The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association will be closed Monday, May 29th, in order that we may express our sincere gratitude to all of the men and women who served the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives in military service. It is thanks to them that we enjoy the freedom we have.
Month: May 2023
TTA Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon on June 24th at Lone Star Park
The TTA Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon will be June 24th in the Alysheba Suite at Lone Star Park. The day includes full day of racing including four stakes worth $750,000.
During the awards ceremonies, the Texas Champion “Horse of the Year” and the owners and breeders of the champions of each racing division will be honored, along with the TTA Member of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award, the Leading ATB Money Earner and Texas Breeder of the Year. Current Texas Thoroughbred Educational Fund scholarship recipients will be recognized, along with an update on the activities of The Paddock Foundation, a non-profit corporation dedicated to the lifelong welfare of the Thoroughbred horse.
We will focus on the positive results generated through our initiatives and programs, celebrating the accomplishments of Texas youth, Texas horses and their owners and breeders. We hope you will be able to join with us in doing so.
Reservation deadline is June 5th. Click here to access the printable reservation form or click here to access the digital/fillable reservation form. Please note that if you are using the Chrome extension to fill out the PDF it will show the wrong tabbing order … please open the desktop app or download to complete the form for the correct tabbing order.
Award recipients are:
Champion 2-Year-Old Filly: Come To The Party (by Bradester) • Owners: Bill & Corinne Heiligbrodt • Breeder: Three Feathers Farm
Champion 2-Year-Old Colt/Gelding: Vietnam Victory (by Klimt) • Owner: James Stodola • Breeder: CJ Thoroughbreds
Champion 3-Year-Old Filly: Texas Thunder (by Bradester) • Owner: Carl R. Moore Management LLC • Breeder: Robert C. Francis
Champion 3-Year-Old Colt/Gelding: Lucky’s Special (by Special Rate) • Owner: Victoria Lynn Heine • Breeder: Victoria Lynn Heine
Champion Older Filly/Mare & Horse of the Year: No Mas Tequila (by Northern Afleet) • Owner: James Sills • Breeders: Ronald & Margaret Ellerbee
Champion Older Horse: Mr Money Bags (by Silver City) • Owner: Erma Cobb • Breeder: Roy Cobb
Champion Claimer: My Babys Gone (by Congaree)
Champion Broodmare: Foxy Boss (by Street Boss)
Breeders of the Year: Ronald & Margaret Ellerbee
Leading Accredited Texas-Bred Money Earner: Macassar Corporation.
Allen Bogan Award for TTA Member of the Year: Tracy Sheffield
T. I. “Pops” Harkins Award for Lifetime Achievement: Ken Carson
Thank you!
Texas Thoroughbred Association
192 Cimarron Park Loop, Suite A
Buda, TX 78610
Phone: 512-458-6133
Fax: 512-453-5919
LOUISIANA DOWNS TO HOST EXOTIC ANIMAL RACES FEATURING CAMELS, ZEBRAS AND OSTRICHES ON MONDAY, MAY 29
Jockey Jose Guerrero Off to a Fast Start in the 2023 Thoroughbred Meet
Bossier City, LA – Louisiana Downs will present Exotic Animal Races on Monday, May 29. The family friendly event continues to delight fans of all ages, combined with live Thoroughbred racing and simulcast racing from tracks across the country.
Special family-friendly activities for the Memorial Day holiday get underway on the trackside apron at 12:00 noon (Central). There will be Face Painting, a Bounce House, live music and some of the top Food trucks in the Shreveport/Bossier City metroplex. Louisiana Downs is committed to serving the community and invites fans to visit the Lifeshare Blood Drive Mobile Unit, which will be onsite throughout the Memorial Day afternoon.
Post time for the first of eight live Thoroughbred races is 2:05 pm (Central). First up, will be the “Camel Derby” which will run on the main track after race 2 (approximately 3:00 pm). A fully grown adult camel can exceed six feet in height and weigh up to 1,000 pounds. The fans line up at the rail to root for their favorite camel as they load up and break from the starting gate!
The ”Zebra Derby” will take place after the fifth race on the Monday program (approximately 4:10 pm). They are smaller than our Thoroughbreds, but can run up to speeds of 65 mph, so our fans will have to cheer for our brave jockeys to hang on tight!
The final exotic animal race of the afternoon will be the “Ostrich Derby” which will run after the sixth race (approximately 5:20 pm). Ostriches usually weigh an average of 200 pounds, but some males can tip the scales at 340 pounds. Known for their long neck and legs, ostriches also have extremely distinctive eyes, the largest of any land vertebrate. They are very fast and run without a saddle, so the riders have to rely on balance as they surge to the finish line!
For more information on the Memorial Day activities, live racing and other upcoming special events, visit ladowns.com.
Jockey Jose Guerrero in the Lead After Winning 80 Races Last Year at Louisiana Downs
The 2023 Louisiana Downs Thoroughbred meet enters its fourth week this Saturday. It has been an excellent start for jockey Jose Guerrero who has been on top of the standings since the meet began on May 6.
The 29-year-old has come a long way since he rode his first winner in 2016. With brief stints in Texas and Arkansas, the native of Mexico has found his home in Louisiana. Last year, leading trainer Shane Wilson gave Guerrero the first call on the majority of his horses and explained what he saw in the talented rider.
“I took notice of him three years ago and told my owners that Jose was going to be the guy,” stated Wilson. “He was riding these 40 and 50-1 shots and out finishing much better horses. Always a hard worker, Jose was always first to arrive in the morning and would still be around when the track closed.”
“Shane has given me so much confidence,” said Guerrero. “He saw something in me, and we have developed a strong working relationship. After I work horses, we watch replays and talk about what each horse does well and what I can do to win more races. Shane has taught me a lot.”
Steve Melancon is Guerrero’s agent and has booked him successfully with a number of trainers in addition to Wilson., including Patti Turner, Tim Dixon and Judy Beavin.
Last year, Guerrero won 80 races, finishing second to Carlos Lozada, who made 84 trips to the winner’s circle. Heading into Saturday, he has ridden 11 winners, leading Emanuel Nieves by one. Angel Suarez, who is riding for the first time at Louisiana Downs, is commanding attention as he has already won nine races. Joel Dominguez is also riding well this season.
Guerrero is a fulfilled young man away from the racetrack married to Jacqueline Edison and enjoying time with their one-year-old son, Matteo.
“He’s getting big and is very strong,” Guerrero said of his son. “Matteo has a lot of energy; probably got it from me!”
There is no urgency in predicting the riding title for the 2023 Louisiana Downs meet.
“This has been a great meet,” he added. “I feel more confident, and my only goal after last season was to try to do better this year. There is always pressure to stay on top, but I am trying to stay calm. ”
Louisiana Downs 2023 Thoroughbred Season
The 2023 Thoroughbred racing season at Louisiana Downs kicked off on Saturday, May 6. Notable events for the 61-day live racing season include Louisiana Cup Day on Saturday, August 12 and the return of the $200,000 Super Derby on Saturday, September 2. Live racing continues through September 12; visit Louisiana Downs Racing for more information on post times and upcoming racing dates.
About Louisiana Downs
Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and is 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.
Legends. Champions Awards. REAP Benefit. Scholarships.
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Buffer Against Gastric Ulcers: Feed Hay Before Hitting The Road
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Offering a horse hay before he’s transported can lower the risk of gastric ulcer development before long-distance trailer rides, reports The Horse.
An Italian study has found that horses that don’t eat before getting on a trailer for longer-distance hauls are more likely to have reduced plasma oxidant levels, as well as to develop ulcers. The correlation between transport and fasting has a marked increase on stomach ulceration – more than just fasting alone, the scientists determined.
Hay ingestion before the trip helps absorb stomach acid, protecting the horse’s stomach. Eating hay also allows more antioxidants to be released into the bloodstream, balancing out free radicals, which can have physiological impacts on the body (like developing ulcers).
HBPA Groups Again Appeal HISA Ruling to Fifth Circuit
Appeal follows denial of HBPA’s constitutional claims, injunction motion.
For the second time the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals will consider the constitutionality of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act after a federal judge shot down efforts by the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, as well as state and local HBPA affiliates, to derail the legislation.
On May 17 the HBPAs filed a notice of appeal after multiple rulings adverse to its legal efforts issued by federal judge James W. Hendrix in United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas.
The case first came before Hendrix last year. He decided HISA was constitutional, but a Fifth Circuit panel reversed the ruling and declared HISA facially unconstitutional for failing to grant sufficient power to the Federal Trade Commission to oversee the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority. The authority is a private corporation formed to regulate the horse racing industry for compliance with nationwide safety and medication rules.
Texas Racing’s Future Remains Uncertain; Several Stakeholders Hoping To ‘Find A Way To Participate With HISA’
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Sam Houston Race Park in Houston, Texas
With simulcasting unavailable due to ongoing disputes with the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, Sam Houston Race Park saw total handle down nearly 93 percent this year, from over $101 million in 2022 to about $6.39 million in 2023, reports the Thoroughbred Daily News.
Purse levels have remained fairly steady, thanks to a state sales tax on equine products, but several Texas stakeholders shared their concerns with the TDN for the industry’s future.
“We have some serious concerns about the direction that Texas Thoroughbred racing is headed given the resistance to participate with HISA,” Jeff Hooper, chairman and CEO of Texas’ Highlander Training Center, told TDN. “We’re certainly not saying HISA is 100% hitting on all cylinders. [But] we feel that it is in Texas’s long-term best interests to find a way to participate with HISA.”
$1 million Claiming Crown set for Dec. 2 at Fair Grounds
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Evangeline Downs Wants to Know: Who’s your Louisiana Racing Legend?
Who’s your Louisiana Racing Legend?
In the spirit of Louisiana Legends Night, Evangeline Downs is looking for six Louisiana Horsemen to honor at our six stake races on Saturday, June 3.
Honorees will be announced on May 30.
Each Legends race will honor one of the top 6 nominated horsemen.
𝙎𝙪𝙗𝙢𝙞𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙣𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚: https://bit.ly/3LTyJwa
Three Louisiana Bred Stakes Saturday at EVD; Touchuponastar Wins Evangeline Classic, Macho Beanie Takes Ragin Cajun, Black Sword Victorious in King Creole
TOUCHUPONASTAR DAZZLES IN THE $60,000 EVANGELINE CLASSIC
OPELOUSAS, LA – Touchuponastar was brilliant once again with an impressive score in the $60,000 EVD Classic on Saturday night. The race for 3-year-olds and upward was one of three stake races for Louisiana-bred runners on the Derby night card.
Away in good order under jockey Tim Thornton, Touchuponastar was allowed to settle into stride as Calculated sprinted to the lead. The early fractions were solid with an opening quarter-mile in 23.62 seconds and a half-mile in 47.21. As the field headed towards the far turn, it wasn’t a question of who was going to win, but by how wide of a margin. Touchuponastar steadily increased his lead on the turn while Highland Creek and Double Star chased the leader.
With six furlongs covered in 1:12.07, the Jeff Delhomme-trained Touchuponastar spurted away and widened the margin in the run to the wire. The winning margin was a convincing 9-1/4 lengths in the end, with Double Star second and Highland Creek another 1-3/4 lengths back in third. The finishing time for the mile distance was 1:37.87 over a track rated fast for the evening.
Owned by Set Hut LLC (Jake Delhomme), Touchuponastar is a winner for the seventh time in nine career starts. The winning share of $36,000 increased his lifetime earnings to $334,100.
The 4-year-old bay gelding was bred by Coteau Grove Farms and was sired by Star Guitar. He is out of the Lion Heart mare Touch Magic.
Heavily favored in the wagering, Touchuponastar returned $2.60 to win, $2.10 to place and $2.10 to show. Double Star paid $16.60 to place, $13.40 to show and Highland Creek paid $2.80 to show.
LONGSHOT MACHO BEANIE EDGES ALLNIGHT MOONLIGHT TO WIN RAGIN CAJUN
Macho Beanie made a bold bid on the far turn and pulled off a mild upset winning the $60,000 Ragin Cajun. A new addition to the stake calendar for 3-year-olds, the Ragin Cajun was narrowed down to a three-horse field after scratches.
Macho Beanie and jockey C.J. McMahon were last as the trio moved down the backside with Allnight Moonlight and Late September disputing the early lead. The Scott Gelner trainee made a bold bid outside of rivals midway on the turn and the three runners were separated by less than a length at the top of the stretch.
As they straightened away, Macho Beanie edged forward to challenge Allnight Moonlight as Late September backed out of the battle. Inside the final furlong Macho Beanie began to edge clear and hit the wire a neck to the good of Allnight Moonlight. It was 7-3/4 lengths back to Late September. The running time for the seven furlongs was hand timed in 1:23.50.
Owned by Oak Tree Stables LLC (Bennett Powell), Macho Beanie wins for the second time in four starts. The first stakes victory was worth $36,000 and increases his career bankroll to $94,000.
The 3-year-old bay colt was bred by Oak Tree Stables LLC,. Sired by Mucho Macho Man, he is out of the My Pal Charlie mare My Pal Beanie.
Macho Beanie went off as the longest odds in the short field and returned $8.40 to win and $3 to place. Allnight Moonlight returned $2.20 to place. No show wagering was offered on the Ragin Cajun.
BLACK SWORD TAKES FIRST RUNNING OF KING CREOLE
Black Sword proved best in the inaugural running of the $60,000 King Creole under jockey Vicente Del-Cid. Away in good order, Black Sword settled in mid-pack as Bertie’s Galaxy and X Clown battled for the lead through an opening quarter-mile in 23.10 seconds and a half-mile in 46.35.
Black Sword made a four-wide bid at the top of the stretch and wrestled the lead away from a stubborn X Clown nearing the furlong pole. The Ronnie Averett runner pulled away from the field in the final yards and was four lengths clear at the wire. X Clown battled on for second, one length better than a late closing Big Chopper. The final time for the 5-1/2 furlongs for the field of 3-year-olds and upward was 1:04.30.
Owned by Treanor MD LLC (Leonard Treanor, MD), Black Sword is a winner for the seventh time from 24 career starts. The winning purse of $36,000 increases his lifetime earnings to $214,705.
Bred by Margie Averett, Black Sword is a 6-year-old dark bay or brown gelding. Sired by Awesome Sword, he is out of the Devil His Due mare Black Mariah.
Black Sword paid $6 to win, $3.40 to place and $2.40 to show. X Clown returned $6.60 to place, $3.40 to show and Big Chopper paid $2.40 to show.
Live racing resumes on Wednesday with a 5:30pm first post. The Evangeline Downs Thoroughbred season runs until August 12.
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