official photographer at Fair Grounds in New Orleans beginning in 1948, before his son took over in 1976.
Ann Switalski and Lou Hodges. Hodges Photography.
In addition to being the official photographer at Fair Grounds, Hodges Photography also has the contract at Louisiana Downs.
Ann McKnight Switalski was born in Saginaw, Michigan. She arrived in Louisiana in 2003 and stayed after her husband retired from the military. An avid equestrienne, she began taking photos of morning works and soon realized that an investment in a quality camera was essential. Hodges offered her an opportunity to shoot some Super Derby action and hired her in 2016.
“I was very fortunate to find Ann,” explained Hodges. “She was working for a veterinarian on the backside and was interested in photography. I met with her and noticed right away that she was very creative and asked her to come to work.”
Color and clarity are two of the elements that are evident in the work of Hodges Photography.
“Our technique for getting perfect race shots is to use telephoto lenses to have tight shots,” said Hodges. “We are always looking for different angles and different compositions that will make someone who views the image look twice.”
With no previous background in photography, Switalski realized she had a lot to learn, and with the expert guidance of Hodges, she jumped right in.
“Lou made sure I understood that there is a very limited time to get the shots we need: the stretch, wire and comeback,” said Switalski. “He taught me the importance of getting the horse in front to allow room for editing.”
Switalski enjoys the people involved in both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing and getting memorable shots of jockeys as they jog back after a tough finish.
“Maria Baca gave me a very nice compliment,” said Switalski. “She said that no one takes photos of the riders like I do and that her mother loves them!”
Switalski, lives in Keithville, Louisiana, with her husband, Tony and sons Sam and Nathan. They share their home with three goats, two ducks, five cats and two horses, including Maverick Impression, an Appaloosa who is showing promise as a novice jumper.
She looks forward to the next chapter and is grateful for the support of her family as well as her Louisiana Downs assistant, Dawn Thomas.
On the final day of the 2022 racing season, Louisiana Downs officials honored Hodges for his service and presented him with a plaque thanking him for his excellence.
“Hodges Photography has been an integral part of the history of Louisiana Downs,” said Kevin Preston, the track’s owner and president. “We are grateful for the professionalism of Lou Hodges and the images that will remain with us forever. Ann is greatly admired by our horsemen and everyone in our organization. We know she will do an excellent job!”
The tribute meant a great deal to the inimitable photographer, who is nowhere near retiring and looks forward to the upcoming live racing season at Fair Grounds. He wishes all the best to Switalski and is confident that the transition will be seamless.
“Ann will do a great job,” stated Hodges. “I am hoping to come back, possibly for the Super Derby, but look forward to traveling with my wife, Leslie, next summer.”
Switalski has not decided on the official name on her contract with Louisiana Downs, but can be reached at ladownsphotos@gmail.com.
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.
Scott, Louisiana USA – September 26, 202 2– Blue Star Racing is excited to announce the arrival of Breaking Lucky to their breeding facilities in Scott, Louisiana. After beginning his stallion career at Blue Star Racing, he moved to Florida for the 2021 and 2022 breeding seasons.
“After many breeder’s requests, we’re excited to bring Breaking Lucky back to the bayou state,” says Dex Comardelle of Blue Star Racing. “It’s no secret Louisiana is one of the most lucrative breeding programs in the country, and with the recent passage of sports betting and Historical racing, we expect Louisiana purses to increase exponentially over the coming years. Now is the time to double down on Louisiana breeding.”
Before retiring to Louisiana off the track, Breaking Lucky successfully raced for the partnerships of West Point Thoroughbreds, Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, Eric Young, and R.A. Hill Stable.
While racing, Breaking Lucky won the Black Type Woodbine’s 2015 Prince of Wales Stakes – the second leg of Canada’s Triple Crown – while defeating MG1SW and 2015 Sovereign Award Champion 3-Year-Old Shaman Ghost (Ghostzapper). In 2016, he won the 2016 G3 Seagram Cup Stakes at Woodbine. Breaking Lucky went on to place in the G1 Clark Handicap, G1 Whitney Stakes, and G1 Stephen Foster Handicap behind Horse of the Year Gun Runner (Candy Ride).In total, Breaking Lucky was on the board in 10 graded stakes and two black type races, while campaigning in two countries, during his racing career. His career earnings were nearly $1.2 million.
Hailing from the red-hot sire line of Lookin at Lucky (Smart Strike), Breaking Lucky also comes from an impressive female family. His dam, GSP Shooting Party (Sky Classic), broke her maiden in her first race. She was second in the G1 Garden City Breeders’ Cup Handicap and was third in both the G3 Pebbles Handicap and the G2 Nassau County Stakes. She had already produced two winners from her first two foals to race when she foaled Breaking Lucky – who went on to win $1,196,376. Currently, she is the dam of four winners including Quake Lake (War Chant) – the dam of G1 Kentucky Derby winner and G1P Country House (Looking at Lucky) and the G3 Gallorette Stakes winner Mitchell Road (English Channel).
Breaking Lucky’s sire, Lookin at Lucky, stands at Ashford Stud in Kentucky. A champion at two and three, he won nine races including the G1 Preakness Stakes, the G1 Izod Haskell Invitational Stakes, the G1 Del Mar Futurity, the G1 Norfolk Stakes, and the G1 CashCall Futurity. Lookin at Lucky was in the money 11 out of 13 starts with career earnings of $3,307,278.
Lookin at Lucky is the sire of Gr.1 Winners Accelerate, Country House, Wow Cat, and Panfield. He is the sire of Gr.2Winners Madefromlucky, Money Multiplier, Dr Dorr, Diamond Oops, Fancy Liquor, and Wells Bayou. His yearlings have sold for $490,000, $380,000, $320,000, $300,000, etc.
For more information on about Breaking Lucky and Blue Star Racing, call Dex Comardelle at 985-791-6546 or email: bluestarracingla@gmail.com.Blue Star Racing is located 1627 Renaud Drive, Scott, Louisiana 70583
Carlos Lozada, who won his first title here in 2019, clinched top honors once again. He was involved in a competitive battle with Jose Guerrero entering the final week of the season, but drew off
It was another excellent showing for Shane Wilson who repeated as leading trainer at Louisiana Downs with 50 victories.
End Zone Athletics, Inc. claimed its third leading owner title. The highly successful partnership of Karl Broberg and Matt Johanson won 21 races this meet, after topping the standings in 2019 and 2020, and finishing second last year to Wayne T. Davis.
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