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Month: May 2023

Buffer Against Gastric Ulcers: Feed Hay Before Hitting The Road

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by Paulick Report Staff

 

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).

 

 

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HBPA Groups Again Appeal HISA Ruling to Fifth Circuit

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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.

 

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Texas Racing’s Future Remains Uncertain; Several Stakeholders Hoping To ‘Find A Way To Participate With HISA’

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by Paulick Report Staff

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.”

 

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$1 million Claiming Crown set for Dec. 2 at Fair Grounds

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$1 million Claiming Crown set for Dec. 2 at Fair Grounds
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Thursday, May 18, 2023) — The 2023 Claiming Crown will be staged for the first time since 2011 at the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in New Orleans on Saturday Dec. 2, announced Claiming Crown co-founders National HBPA and TOBA along with the Fair Grounds. The event will feature eight races totaling $1 million in base purses, headlined by the $200,000 Claiming Crown Jewel.
The 25th Claiming Crown marks the second straight year that the series has gone to a Churchill Downs Inc.-owned locale. The 2022 races were held for the first time at the company’s flagship track in Louisville after a 10-year-run at Gulfstream Park in Florida. The Fair Grounds staged a truncated version of the event in 2011, when the Claiming Crown moved from the summer to the late fall for the first time.
The Claiming Crown races are conducted under starter-allowance conditions, meaning they are restricted to horses that have competed at least once for a certain claiming level or cheaper during a designated time frame, in this case 2022 or 2023. Purses for the eight Claiming Crown races will range from $75,000 to $200,000 for the Jewel. Another $25,000 in each race will be available in purse supplements for accredited Louisiana-bred horses.
Conceived to be a Breeders’ Cup-style event for claiming horses, the Claiming Crown was created in 1999 by the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (NHBPA) and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA). The program gives thoroughbred racing’s workhorses, their owners and trainers a day in the spotlight in recognition of their importance to filling out race cards across the nation.
“Big Easy, here we come,” said Eric Hamelback, CEO of the National HBPA, who was raised in the Pelican State and graduated from Louisiana State University. “The Claiming Crown was designed to celebrate our hard-knocking, unsung heroes of the turf. What better place — especially for our 25th running — than New Orleans? Beyond what we know will be a festive atmosphere, the Fair Grounds is iconic in American racing history, first running races in 1838 and with a track surface long acclaimed among the best in the country.”
“We are honored and excited to return to the Fair Grounds and New Orleans,” said Dan Metzger, president of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. “We would like to thank the Louisiana HBPA and Churchill Downs for their commitment to the event and the owners and trainers who will participate in the 2023 Claiming Crown for their support.”
“We were thrilled with the response to the first Claiming Crown at Churchill Downs and look forward to bringing this wonderful event back to New Orleans,” said CDI Executive Director of Racing Gary Palmisano, who grew up in New Orleans and is the son of the late trainer Gary Palmisano Sr. “Fair Grounds played host to the Claiming Crown in 2011 but there is no denying this event is bigger and better than ever. We are excited to partner with the National HBPA, TOBA and the Louisiana HBPA to make 2023 among the best and the most memorable Claiming Crowns ever.”
The eight 2023 Claiming Crown races all are for horses 3 years old and up, with two of those restricted to fillies and mares. Headlining the card is the $200,000 Jewel at 1 1/8 miles for horses that have started for a claiming price of $35,000 or less in 2022-23. Three other races — all on turf — will offer a $150,000 purse and have a $25,000 claiming requirement. Those races are the Emerald at 1 1/16 miles; its filly and mare counterpart, the Tiara; and the Canterbury Tom Metzen Memorial at 5 1/2 furlongs.
The other Claiming Crown races are the $100,000 Rapid Transit ($16,000 claiming requirement) at six furlongs; $100,000 Glass Slipper ($12,500 claiming requirement) at a mile for fillies and mares; $75,000 Iron Horse Kent Stirling Memorial ($8,000 claiming requirement) at 1 1/16 miles, and $75,000 Ready’s Rocket Express ($8,000 claiming requirement) at six furlongs.
The deadline to make horses eligible for the Claiming Crown is November 18, with entries to be taken November 25. Eligibility Request Forms will be available at https://claimingcrown.com/
Past Claiming Crown venues include inaugural site Canterbury Park (1999-2001, 2003-2006, 2008-2010), Philadelphia Park (2002), Ellis Park (2007) and Gulfstream Park (2013-2021).

Evangeline Downs Wants to Know: Who’s your Louisiana Racing Legend?

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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

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Touchuponastar shines bright in EVD Classic. Coady Photography

 

 

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 Crosses the Wire Ahead of Allnight Moonlight to Win Ragin Cajun Stakes. Coady Photography

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 Proves Best in King Creole Stakes. Coady Photography

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.

Free Like A Girl, Star Moment, Flashy Meg Take EVD Distaff, Cajun Miss and Creole Lady Stakes at EVD, Friday Night

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JOCKEY TIM THORNTON WINS FOUR RACES WITH A STAKES DOUBLE

 

FREE LIKE A GIRL REIGNS SUPREME IN THE $60,000 EVANGELINE DISTAFF

Free Like A Girl wins EVD Distaff. Coady Photography

OPELOUSAS, LA –Free Like a Girl kept her local record unblemished with a victory in the $60,000 EVD Distaff on Friday night.  The Distaff was part of a three-stake program that included the new Cajun Miss and Creole Lady.  The stake races, all for Louisiana-bred runners, were contested over a track rated fast.

Jockey Tim Thornton and Free Like a Girl broke sharply to contest the early lead in the Distaff with Mishpachah, who hopped slightly at the start.  A G’s Charlotte, a stake winner earlier in the meet, was also away in good order and tracked the leaders from third through opening fractions of 24.35 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 48.29 for the half-mile.  As the field entered the far turn, Free Like a Girl edged forward to take a slim lead from Mishpachah, while A G’s Charlotte moved closer in third.

Through six furlongs in 1:13.10, Free Like a Girl had assumed a length lead as A G’s Charlotte moved in to second and set the stage for the stretch duel.  The Chasey Deville Pomier trainee would not be denied and held sway for a two-length victory.  A G’s Charlotte finished second with Mishpachah another seven lengths back in third.  The running time for the mile was 1:39.09 for the 3-year-old and up filly and mares.

Owned by the partnership of Gerald Bruno, Jr., Carl Deville, Chasey Deville Pomier and Jerry Caroom, Free like a Girl captured her 12th career victory from 26 career starts.  With the $36,000 winning share, her career bankroll grows to $870,378.

The winner is a bay 4-year-old filly.  Sired by El Deal, she is out of the Flashy Bull mare Flashy Prize.

Free Like a Girl returned $4.20 to win as the slight betting favorite, $2.10 to place and $2.10 to show.  A G’s Charlotte paid $2.10 to place, $2.10 to show and Mishpachah returned $2.10 to show.

STAR MOMENT EARNS SECOND CAREER STAKES IN CAJUN MISS

Star Moment take the Inaugural Running of the Cajun Miss Stakes at EVD. Coady Photography

Star Moment parlayed a stalking trip into her second career stakes victory in the $60,000 Cajun Miss.  With jockey Tim Thornton in the irons, Star Moment was away in good order and tracked the speed of Kyle Beauty through quick early fractions of 22.49 seconds for an opening quarter-mile and 45.33 for a half-mile.

As the field of 3-year-old fillies made their way to the top of the stretch, Star Moment had collared Kyle Beauty and was starting to edge clear.  The final winning margin was 4-1/2 lengths, as Kyle Beauty held on for second, with Louisiana Liberty another ¾-lengths back in third.  The final time for the seven furlongs was 1:25.05.

Owned by Intrepid Thoroughbreds LLC (Logan Trotter and Tyron Picard) and trained by Bret Calhoun, Star Moment wins for the third time in five career starts.  The winning share of $36,000 increases her career bankroll to $127,530.

Bred in Louisiana by Brittlyn, Inc., she is a bay filly sired by Clear Creek Stud stallion Star Guitar and is out of the Saint Liam mare Moment of Majesty.

Star Moment returned $11.60 to win, $5.20 to place and $4.20 to show.  Kyle Beauty paid $4.60 to place, $3.40 to show and Louisiana Liberty returned $4.20 to show.

 

FLASHY MEG FINISHES STRONG TO WIN CREOLE LADY STAKES

Flashy Meg Pulls Away to Win the Cajun Miss Stakes at EVD. Coady Photography

John Sargent’s Flashy Meg battled through some fast early fractions but had plenty in the tank to pull away in the $60,000 Creole Lady.  Away sharply under Jockey Joe Stokes, Flashy Meg was joined by Wupkar as they zipped through an opening quarter-mile in 21.79 seconds and a half-mile in 45.35 in the stake for 3-year-old and up filly and mares.

As the field moved to the top of the lane, the leading duo was being chased by First I’ve Seen and Snowball was starting a wide run.  In the run to the wire Flashy Meg found some extra energy and pulled clear to win by two lengths.  Wupkar battled on to hold second, a half-length better than First I’ve Seen.  Favored Snowball’s run flattened out as she finished fourth.  The final time for the 5-1/2 furlongs was 1:04.63.

Trained by Kearney Segura, Flashy Meg wins for the fifth time from 15 career starts.  She earned $36,000 in the victory and increases her bankroll to $174,050.

Bred by Steven Miller, the 4-year-old is a dark bay or brown filly sired by Flashpoint.  She is out of the West Acre mare Meg’s Answer.

Deadline Extended to May 19 for $5000 Scholarship for Students Within the Louisiana Horse Industry

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Clear Creek Stud is making a $5000 Scholarship Donation in the name of their clients to a college student with Louisiana based connections to the Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse Breeding and Racing Industry.

Clear Creek Stud recognizes that for many of the people who perform the hard work of this industry day in and day out, the rewards are often not financial. “We want to help the children who come from these families who put in the long hours and hard work that are essential to keep our industry in operation,” says Val Murrell, general manager of Clear Creek Stud. 

The scholarship recipient will be chosen by the Louisiana Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (LaHBPA) and based on their opinion and evaluation of need and merit.

The deadline for consideration has been extended from Friday, May 12 to Friday, May 19, 2023. Interested students should send a letter and resume to Eddie Fenasci at the La.H.B.P.A. office by end of business day, Friday, May 19, 2023. Letters can be mailed to La.H.B.P.A. attention to Eddie Fenasci 1535 Gentilly Blvd. New Orleans, La. 70119 or email to efenasci@lahbpa.org.

The recipient will be named on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at the LTBA Awards Banquet at Evangeline Downs.

LOUISIANA DOWNS 2023 THOROUGHBRED LIVE RACING SEASON TO GET UNDERWAY ON SATURDAY, MAY 6

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Bossier City, LA – Louisiana Downs will kick off its 2023 Thoroughbred racing season on Saturday, May 6. Opening day will feature seven live races beginning at 2:05 pm (Central) and thesimulcast of the 149thKentucky Derby from Churchill Downs.

The 61-day meet will feature live racing on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday through September 12, with a few Tuesday cards added to the schedule.

As previously announced, the $200,000 Super Derby returns to Louisiana Downs on Saturday, September 2. Bringing back the historic championship was a goal for track owner Kevin Preston and plenty of festivities are in the works for theLabor Day weekend event.

To see the complete stakes schedule for the 2023 live racing season, visit ladowns.com

Shane Wilson Looking to Claim His Third Louisiana Downs Training Title

Shane Wilson topped his fellow conditioners in both the 2021 and 2022 Louisiana Downs Thoroughbred season and is looking forward to another successful meet.  The Haughton, Louisiana resident returns off an excellent showing at Fair Grounds in New Orleans, in which he finished fourth in the standings.

“We had a really good winter at Fair Grounds with 25 wins,” said Wilson. “I had success claiming a few and picked up some good owners.”

Louisiana Downs has always been important to Wilson, who began his tutelage here as a 14-year-old hot walker for the legendary Jack Van Berg. He saddled his first winner in 1998 and has won 748 races with his runners earning $14.5 million. Assisted by his wife, Becky and son Peyton, Wilson believes in keeping his horses well-fed and cared for.

“If you come to my barn and rattle a peppermint wrapper, you will see 70 horses go crazy,” shared Wilson.

Jockey Jose Guerrero who will ride first call for the barn again this meet, with Alexander Castillo also part of Wilson’s core group of jockeys.

Wilson tips his hat to Louisiana Downs president and owner, Kevin Preston.

“Kevin has done a lot to improve things here,” stated Wilson. “There is a nice sports book  and new slot machines. The new restaurant is very nice and a good place to bring clients after races.

The competition for the training title will be fierce with Joey Foster, 2019 leading trainer, returning with a full barn as well as  Karl Broberg, Steve Asmussen, Joe Duhon,  Ronnie Ward,  Philip Dison, Jose Camejo,  Patti Turner, Juan Larossa and Rylee Grudizien.  H. B. Johnson, Jr. heads into opening weekend just seven shy of his 1,000th career win.

Wilson also cited some new trainers coming to Louisiana Downs in 2023.

“It’s nice to see Cesar Govea, Bobby Felks and Paul Duhon with stables here this meet,” added Wilson. “I enjoy the competition!”

Newlyweds Aubrie Green and Angel Suarez Part of a Strong Jockey Colony

Opening day will also see newlyweds Aubrie Green and Angel Suarez competing on the card. They tied the knot on April 22 in a gorgeous sunset beach ceremony in Clearwater, Florida.

Aubrie Green has become one of the most popular jockeys in Louisiana. Born in Idaho, she married when she was 18 and had three children before setting her sights on riding professionally.

“I guess I was a broodmare first,” she jokes.

But even as a busy young mom, she had a desire to pursue a career as a jockey.

“I had a really rough debut,” she recalled. “I was 23 and rode my own horse in a stock race at a fair meet.”

She began galloping for a few trainers and rode in a schooling race at Pocatello Downs; then on to Wyoming Downs, where she rode her first winner in August, 2015. She made her way to  Louisiana Downs in 2017, finishing seventh in the standings and improving to third the following year. Her success created opportunities at Fair Grounds, which is where she first met Suarez. A native of Puerto Rico, Suarez graduated from Puerto Rico’s Escuela Vocational Hipica., the famed jockey school with a noted list of riders, including Irad Ortiz Jr and his brother, Jose Ortiz.

Suarez came to Fair Grounds at the end of 2020 to ride for trainer Michael Stidham. Green was in the barn area prior to the beginning of the meet and ran into Suarez.

“I believe our first exchange was Angel asking if I was trying to steal his mounts,” she recalled.

Suarez was injured early in the meet and Green had a spill shortly after his, so they got to know each other at physical therapy!

“I fell in love with him before the Fair Grounds meet was over and joined him at Delaware Park,” said Green.

Fortunately, her daughter and two sons bonded with Suarez, who had never been married or had children prior to meeting Green.

“My boys are already bigger than both of us,” she said. “He loves the kids and they love him!”

Green will be represented by former rider and Louisiana Downs Hall of Fame inductee Ronald Ardoin.  Suarez will utilize agent Richie Price.  Both riders intend to stay in Bossier City for the entire meet, and beginning opening weekend, they will compete in plenty of races. It won’t be the first time they have left the starting gate together; previous appearances came at Delaware Park, Tampa Bay Downs and Fair Grounds. But it will mark their first as a married couple.  Will there be spirited competition? Absolutely, according to Green.

“We already constructed a point system and will be adding wins on a daily basis,” she stated.

The happy couple will be part of a very capable jockey colony including Carlos Lozada who was leading rider in 2021 and 2022;  2020 top jockey Joel Dominguez,  Emanuel Nieves. Jose Guerrero, Gerard Melanconand Alexander Castillo. Both Nieves and Lozada also graduated from Puerto Rico’s Escuela Vocational Hipica.  Recovered from an injury, Devin Magnon  will return to action along with apprentice riders Jocelyn Edison and Hugo Torres.

 

 

Opening Week Promotions at Louisiana Downs

In addition to enjoying live racing and the entire card from Churchill Downs on Saturday, Louisiana Downs is kicking off the week with a new promotion featuring Roxanne Tanner, known as Ambasador Roxy. Fans can follow the daily clues in Roxy’s wallets of wagers race to find Roxy in the community to receive a wallet with a mystery wager of up to $500!

On opening day Club 74 members will receive a $5 Free Bet by swiping their loyalty card at the Racing Promotional Kiosks on Saturday, May 6. The Free Bet is valid on the following Saturday and can be used for live racing or simulcast wagers.  Louisiana Downs will be selling Official Kentucky derby merchandise and Louisiana Downs signature swag. There will be a Best Dressed Contest with cash prizes. Families are always welcome to enjoy the Kids area with on the trackside apron with bounce houses and Food Trucks with delectable options.

For guests who prefer the air-conditioned comfort of the grandstand, box seats can be reserved via the website www.ladowns.com or they can choose between either the Clubhouse buffet or the Skyroom buffet. Reservations are made for these venues by emailing reservations@ladowns.com.

 

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.

Keith Desormeaux Celebrates Confidence Game’s Kentucky Derby Entry

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“We’re all celebrating what we love,” Desormeaux said.

 

When trainer Keith Desormeaux arrived at Churchill Downs in 2016 to prepare Exaggerator , his first starter in the Kentucky Derby (G1), he admits he was on edge around his barn, unaccustomed to a stable area drawing so much activity from media and observers.

Desormeaux grew frustrated when he felt they infringed upon his colt’s space, though he and his horse weathered the circus. Exaggerator performed well on Derby Day before a crowd of 167,227, running second to Nyquist  .

Two weeks later, Exaggerator captured the Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico Race Course under the trainer’s brother, Hall of Fame jockey Kent Desormeaux. The colt would then complete the Triple Crown series for 3-year-olds with an 11th-place finish in the Belmont Stakes (G1).

Read BloodHorse Article

 

Keith Desormeaux<br> Horses training at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on April 29, 2023.
Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

Trainer Keith Desormeaux at Churchill Downs
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