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Author: louisianathoroughbred
JOSE GUERRERO, SHANE WILSON AND WAYNE T. DAVIS CLINCH TITLES IN THE 2023 LOUISIANA DOWNS THOROUGHBRED MEET
Live Racing Season Concluded on Tuesday, September 12
Bossier City, LA – The 50th anniversary of live racing at Louisiana Downs concluded on Tuesday, September 12 with plenty of racing highlights and fan-friendly events throughout the 61-day meet.
On September 2, Louisiana Downs proudly hosted Super Derby 41, presented by Lip Chip LLC and a bright future seems certain for winner Big Data owned by Petal Power Racing Stable and trained by Michael Lerman. It was another successful edition of Louisiana Cup Day on August 12 with young trainer Jayde Gelner winning two of the six Louisiana-bred stakes.
“My thanks go out to our amazing team and the owners, trainers, jockeys and backstretch workers who deserve so much credit,” said Kevin Preston, Louisiana Downs owner and president. “It was my goal two years ago to make Louisiana Downs a quality racetrack and premier entertainment destination. We continue to set the bar higher and thank our fans for their support!”
The meet leaders, jockey Jose Guerrero, trainer Shane Wilson and owner Wayne T. Davis were honored for their accomplishments on the final afternoon of the racing season which began on Saturday, May 6.
Jose Guerrero Wins His First Leading Rider Title
A very competitive jockey colony dueled from opening day, but there was no denying Jose Guerrero who topped his fellow riders to earn his first leading rider title with 70 wins. He finished second in the standings last year, but with the support of leading conditioner Shane Wilson and many other trainers, he was able to draw clear in the final two weeks of the meet.
Wilson saw talent in the 28-year-old native of Mexico, since he began riding in Louisiana. He admired his ability to boot home longshots and asked Guerrero if he knew the difference between being a jockey and a skilled race rider. They sat down and watched countless videos and Guerrero impressed Wilson with his desire to learn and improve his craft.
“Now, I watch the replays on my own, and Shane and I have a brief talk in the paddock before the races,” explained Guerrero. “He has given me a lot of confidence. I thank him and all my trainers, including Patti Turner as well as Jonas Gibson, who I began riding for this year.”
Guerrero is represented by agent Steve Melancon, completed the season with a record of 70 wins from 336 starts and purses totaling $1,189,553. He will ride next at Delta Downs and Fair Grounds as the year progresses.
Joel Dominguez, who was the top-ranked rider in 2020, battled gamely with Guerrero to lock up second place this year with 53 trips to the winner’s circle. Emanuel Nieves won 49 races to finish third and Angel Suarez, finished fourth with 39 victories. Suarez, who was new to the jockey colony this season, is married to fellow rider Aubrie Green. Both were very popular with trainers and horseplayers.
Threepeat for Leading Trainer Shane Wilson
It was another excellent showing for Shane Wilson who won his third leading trainer title at Louisiana Downs.
The Haughton, Louisiana resident started 210 Thoroughbreds, winning 45 races. He added 33 runner-up finishes and 25 thirds with earnings of $861,315 for the meet. In similar style to the past two seasons, he arrived with a strong group of claimers, who were ready to step up to the allowance level. Despite running less dates than 2022, Wilson was pleased with the barn’s results.
“It was a very good meet in spite of the heat,” said Wilson. “We appreciate the efforts of Louisiana Downs. Moving the post time later was good so we were not competing with the East coast tracks. Our horses are sound; (track superintendent) Billy McKeever does a great job.”
Of course, Wilson is grateful to his owners, including Wayne T. Davis, Jim and Kathy Reeves, Kevin Fontenot, Phyllis Presswood and Joe Hackler, who was his first client in 1998.
“To win races for Joe Hackler means a lot as he was the first owner to give me an opportunity,” added Wilson. “Evelyn Benoit joined us this year. Wayne Davis has been so loyal and at 94 years-old, he has told me this might be his last year as an owner. We were two ahead going into the final day and were able to stay on top. So happy that Wayne could get another title!”
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 already has a string at Remington Park and will run at Fair Grounds in New Orleans for their 2023-2024 live racing season.
Joey Foster, who has won the Louisiana Downs trainer title three times, finished second with 23 victories. Steve Asmussen won 21 races and Joe O. Duhon rounded out the top four conditioners with 16 wins.
Leading Owner Title Goes to Wayne T. Davis
Wayne T. Davis claimed his second leading owner title with 14 wins this season at Louisiana Downs. The 94-year-old from Plain Dealing, Louisiana, has formed a close association with Shane Wilson and was on hand for the final day of the 2023 meet.
“It’s not like I am the owner and Shane is the trainer,” said Davis. “We are part of a family and that’s what makes running horses so special!”
Davis, who also won the 2021 title, finished second last year. He was pleased to accept the trophy, accompanied by Shane, Becky and Connor Wilson.
“Good people and nice horses,” added Davis. “You can’t ask for anything more!”
L and G Racing Stable finished second with 12 wins, followed by Jonas Gibson, who won ten races, and Danny R. Caldwell with 8 winners.
Henry B. Johnson, Jr. Finishes the Season One Shy of his 1000th Milestone
Trainer Henry B. Johnson, Jr. had been in the hunt for his 1,000th career win this summer at Louisiana Downs. He had three horses entered on the final card, with one runner-up finish and two thirds. Born in Louisiana and a strong supporter of Louisiana Downs for four decades, Johnson, 82, ran 45 horses this season with six wins, five seconds and nine third-place finishes.
“It was close,” said Johnson. “After Lone Star finished, we had some deep fields and it got very competitive. I’ll go to Delta Downs next and also have some decent Texas-breds and plan on running at Sam Houston Race Park in January.”
“We thank our horsemen for their support throughout the meet,” said Matt Crawford, Louisiana Downs Racing Secretary. “It was one of the hottest summers ever, which was certainly taxing for both horses and humans. We applaud the efforts of each and every trainer and wish them continued success for the remainder of the year.”
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.
Photos courtesy of Ann Switalski Photography
Obituary: Ernest E. Kiger
Obituary for Ernest E. Kiger
Ernest E. Kiger, resident of Cut Off, passed away Tuesday, August 29, 2023.
Visitation will be held at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church on Saturday, September 9th from 9 am until service time. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 am.
Ernest is survived by his wife of 38 years, Beth Talamo Kiger; children, Ernest Jr. (Wonda), Keith Kiger (Landie), Clifford Kiger, Timmy Johnfroe, Donna K. Billiot (Charley), Jennifer K. Starks (Kerry), Hollie R. Kiger (William) and Jennifer Bonvillian; 34 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Sally K. Cheramie (Terry) and Irma K. Dardar.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Julius Kiger and Lucy Billiot Kiger; sons, Richard and Jarrod Kiger; daughter, Lori Ann Kiger; brother, Roy Kiger; sisters, Juanita K. Ungar, Bernice K. Naquin, Gustassa Verdin, Janice K. Billiot, Annie Kiger and Mary Jane K. Billiot.
Ernest was a devoted family man whom never met a stranger. Had a passion for horses and animals. Spent his entire life helping and giving to others. He was a retired Boat Captain. Ernest will be sadly missed by many.
Falgout Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ernest E. Kiger please visit our Sympathy Store.
BIG DATA SHIPPED IN FROM FLORIDA TO TAKE THE $200,000 SUPER DERBY
BIG DATA SHIPPED IN FROM FLORIDA TO TAKE THE $200,000 SUPER DERBY, PRESENTED BY LIP CHIP, LLC AT LOUISIANA DOWNS
Bossier City, LA – Louisiana Downs proudly hosted an afternoon of festivities culminating with the running of the $200,000 Super Derby, presented by Lip Chip LLC. The oppressive heat for the past two months took a hiatus so that the crowd could step out in their finest for a very entertaining afternoon.
It was a breakout performance by Big Data to take Super Derby 41 and capture the first stakes of his career. Trainer Michael Lerman felt the mile and one-eighth main track stakes would be a good opportunity for the son of Cloud Computing, out of the Creative Cause mare Moxie, who made his debut at Gulfstream Park on December 16. He broke his maiden on April 22 and advanced to the allowance level with success.
“He’s a large horse and can be a handful, but (jockey) Emisael (Jaramillo) fits him well,” said Lerman. “The race unfolded the way we anticipated, and we were thrilled with the outcome.”
Jaramillo was content to let Big Data run off the early pace set by Machine Gun Man and jockey Vicente Del Cid, who completed the first quarter-mile in :23.81 and the half-mile in :48.71. Big Data wwas traveling well heading to the final turn and drew off to a 1 ¾ length victory in a final time of 1.51.83.
Big Data shipped in from Gulfstream Park on Tuesday and Lerman was pleasantly surprised that the temperature had dipped this week.
“It was cooler here than Florida,” he stated. “I shipped in a horse for the Super Derby undercard in 2006. It was an inferno that year, so this was a relief.”
Big Data, sent off as second choice in the wagering, paid $8.20 to win. He earned $120,000 for his first stake win and his record stands at 8-3-4 and lifetime earnings of $213,680.
Lerman said that Big Data will return to South Florida tomorrow and options for his next start include the Pennsylvania Derby or possibly a stakes at Churchill Downs.
“He’s on the right trajectory,” added Lerman.
Kim Boulmetis of Petal Power Racing bred Big Data and was thrilled with his victory. She owns his dam, Big Moxie, who is in foal to Cloud Computing.
“I thank Mike and his team,” she said. They did an incredible job. I have never seen an outfit treat horses so well. I also want to commend Louisiana Downs for bringing this race back. I know the history of the Super Derby and appreciate the hard work of everyone. It’s been the most wonderful trip for us!”
That praise meant a great deal to Louisiana Downs president and owner Kevin Preston who stated from the beginning that he intended to bring back the track’s marquee race, the Super Derby, not just as a racing championship, but an event for the Metroplex.
“Our team worked extremely hard to present a festive day with quality horse racing,” said Preston. “What was so rewarding is the response from our fans, dressing to the nines, wearing gorgeous hats and bringing family and friends for the afternoon. It’s hard to explain how rewarding it was to us to see how much they enjoyed the return of the Super Derby!
No White Flags completed the exacta under jockey C.J. McMahon. The son on Union Rags was also making his stakes debut for owner Donald D. Clark of LG4 Racing LLC. He posted two wins at Louisiana Downs prior to his start in Super Derby 41 for retired jockey Carl J, Woodley, who has been training since 2008.
“We were hoping for one more race, but still happy that he finished well in his first stakes effort,” said Woodley. “I was never nervous riding, but had knots in my stomach the minute he left the paddock. Training is a lot tougher than being a jockey!
How Did He Do That ran third for owners J. Kirk and Judy Robison and trainer Steve Asmussen who won two previous Super Derby editions. Joel Dominguez had the call aboard the post time favorite. Early pacesetter, Machine Gun Man completed the superfecta followed by Tiz Donegal, Promise Me A Ride and Donegal Arrow.
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.
Photos courtesy of Ann Switalski Photography
September Calendar of Events from the LTBA
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PRACTICAL JOKE COLT TOPS THE 2023 TEXAS SUMMER YEARLING SALE
(Grand Prairie, Texas) The hammer fell after a final bid of $110,000 on a Texas-bred Practical Joke colt to lead the way at the 2023 Texas Summer Yearling Sale.
Cataloged as hip 122, the Practical Joke colt, who is out of the stakes-winning Imperialism mare Jan’s Perfect Star, was purchased by Al Pike, agent, Monday at Lone Star Park. The colt is a half brother to four winners from as many to race from the dam, including the stakes-winning Road Bloc (Street Sense) who won the Arm Holding Jebel Ali Sprint stakes in Dubai in March this year. Scott Mallory consigned the colt on behalf of the breeders, Michael and Linda Mazoch.
“We’re grateful to Mike and Linda Mazoch and Scott Mallory for bringing the colt to our sale and we’re proud that a Texas-bred topped our sale again this year,” TTA Sales Director Foster Bridewell said. “He was quality and presented himself well to our buyers, so when the hammer dropped it all made sense.”
A Vekoma colt, also consigned by Scott Mallory, agent, was the second highest priced yearling sold at $90,000 on Monday at the sales pavilion at Lone Star Park. Scanlon Training and Sales signed the ticket for the Louisiana-bred colt out of the winning Tale of the Cat mare Winning Saga.
Three others reached the $80,000 mark. Hip 24, a Texas-bred Competitive Edge colt consigned by Highlander Training Center, sold for $85,000 to KDE Equine. Hip 51, a Texas-bred Competitive Edge filly also consigned by Highlander Training Center, was purchased for $80,000 by Lone Star Thoroughbreds. Straight Line Equine Sales sold Hip 110, a Louisiana-bred Spun to Run colt, for $80,000 to Whispering Oaks.
“We’re grateful to our breeders, owners, consignors, and buyers for trusting in us and coming to Texas to buy or sell,” Foster said. “We’re looking forward to seeing how these athletes develop and are already looking forward to our two-year-old sale in the spring of 2024.”
In total, 175 horses sold Monday at the 2023 Texas Summer Yearling Sale for a total $3,244,900. The average price was $18,542. The median was $11,000.
Full results are posted at TTAsales.com.
FIELD IS SET FOR THE $200,000 SUPER DERBY, PRESENTED BY LIP CHIP, LLC AT LOUISIANA DOWNS ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2023
Special Events and Family Festivities Begin at Noon
Bossier City, LA – The highlight of the 61-day Thoroughbred racing season at Louisiana Downs will take place Saturday, September 2 with the return of one of the most prestigious races in the racetrack’s history. Super Derby 41 makes its long awaited return on Saturday as the featured event on the card. The eight-race program gets underway at 2:05 pm (Central) with the $200,000 Super Derby, presented by Lip Chip LLC, to be contested and one mile and one eighth on the main track, will run as race seven, with an approximate post time of 4:53 pm.
Louisiana Downs is under its second year of operation under president and owner Kevin Preston and from the beginning, one of many priorities set by Preston, was bringing back the track’s marquee race, the Super Derby. Inaugurated in 1980, the annual event attracted the top owners, trainers and jockeys in North America. Belmont Stakes winner Temperence Hill won the first edition of the Super Derby. Three Super Derby winners, Tiznow, Sunday Silence and Alysheba were honored with Eclipse Awards as Horse of the Year, the industry’s highest award.
“The Super Derby has been a very important goal for owner Kevin Preston,” said Matt Crawford, Louisiana Downs racing secretary. “He has made many notable improvements to both the racetrack and casino. We are all looking forward to an exciting Super Derby 41 with plenty of events sure to entertain fans of all ages.”
Louisiana Downs ran several editions of the Super Derby, beginning in 2017 with Mr Misunderstood winning on the turf for trainer Brad Cox. Reverted to the main track, the next year, Hall of Fame conditioner Steve Asmussen won the next two editions with Limation in 2018 and Rotation in 2019.
In pursuit of his third Super Derby victory, Asmussen will send in How Did He Do That for owners J. Kirk and Judy Robison.
The top earner in the field, the son of Good Magic, bred by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings, LLC, will make his 13th career start on Saturday. Sold as a yearling for $190,000 at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton Fall Yearling Sale, he broke his maiden at Churchill Downs on September 30, 2022. He won his first stakes in New Mexico, in the Zia Park Juvenile Stakes before embarking on a busy Derby season. His standout victory came on July 8 at Prairie Meadows, where he was sent off at 48-1 in the $225,000 Iowa Derby, finishing in a dead heat for the win with One in Vermillion. After a lengthy steward’s inquiry, One in Vermillion was disqualified for interference and placed second. How Did He Do That rewarded his supporters with a win payout of $98!
Joel Dominguez, currently tied for the leading rider title at Louisiana Downs, has the call and will break from post five aboard the 9-5-morning line favorite.
Dominguez, 33, has been riding at Louisiana Downs since 2005, and was tabbed by Asmussen in 2020 to ride first call at the Bossier City oval. He earned the leading rider title that year and is currently tied with Jose Guerrero in the 2023 meet, which will conclude on September 12.
His association with Asmussen began in Kentucky when Dominguez, who was born in Durango, Mexico, galloped for the top conditioner when he first came to the United States.
“When I was in Kentucky, I worked for Steve and he began to trust me galloping some of his top horses,” said Dominguez. “I remember the first time I worked Rachel Alexandra. That was very special and gave me so much confidence!”
Dominguez, who is represented by former jockey, Don Simington, is deeply appreciative to Asmussen for his support.
“Steve is really smart and has helped my career so much,” added Dominguez. “It means a lot to me to have a mount in the Super Derby. I look forward to this opportunity on Saturday!’
The Super Derby 41 field from the rail out includes the following 3-year-olds:
#1 Machine Gun Man (6-1) has earned $100,630 in 11 starts for owner Patrick Lee Racing LLC. Trained by Jose C. Sanchez, the gelding by Mor Spirit, competed in two stakes earlier this year, and exits a five-length score on August 11 at Evangeline Downs. He will be ridden by Vicente Del Cid, who was one of the apprentice riders nominated for the 2022 Eclipse Award.
#2 Tiz Donegal (15-1) is one of two Super Derby 41 entrants owned by Donegal Racing (Jerry Crawford). Jockey Thomas Pompell has the call aboard the son of Tiznow, who ran second to his stablemate at Evangeline Downs on July 22. That race was the first for the New York-bred gelding.
#3 Donegal Arrow (12-1) will make his fourth career start for Donegal Racing (Jerry Crawford), and exits his maiden-breaking victory on July 22 for trainer Dane Noel. The Kentucky-bred colt by Arrogate made two starts at Turfway Park before competing at Evangeline Downs. He will reunite with rider Juan P. Vargas, who guided him to the wire last month.
#4 Big Data (9-2) ships in from Gulfstream Park for trainer Michael Lerman. Sired by Cloud Computing, the Kentucky-bred colt has won two of his seven races in Florida for owner Petal Power Racing Stable (Kimberly Boulmetis) Jockey Emisael Jaramillo, has the return call following a three-length victory in a $75,000 allowance on July 23 at Gulfstream Park.
#6 Promise Me A Ride (7-2) will make his stakes debut for 2022 Eclipse Award winning trainer Brad Cox. Owned by Kueber Racing, LLC, Big Easy Racing LLC and Martin S. Schwartz, the colt by Mastery won his debut on March 19 at Fair Grounds and made his second trip to the winner’s circle on August 4 at Ellis Park. One of the top Louisiana-based riders, Tim Thorton, has the call.
# 7 No White Flags (10-1) has won two races at Louisiana Downs this meet for owner LG4 Racing LLC (Donald D. Clark, et al). The son of Union Rags is conditioned by retired jockey Carl J, Woodley, who piloted 19,917 runners from 1981-2007, Woodley, who prefers to be called CJ, has been training since 2008. C.J. McMahon will guide No White Flags in his stakes debut.
Super Derby Festivities Set for Saturday, September 2
Several promotions and special events are planned for Super Derby 41 so that both racing fans and families will have an enjoyable afternoon at the racetrack.
With several dining options available this year, watch and wager on the Super Derby Card in the air-conditioned comfort of the Clubhouse or the Skyroom. Both rooms will feature an All You Can Eat Buffet, beginning at 11:00 am. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made by emailing reservations@ladowns.com. Box Seats is also available and can be reserved for only $45 via www.ladowns.com. For a quick casual bite, join us in the Inside Rail Sportsbook Bar & Grill for tasty specials such as KP’s Ribeye for only $19.74, as a nod to the year the property opened, and the introduction of our Colts & Fillies kids’ menu.
Festivities kick off at Noon with Louisiana Downs track announcer John McGary and Louisiana Downs racing ambassador Roxanne Tanner teaming up for a pre-race handicapping preview. They will offer detailed analysis of the $200,000 Super Derby as well as their selections for each of the races on the Super Derby card.
Family activities will get underway at 12:00 pm, a Children’s Area will open on the Racing Apron. Face Painting is available for an additional charge. Children can join in the fun with the Super Derby Stilt Walker, Caricaturist, Balloon Twister and Hula Hoop Stars! Food Trucks from across the region will be serving up great local bites for purchase.
Also, at 12:00 pm, registration begins for the Super Derby Ladies Hat Contest. Hats will be judged in three categories: Spirit of Louisiana, Classic and Most Original. The winners will receive $100 cash.
At 12:30pm, enjoy a Jockey Meet and Greet and Autograph Signing. A photo of the riders will be available for $5.00 with the proceeds to benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF).
Take advantage of the Super Derby $5 Free Bet where Racing fans can swipe their Club 74 card at the racing kiosks for a $5.00 Free Bet that can be redeemed on Saturday, September 9, 2023.
After the 3rd Race Louisiana Downs Super Derby 41 Opening Ceremony will include a Proclamation by Bossier City Mayor, Tommy Chandler, posting of the colors by the Boy Scouts Troop 104 and a live performance of The National Anthem.
Special guest, Former NBA and Hall of Famer, “the Mailman” Karl Malone, will be in the paddock for the Riders Up call prior to Super Derby41.
Louisiana Downs
Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and was purchased by Caesars Entertainment in December, 2002. With annual Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing seasons, the track is committed to presenting the highest quality racing programs paired with its 150,000 square foot entertainment complex offering casino gambling, dining and plasma screen televisions for sports and simulcast racing.
Texas-Breds to Benefit from New Change to 2024 Racing Purses at Sam Houston and Lone Star Park
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Obituary: Andrew John Cascio
Andrew John Cascio
Andrew John Cascio 67, won the biggest race of his life when St. Peter opened the Gates of Heaven on Friday, August 18, 2023. A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate his life will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at St. Jude Catholic Church, 4700 Palmetto Road, Benton, Louisiana, at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Rose-Neath Cemetery, in Bossier City, Louisiana. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Drive, Bossier City, Louisiana, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m. Officiating the services will be Father Charles Glorioso and Father Kelby Tingle.
Andrew John Cascio was born on June 23, 1956, to Johnnie and Concetta Miciotto Cascio in Shreveport, Louisiana, and left behind his beloved wife and best friend, Angelina Cush of 47 years, their three beautiful daughters, and six wonderful grandchildren to continue his legacy.
Andrew was a graduate of Fair Park High School and attended Northeast Louisiana University, currently known as ULM, for a short time before returning home to be married to Angelina. Soon after they started their family, and he began his career at General Motors Shreveport. Andrew was a hard worker and at times worked three jobs to provide for his family. He retired in 2009 after 30 years of dedicated service. He was honored with an award of perfect attendance for never missing a day of work.
His second love and favorite pastime, thoroughbred racing, began in the 80s and continued to grow throughout his life. Later he became a very successful owner, trainer, and breeder. He would spend hours day and night researching for proper maintenance and health of his thoroughbreds for optimal performance. He was able to devote more time after retirement where he was able to care for them daily at his farm. One of his proudest moments was winning the $100,000 Arkansas Bred Race.
Above all, Andrew was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, affectionately known as “Papa”. He was a devoted husband and a shining example of true love, commitment, and dedication to his three daughters, whom he was so proud of. He absolutely adored his grandchildren and spending quality time with them. Due to his traditional Catholic-Italian upbringing, he was able to instill those values in his own family. He was an active member of St. Catherine’s and Cathedral of St. John Berchmans for many years. He always put family first and instilled those values in his daughters and their families.
He took care of anyone in need and gave his time, talent, and treasure to help a friend or stranger. He was a genuine kind soul and whether family or friend you were blessed to know him. He is loved beyond measure and will be missed by so many. Although this is a great loss for us all, we can find great comfort just knowing that he is finally standing in the Winner’s Circle of Heaven.
Andrew is preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Anthony Cush and brother-in-law, Michael Cush. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Angelina Cush; daughters, Ashley Timmons and husband, Chris, Alicia Cascio-Lafitte and husband, Jeremy and April Cascio; six grandchildren, Ethan, Andrew, Evelyn, Harper, GianLuca and Haven; brothers, Michael Cascio and Roy Cascio and wife, Charlotte; sister, Connie Norton and husband, Tom; uncles, George Cascio and Anthony Cascio and wife, Martha along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Honoring Andrew as pallbearers will be his nephews, Chris Cascio, John Norton, Eric Norton, Jason Cascio, Kevin Cush Jr. and Chase Duggins. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be his siblings, Roy Cascio, Michael Cascio, Connie Norton, and Kevin Cush Sr.
LTBA PAC Event. Wednesday September 27
The LTBA invites you to join us Wednesday, September 27 at Equine Sales Company of Louisiana in Opelousas for an evening of fun with fellow horsemen and women for a purpose.
We are raising money for a Political Action Committee (LTBA PAC) to advocate for the Louisiana thoroughbred industry.
Appetizers and a bar will be available. The event is being held on the evening prior to the Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana yearling and mixed sale.
Donations may also be made at the door.
Or mail a check to: LTBA PAC P.O. Box 24650 New Orleans, LA 70123
Text to give: Text “louisianabred” to (888) 444-8774 to give.
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