Author: louisianathoroughbred

Louisiana Cup Day Provided Exciting Finishes and Generous Payouts

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Bossier City, LA – It was another excellent edition of  Louisiana Cup Day on Saturday, August 5 at Louisiana Downs. The quality of the Louisiana Thoroughbred breeding industry shone brightly in each of the six stakes on the program.

Despite temperatures in the low 100’s tremendous performances were noted throughout the afternoon with each of the defending champions denied by top efforts in the full and competitive fields. Here is a recap of the six Louisiana Cup stakes.

Norah G Returns to Glory in the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint

Norah G takes the Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint. Ann Switalski Photography

The $75,000 Louisiana Filly and Mare Sprint kicked off the stakes portion of Louisiana Cup Day, with eleven Louisiana-bred fillies and mares taking on defending champion and LTBA champion filly Free Like a Girl.

The competition was fierce right out of the gate and it was Thomas Galvin’s homebred Norah G who won the race in gate-to-wire fashion. Breaking from the rail under jockey Emanuel Nieves, she carried her speed throughout the six furlong main track sprint, crossing the wire in 1:11.74.

Trained by Patricia West, the 3-year-old daughter of Fast Anna won the $112,000 Louisiana Futurity on December 31 for trainer Patricia West. This was her first start since January and  Galvin was on hand to accept the trophy on the filly named for his youngest granddaughter Norah, who will turn nine at the end of this month.

“It was incredible,” said Galvin. “I was surprised she broke so well and that she would not be denied! Nieves gave her a great ride and Patty has been a godsend to us. She takes wonderful care of our horses and as an owner, I appreciate her communication skills.”

Also incredible, the 10-cent superfecta payout of $2,465 with Norah G ($44.80), followed by Final Quest at 31-1; Miss Priority, 36-1 and Zydeco Music, sent off at 13-1.

Free Like a Girl broke from the far outside post and never advanced from mid-pack, finishing eighth. She has won 13 of her 28 starts for owners Gerald Bruno, Jr; Carl J, Deville; Chasey Deville Pomier and Jerry Caroom. She has banked $951,578 since making her debut in 2021.

Galvin may consider a start at Kentucky Downs for Norah G, whose record stands at three wins from five starts and earnings of $163,955.

 

 

Star Moment Proves Her Affinity for the Turf in the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff


Star Moment victorious in Louisiana Cup Distaff. Ann Switalski Photography

 

The first turf  stakes of the card, the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff, drew ten fillies and mares who will travel a mile and one-sixteenth over the Franks Turf Course. 

Proving her versatility for the main track as well as the turf. Star Moment garnered the third stakes of her career for owner Intrepid Thoroughbreds, LLC (Tyron Picard and Stephen C. Henry). Previously trained by Ron Faucheux, the daughter of Star Guitar is now in the barn of Bret Calhoun. He was at Ellis Park this afternoon but was reached for comment following the race.

“She was impressive today,” said Calhoun. “I watched the race and she looked sharp and didn’t seem to have an issue with the heat. We didn’t think she could get beat in her last, but the track was deep, so maybe that was the case. We’ve started her four times and she’s won two stakes!”

A jockey claim of foul was disallowed, and rider Tim Thornton was pleased with her effort. As she stalked the pace and drew clear by 1 ¾ lengths in a final time of 1.41.22.

“She’s a class filly,” he stated. “I just got her in position and she took it from there.”

Front runner Birde Call held for second, followed by Wholelottamo and Eve’s Delight. Defending champion Cheapskate Diva mounted a bid at the top of the stretch, but finished sixth.

Star Moment ($11.20), bred by Brittlyn, Inc., has won five of her eight lifetime starts. Calhoun is considering options but is leaning toward giving her some time off and pointing to the Fair Grounds meet 

 

 

Strong Promise Keeps His Win Streak Intact Capturing the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile

Strong Promise adds Louisiana Cup Juvenile for third win in as many starts. Ann Switalski Photography

The $75,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile for Louisiana-bred 2-year-old colts and geldings attracted a field of ten at the distance of five and one-half furlongs on the main track.

Norman Racing Stables, LLC’s Strong Promise made his Louisiana Downs debut  and lived up to his favored status, drawing off to a 2 1/2 length victory for trainer Jayde J. Gelner, in a speedy 1:05.52. The 2-year colt by Broken Vow out of the Macho Uno mare St. Jean, is undefeated in two starts. Bred by J. Adcock & Hume Wornall. Strong Promise won at first asking, romping by a margin of 10 lengths on June 3 at Evangeline Downs before winning the $150,000 TTA Futurity at Lone Star Park on July 1.

“He’s a really nice horse and I am grateful to Mr. Norman and Jayde for the opportunity to ride him,” said winning pilot Luis Fuentes.

Gelner is the son of conditioner Scott Gelner and is a young horseman to watch. The 22-year-old has only been training for two years and has already topped his 2022 win and earning stats in the first month of this year. 

“I thank Robbie (Norman) and my great team,” said the young trainer. “My dad picked Strong Promise in the (2021) Texas Thoroughbred 2-Year-Old Sale,” said Gelner. “He went for $125,000, but we knew from his first breeze at Copper Crown that he had talent.” 

The third-generation horseman is off to a sensational start, and Robbie Norman was proud of both Jayde and his undefeated juvenile.

“That was a big purchase, but he has paid that off already,” stated Norman. “We feel he has a very bright future. 

Good and Stout rallied for second under jockey C J McMahon, followed by El Dinero, also bred by  J. Adcock and Hume Wornall  and Deal With it Daddy, who ran second in the D.S. Shine Futurity at Evangeline Downs.

 

Tap Galore Outduels her Stablemate in the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies

Tap Galore takes Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies. Ann Switalski Photography

A field of 10 accredited 2-year-old Louisiana-bred fillies, competed in the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies Several first-time winners will face off in the five and one-half main track sprint.

The victory went to Thompson Racing, LLC (Stephen F. Thompson)’s Tap Galore who broke maiden for trainer Jayde Gelner. The filly by Tapiture was bred by   J. Adcock and Hume Wornell and exited a fifth place finish in the D.S. “Shine” Futurity at Evangeline Downs. She crossed the wire in 1:06.18 over her stablemate Thompson Racing LLC,’s Diamond Deal.

Joel Dominguez had the call and studied her previous two races.

“I watched the replays and wanted to be patient,” he explained. “I felt she would run better laying off the speed and she responded.”

 Viv’s Wild Aces, who won here on June 5 for trainer Joe Duhon, ran third followed by Running Argument who had won the first two races of her career.

The victory by Tap Galore was the eighth stakes win this year for Gelner and he took a minute to reflect on the success in just his second year of training.

“I believe in setting goals, so when we were entered in four stakes today, I felt we would have solid chances,” said Gelner. “I am grateful to my owner and proud of the hard work of our team. I will continue to have high expectations and strive to achieve success for our barn.”

 

 

Woods N Water Defeated a Deep Field in the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic

Woods N Water wins Louisiana Cup Turf Classic. Ann Switalski Photography

The $75,000 Louisiana Turf Cup Classic attracted 12 runners going a mile and one-sixteenth over the Franks Turf Course. Several proven turf stakes winners, including 2021 champion Carlea’s Dream and Budro Talking, who captured the trophy in 2020, are entered.

However, there was a new turf star entered and Woods N Water claimed the victory under a very confident ride by Tommy Pompell. Owned by Richard Painter and John Dewberry, the 4-year-old son of Palace has been very accomplished on the turf, winning the $100,000 Louisiana Legends Turf at Evangeline Downs for trainer Lee Thomas.

Sent off as the favorite, the bay gelding sat off the pace in the early stages of the race, rating behind horses, until Pompell guided through an opening in the stretch and surged to the wire in 1:42.12.

Thomas was in California attending his wife’s grandmother’s 99th birthday party, but did not miss a moment of the race. 

“That was a beautiful ride by Tommy,” said Thomas. “I was a little nervous about his first start on the Louisiana Downs turf course and of course, about the heat. But he had enough to finish and just keeps getting better on the grass.”

Oh My Aching Arch rallied for second, followed by Silver Galaxy and Real City Speed. Budro Talking, winner of the 2020 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic ran fifth with defending champion Carlea’s Dream, finishing seventh.

This was the fifth win in nine starts this year for Woods N Water ($5.60), who has banked $244,455 in 19 lifetime starts. He was bred by Orange Grove Thoroughbreds Inc. and Richard Painter.

 

 

X Clown Springs the Upset in the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Sprint

X Clown upsets Louisiana Cup Sprint. Ann Switalski Photography

The $75,000 Louisiana Turf Cup Sprint on the program with  a solid field of nine sprinters traveling six furlongs on the fast main track.

It marked the biggest upset of the card with X Clown lighting up the tote board at 25-1 as he broke like a rocket and never relinquished his lead under jockey Devin Magnon. The 6-year-old gelding by Jimmy Creed was clocked in 1:11.06.

Owned by BW and HTS Stables, LLC (Jay Sheffield and Ray Mabile) and Jason G. Grudzien and trained by Rylee Magnon, was claimed for $20,000 in March Rylee and Devin are married and a true “hands-on” racing couple.

“As a trainer, I feel that I do better with older horses,” said Rylee. “We claimed him and gave him a fresh start. Our game plan was to take back and track the speed, but when he broke so well, he ended up being the speed!”

X Clown had been defeated twice by the defending champion Black Sword, but Devin gave credit to his wife for establishing a training routine that X Clown seemed to appreciate.

“He responded very well and got better and better in his works,” explained Devin. “We were concerned that he would be nervous shipping, so Rylee rode in the trailer with him! He stayed calm and broke super. As well as he was traveling, I felt we could outlast the speed and when he switched leads, he just went to running!”

Bred by Michael Villar and Cynthia Villar, X Clown ($52.40) was followed by Pickens, under rider Carlos Lozada and Mike J with Aubrie Green in the saddle finishing in a dead heat with post time favorite Big Chopper. 

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

August Calendar of Events from the LTBA

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 Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association would like to share the following list of dates of interest to Louisiana horsemen and women.

Brought to you by Whispering Oaks Farm,  Breeders Sales of Louisiana and Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association. Click images to link to more information

August 1

  • Jockey Club Report of Mares Bred Due 
  • Breeders’ Cup Early Foal Nomination Deadline

August 5

  • Louisiana Cup Day six stakes races for Accredited Louisiana Breds, Louisiana Downs, Bossier City.
  • LTBA Scholarship Drawings; two $1,000 scholarships for current college students. (Registration between 12:05-1:05 p.m. Drawings for two scholarships will occur at the winners circle after the 5th race. Must be present at winners circle to win.)

August 8

  • LTBA Board of Directors Meeting 11:00 a.m., Prejeans Lafayette

August 11

  • Stallion Awards to be Mailed

August 12

  • Delta Downs stall applications due for 2023-24 Thoroughbred Meet
  • Evangeline Downs Closing Day of 2023 Thoroughbred Meet

August 15

  • LTBA Board of Directors election nomination letters, resumes and photos due.

August 19

  • Cotton State Stakes, Louisiana Downs, Bossier City

August 28

  • Texas Summer Yearling and Mixed Sale, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie

August 31

  • Accreditation Applications Due

 

 

Saturday’s Louisiana Cup Day brings state’s best to LaDowns

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PREP WORK:  Final Quest, a four-year-old filly, runs in the second race of Saturday’s Louisiana Cup Day at Louisiana Downs. (Submitted photo)

By TONY TAGLAVORE, Journal Sports

Trainer Brett Brinkman is looking forward to watching how his four-year-old filly, Final Quest, runs in Saturday’s second race of Louisiana Cup Day at Louisiana Downs, against the state’s best Breds.

But he won’t be leaving the track once the horses cross the finish line.

Brinkman will stay for the third race. Not because a horse he trains will be running, but because of a horse Brinkman bred — Fort Polk.

Read Shreveport Bossier Journal Article

HIWU Launches Mobile App; Substance Lookup Tool and Educational Resources Among Key Features

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HIWU Launches Mobile App
The National HBPA is sharing this press release from HIWU to help keep horsemen informed:

The Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) announced that it has launched a mobile HIWU app to assist stakeholders in the Thoroughbred industry with the components of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority’s (HISA) Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program.

The free app is highlighted by a Prohibited Substances database, through which users can look up any of the substances that comprise HISA’s Prohibited List of more than 1,300 Banned Substances and Controlled Medications. Each substance listing is populated with information about the substance such as HISA classification, licensed and colloquial names, Detection Times and Screening Limits (as applicable), and the Food and Drug Administration label’s indication for use.

In addition to the substance lookup tool, the app includes access to all educational materials on the HIWU website and the ability to submit tips through HIWU’s anonymous whistleblower platforms. Pending and resolved matters concerning potential violations of the ADMC Program are also available for viewing at any time.

The app is configured to send push notifications to mobile devices to alert users about important updates.

“HIWU is pleased to offer a convenient app to the Thoroughbred industry to enable participants to access important resources about the ADMC Program wherever they are,” said Ben Mosier, executive director of HIWU. “We are especially excited about the substance lookup feature, which will bring this important information to the fingertips of horsemen, veterinarians, and others who need to be able to easily consult the Prohibited List.

“The app is inclusive of HIWU’s broader education efforts to assist industry participants to operate in compliance of the ADMC Program.”

The app is now available for download on the Apple and Android app stores.
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Announcement by HISA & HIWU Regarding Provisional Suspensions

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Background:  Current ADMC rules include a rule adopted from the World Anti-Doping Code requiring that any Responsible Person (i.e., trainer) whose Covered Horse tests positive for a Banned (doping) Substance be Provisionally Suspended while his/her case is being processed.  A Provisional Suspension does not in any way change the presumption of innocence and is not an early determination of guilt.  Instead, it is intended as a precaution to safeguard the integrity of the sport, horse welfare, and the rights of rule-abiding trainers.  Provisional Suspensions have been instrumental in protecting the integrity of other sports and were introduced into horseracing for that reason.

Discussion: Last Friday, HIWU was informed that a split (B) sample did not confirm the original   Laboratory finding, and, accordingly, pursuant to the ADMC regulations, HIWU dismissed the violation against a trainer who had been Provisionally Suspended 20 days earlier.  This raised concerns regarding the imposition of Provisional Suspensions at this early stage of the ADMC Program’s rollout. Consequently, HISA’s ADMC Committee, which has oversight of the HISA ADMC rules, held a meeting and decided to make various policy decisions regarding the imposition of Provisional Suspensions under the ADMC Program.  Various proposals received from horsemen’s groups were considered during the course of these discussions.

Policy Change:  The following policy changes will be effective immediately and shall apply

to any Responsible Person Provisionally Suspended following a positive test for a Banned

Substance:

  1. Any Responsible Person who requests that the B Sample be analyzed following a positive test for a Banned Substance shall be eligible for postponement of the effective date of the Provisional Suspension until such time as the B Sample result is returned. If the B Sample confirms the A Sample, the Responsible Person shall be Provisionally Suspended upon Notification of the B Sample confirmation, except that the Responsible Person shall not be required to scratch any Covered Horses entered to race prior to Notification of the B Sample confirmation. However, the Responsible Person shall not be entitled to enter any Covered Horses to race subsequent to Notification;
  2. Any Responsible Person who does not request the B Sample analysis shall be Provisionally Suspended upon such election, except he/she shall not be required to scratch any Covered Horses entered to race prior to Notification of the A Sample positive finding. However, the Responsible Person shall not be entitled to enter any Covered Horses to race subsequent to Notification;
  3. Any Responsible Person with more than one horse that tests positive for the same Banned Substance within a six (6) month-period or who has received notice of another potential violation relating to a Banned Substance (e.g., possession, use) shall not be eligible for delayed imposition of a Provisional Suspension as set forth in paragraph 1 above;
  4. Covered/Responsible Persons will continue to be Provisionally Suspended upon the notice of the A Sample result if the result involves the detection of the following Banned Substances:

3,4- methylenedioxypyprovalerone                                Methylphenidate;

  (MDPV, Bath Salts);                                                            Mitragynine;

Alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone                                     Myo-inositol trispyrophosphate (ITPP);

  (Alpha PVP);                                                                          Nikethamide;

Amphetamines (e.g., Methamphetamine,                    Opioids (natural and synthetic) and

  Cathinone, Mephentermine, Methcathinone);           opioid agonists (e.g., apomorphine,

Benzylpiperazine (BZP);                                                         hydrocodone, hydromorphone,

Chlorpromazine;                                                                      oxycodone);

Erythropoietin (EPO) and EPO mimetics;                       Pentylenetetrazol;

Ethylphenidate;                                                                     Phencyclidine (PCP);

Etorphine;                                                                                Phendimetrazine;

Fentanyl and Fentanyl analogs;                                        Phenmetrazine;

Mazindol;                                                                                 Strychnine;

Meldonium;                                                                            Synthetic cannabinoids;

Metaraminol;                                                                         Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC); and

Methaqualone;                                                                      Venoms and toxins (e.g., alpha

Methylhexanamine;                                                               cobratoxin, ziconotide, botulinum

                                                                                                       toxin)

  1. During a Provisional Suspension, which is not a Final Suspension, Covered/Responsible Persons may engage in caring for and exercising their Covered Horses, except they cannot breeze or race Covered Horses registered to them. Should they want any Covered Horses to breeze or race, they must transfer those horses to another Responsible Person (i.e., trainer) in a bona fide transfer approved by the stewards. If the Responsible/Covered Person is an Owner, ownership of the Covered Horse must be transferred in order for it to be eligible to breeze or race.   In addition, Covered/Responsible Persons: (i) must take down or cover any personal signage bearing their name or related to their operations where the Covered Horses are located at the racetrack; (ii) cannot claim Covered Horses or bring new Covered Horses into their barn; and (iii) cannot be employed in any capacity involving Covered Horses (including, but not limited to, acting as an agent for an Owner of Covered Horses or working as an exercise rider for Covered Horses.)

Additional Notes:

  • The Policy Change shall also be applied to any currently suspended Responsible Persons. HIWU will be in contact with all those currently Provisionally Suspended to explain next steps.
  • The Responsible/Covered Person must pay for the B Sample analysis within seven (7) calendar days of requesting it. In cases of financial hardship, and upon the demonstration of such hardship, the Covered Person may be entitled to a payment plan to cover the cost of B Sample analysis.
  • This new Policy will remain in effect for so long as the ADMC Committee deems appropriate. Should the ADMC Committee decide at some future date to abandon or modify it, the industry will receive at least thirty (30) days’ advance notice.

Public Reporting under the ADMC rules will continue to occur at the time of the EAD Notice of the A Sample positive test.

OUTSTANDING EDITION OF LOUISIANA CUP DAY SET FOR SATURDAY, AUGUST 5 AT LOUISIANA DOWNS

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 Two $1,000 Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA) Scholarships Will be Drawn After the Fifth Race

 

Bossier City, LA – The annual Louisiana Cup Day at Louisiana Downs will take place  Saturday, August 5.  First post is 1:05 pm (Central) for the nine-race card which will feature six stakes for accredited Louisiana-breds with purses of $75,000 each.  The stakes action, which gets underway in the second race of the card, will showcase a range of talented Louisiana-breds competing on the main track and Franks Turf course. Here is a preview of each of the six features.

Free Like a Girl Headlines the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint

The $75,000 Louisiana Filly and Mare Sprint will kick off  the stakes portion of Louisiana Cup Day, with overflow field Louisiana-bred fillies and mares. Defending champion Free Like a Girl returns to Louisiana Downs on Cup Day as the 5-2 morning-line favorite in  the six-furlong sprint. Bred by retired jockey Kim Renee Stover and her sister, Lisa Osborne, the daughter of El Deal, out of the Flashy Bull mare Flashy Prize, has won 13 of her 28 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 last year as Champion 3-year-old Filly.

She exits a runner-up finish to Mangum in the $100,00 Louisiana Stallion Stakes at Evangeline Downs on July 8. Free Like a Girl left the gate as the 122 pound high weight in the field; Mangum carried 111.

“We couldn’t be more proud of her” said trainer Chasey Pomier. “She fought hard, but giving eleven pounds was a lot to ask. Free Like a Girl means so much to our team. She’s getting close to earning $1 million, but even more importantly, she brings new people to the sport. After her win at Lone Star, a little girl asked if she could pet our “pony”! She can be difficult sometimes, but stood calmly to receive pets from her newest fan; that’s just one way she inspires us!”

Tim Thornton, who piloted the intrepid filly to two stakes wins in 2023, has the return call and will leave from the far outside post. She has banked $951,578 since making her debut in 2021.

The three fillies who ran second, third and fourth to Free Like a Girl on June 3 in the $100,000 Louisiana Legends Mademoiselle at Evangeline Downs, will take her on again Saturday.  Beleout, owned by Pendleton Larsen, Jr. is the 7-2 second choice. The filly by Flat Out will be ridden by Angel Suarez, who has already won 32 races this meet at Louisiana Downs. First I’ve Seen,a daughter of  Astrology has hit the board in 14 of her 15 races for trainer Shane Wilson.  Noneya, who ran fourth, had won back-to-back allowance races for owner/trainer Ronnie Ward.

Thomas Galvin’s Norah G makes her first start since competing at Fair Grounds in January. The 3-year-old daughter of Fast Anna won the $112,000 Louisiana Futurity on December 31 for trainer Patricia West. She will break from the rail with Emanuel Nieves in the saddle.

Defending Champion Cheapskate Diva Returns in the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff

The first turf  stakes of the card, the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff, drew ten fillies and mares who will travel a mile and one-sixteenth over the Franks Turf Course.

Cheapskate Diva was in fine form as last year’s champion as she made her stakes debut for breeder/owner Keith Plaisance, taking the lead at the top of the stretch and drawing clear by 1 ½ lengths under jockey Carlos Marquez. The final time, over the firm turf course was 1.41.92. The victory marked the first stakes win for trainer Joseph “Bobby” Felks.

The 5-year-old mare by Animal Kingdom out of the Candy Ride (ARG) mare Beautiful Liar exits a victory in the $100,000 Louisiana Legends Turf Distaff at Evangeline Downs on June 3. She will take on nine rivals  as the 3-1 morning line favorite. Cheapskate Diva has now won five of her 16 efforts with earnings of $188,040.

“She’s a much better horse on the grass,” stated Felks. “After the win last year, we gave her some time off and see that she seems to run well when she has a month off in between starts. This is a tough field this year, but we are ready.”

Plaisance was proud of his homebred and her conditioner.

“It was Bobby’s idea to enter her in this last year,” added Plaisance. “Bobby felt she deserved a shot and to win over tough mares like Net a Bear and Fort Polk was amazing. My hat’s off to Bobby!”

LTBA Champion Net a Bear has been retired by her connections, but Fort Polk, returns. The  7-year-old daughter of Behindatthebar, trained by Pat Mouton for owners Steve and Pat Roe, will make her third start in the Louisiana Cup Distaff. She ran third in the 2021 edition of the stakes and completed the exacta last year. Bred by Spanish Cross Stable, LLC, Fort Polk will break from the  rail under rider Emanuel Nieves. She is the top earner with $410,710 banked in 44 starts.

Stakes winner A G’s Charlotte is also entered for owner Tom Galvin and trainer Patricia West. Versatile on turf and dirt, the 4-year-old Mo Tom filly, will break from post eight under jockey C J McMahon at odds of 7-2 in search of her eighth career victory. Wholelottamo, who captured the 2021 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies for trainer Scott Gelner, looks like a strong contender as well.  Now trained by his son, Jayde Gelner, the 4-year-old mare by Mo Tom is closing in on the $300,000 earnings mark for owner Stephen Thompson. She will break from the far outside post under rider Luis Fuentes.

“She has grown and matured,” said Gelner. “We feel she is better on grass and feel that the outside post is perfect for her.”

Undefeated Strong Promise Takes on Eleven Rivals in the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile

The $75,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile for Louisiana-bred 2-year-old colts and geldings attracted a field of 12 at the distance of five and one-half furlongs on the main track.

Norman Racing Stables, LLC’s Strong Promise makes his Louisiana Downs debut for trainer Jayde J. Gelner. The 2-year colt by Broken Vow out of the Macho Uno mare St. Jean, is undefeated in two starts. Bred by J. Adcock & Hume Wornall. Strong Promise won at first asking, romping by a margin of 10 lengths on June 3 at Evangeline Downs before winning the $150,000 TTA Futurity at Lone Star Park on July 1.

Gelner is the son of conditioner Scott Gelner and is a young horseman to watch. The 22-year-old has only been training for two years and has already topped his 2022 win and earning stats in the first month of this year. He has five entrants on the Louisiana Cup Day card.

“My dad picked Strong Promise in the (2021) Texas Thoroughbred  2-Year-Old Sale,” said Gelner. “He sold for $125,000, but we knew from his first breeze at Copper Crown that he had talent. So far, he has done everything easily.”

The third-generation horseman is off to a sensational start, handling a very demanding schedule.

“I am on the road sometimes 40 hours a week, running in Louisiana, Texas and Iowa,” added Gelner. “We have stalls at Remington Park, so it is pretty busy, but I have a really good team.”

Luis Fuentes has the call aboard the 7-2 morning-line choice and will break from post 11.

Breeders J. Adcock and Hume Wornall have another promising 2-year-old in this stakes in El Dinero who registered a major upset at 39-1 in the $70,000 D.S. ‘Shine’ Young Futurity at Evangeline Downs last month.  The son of El Deal recovered from a bad break rallied and drew off to a victory in the five and one-half feature by a margin of 2 1/2 lengths. Trained by Patrick Devereux, Jr. for owner TAV Enterprises, El Dinero will break from the four hole under jockey Juan Vargas.  Deal With It Daddy who ran second in the D.S. Shine Futurity and third-place finisher Good and Stout are also entered in the Louisiana Cup Juvenile.

Running Argument Strong Contender in the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies

A field of 12 accredited 2-year-old Louisiana-bred fillies, along with two also eligibles, will compete in what appears to be one of the best groups ever for the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies Several first-time winners will face off in the five and one-half main track sprint.

Running Argument will put her two-race win streak on the line for breeder/ owner trainer Hance Robbins. Robbins,35, is also a third-generation horseman. His dad, Ray has trained Quarter Horses for over three decades, but Hance was drawn to Thoroughbreds. He purchased Running Argument’s dam Run Jamaican’s Run in an estate sale and bred her to Closing Argument.

“We broke her on the farm, and like my dad always told me, you can never tell how good your horses will be until you see them on the racetrack,” he explained.

The dark bay filly made her debut on May 13 at Evangeline Downs, coming from off the pace for a noteworthy debut victory. She demonstrated even more firepower winning the $70,000 D.S. ‘Shine’ Young Futurity- Fillies Division on July 7.

Top Louisiana jockey Tim Thornton, who has quality mounts in the majority of the Cup Day features, has the call.

“Timmy has won races for me,” added Robbins. “He is very similar to this filly in that they can be both patient and aggressive in a race.”

Chasey Pomier will saddle Emily’s Bullet, a filly by Gormley, who broke her maiden at Lone Star Park and finished third behind Running Argument in the Shine Futurity.

“She’s progressing well,” said Pomier. “We feel that she will handle longer distances in the future as she is a long, lanky filly.”

Other debut winners include Thompson Racing LLC,’s Diamond Deal, trained by Jayde Gelner; Saved by Grace, a daughter of Star Guitar, who broke her maiden at Canterbury Park on July 9 for Road Trip Racing, Inc. and Viv’s Wild Aces, who won here on June 5 for trainer Joe Duhon.

Two Previous Champions Battle in the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic

The $75,000 Louisiana Turf Cup Classic attracted 12 runners going a mile and one-sixteenth over the Franks Turf Course. Several proven turf stakes winners, including 2021 champion Carlea’s Dream and Budro Talking, who captured the trophy in 2020, are entered.

However, there is a new rising turf star in the picture with 5-2 morning line favoritism going to Woods N Water owned by Richard Painter and John Dewberry. The 4-year-old son of Palace has been very accomplished on the turf, winning the $100,000 Louisiana Legends Turf at Evangeline Downs for trainer Lee Thomas.

“We tried him on the grass and he showed us that he really enjoyed it,” said Thomas. “This will be his first turf start at Louisiana Downs and the course looks like it plays a little different that Evangeline Downs, but Tommy has so much experience and has gotten along well with this horse.”

Rider Tommy Pompell, one of the most experienced jockeys on the Louisiana circuit, has the return call aboard Woods N Water. They will break from post position five.

Carlea’s Dream, owned by  Carl Moore Management is a 6-year-old son of Lea.  Trained by Karen Jacks, this will be the third time Carlea’s Dream has run in the Louisiana Cup Turf Classic. He split runners in 2021 as he captured the title and ran fifth in the 2022 edition of the stakes.

“He’s matured and has been better in the gate,” Jacks said. “He loves the turf, like all horses sired by Lea.  Iram Diego fits him well.”

Budro Talking was claimed following his victory in 2020, when he advanced from tenth to cross the wire by 1 ¼ lengths. The 8-year-old son of Tale of Ekati is owned and trained by Sturges Ducoing and will make his 49th career start. Tim Thornton has the call and will break from the far outside post.

 

Black Sword Goes for His Third Stakes in the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Sprint

The $75,000 Louisiana Turf Cup Sprint will run as the final stakes (race 8) on the program with eleven talented Louisiana-breds traveling six furlongs on the main track.

Black Sword ran second in last year’s Louisiana Cup Sprint and the 6-year-old gelding has been installed as the 7-2 favorite. Margie Averett bred the son of  Awsome Sword to Black Mariah and Ronnie Averett will ship in the multiple-stakes winner in from his base at Evangeline Downs. Owned by Treanor MD LLC, Black Sword won the $60,000 King Creole Stakes on May 6 and the $100,000 Louisiana Legends Sprint, also at Evangeline, on June 3.

“He’s always been a little nervous, but has calmed down this year,” explained Ronnie Averett.

Regular rider, the talented Vicente Del Cid, elected to stay at Evangeline Downs on Saturday as he is in the hunt for the leading rider title. Tim Thornton will ride the accomplished sprinter.

“Vicente has been a big part of his success, but we will be fine with Tim,” he added.

His main rival appears to be Kendel Standlee’s homebred Big Chopper a 4-year-old son of Shackleford. Originally trained by Scott Gelner, his son Jayde will saddle the chestnut colt who has won four stakes and earned $375,883 in 21 starts. Mike J, a 4-year-old gelded son of Sky Mesa, ran fourth to Black Sword in the Louisiana Legends Sprint. He prepped for this with an allowance victory on July 15 at Evangeline. Jockey Aubrie Green has the return call.

“We are very grateful to LTBA for raising Cup Day purses to $75,000 this year and to the owners and trainers who are pointing their horses to the six stakes races,” said Matt Crawford, Louisiana Downs racing secretary. “Each of the races on Saturday have full fields and we look forward to a great crowd and plenty of wagering action from horseplayers across the country.”

Louisiana Cup Day Festivities

Racing fans of all ages are invited to enjoy the festivities offered on August 5 at Louisiana Downs. Beginning at 2:00 pm, the first 100 fans will receive a gift giveaway of a 50th Season Celebration Button. Family-friendly activities on the trackside apron include live music, inflatable bounce houses and water slides, face painting, and much more! Also, enjoy tasty bites from the city’s best food trucks. For fans preferring the air conditioned comfort of the grandstand, the Clubhouse Buffet will be open and is accepting reservations at reservations@ladowns.com. And don’t forget to claim your FREE $5 wager while you are watching and wagering at Louisiana Downs!

Scholarship Drawings Set for Louisiana Cup Day

The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA) will award two (2) scholarships, each valued at $1,000 on Saturday, August 5 at Louisiana Downs.

The drawings will take place after the fifth race. The races begin at 1:05 p.m. and the student must be there to register between 12:05 and 1:05 p.m. at the designated registration booth. The requirements for the scholarship are as follows:

Must be a college student enrolled full-time for Fall 2023.

Must be in good standing with the college or university.

Must be present at the drawing location to win.

Must have university ID number or Social Security number.

The scholarship will be deposited directly into the student’s account at the college or university. The student is asked to know the name and address of the college that they are attending.

 

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.

$400 EARLY BREEDERS’ CUP FOAL NOMINATION DEADLINE CLOSES AUGUST 1

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Only Foals Nominated Early to the Breeders’ Cup will Receive the Breeders’ Cup Nominated Engagement Noted on Catalog Pages

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 26, 2023) ― The Breeders’ Cup issued a reminder today that Wednesday, Aug. 1 at 11:59 p.m. ET is the deadline to nominate weanlings of 2023 to the Breeders’ Cup program at the one-time regular nomination fee of $400 USD. Any foal entered in a fall or winter breeding stock sale must be nominated by the early foal deadline in order for the Breeders’ Cup Nominated engagement to be included on the catalog page.

The $400 nomination entitles each foal with lifetime racing eligibility to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships and the Breeders’ Cup racing programs. All foals sired by a fully nominated North American Breeders’ Cup stallion are eligible for nomination to the Breeders’ Cup program in their year of birth at the weanling rate.

If not nominated by the Aug. 1 early deadline, standard foal nominations may still be made in the foal’s year of birth with a one-time payment of a $400 USD nomination fee due Oct. 15, 2023.

Breeders’ Cup Limited has been Thoroughbred racing’s most significant international program for over 39 years. During this time, Breeders’ Cup has allocated purses and awards of nearly $900 million to owners, foal nominators, and stallion nominators through its programs, including the annual $31 million Breeders’ Cup World Championships showcasing the best Thoroughbreds, owners, trainers, and jockeys to a global audience.

Breeders’ Cup foal nominators will earn $10,000 USD for every victory in the worldwide Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In and every horse that starts in a Breeders’ Cup World Championship race will earn a nominator award. The individual nominating the foal receives these nominator awards even though the horse may change hands throughout its racing career.

For more information and to nominate online visit members.breederscup.com.

ABOUT BREEDERS’ CUP

Breeders’ Cup Limited administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred racing’s year-end Championships, as well as the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In, which provides automatic starting positions into the Championships races through an 80-race series hosted by 11 countries, and the U.S.-based Dirt Dozen Bonus Series. The Breeders’ Cup supports and operates under the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA), which, for the first time, establishes a national, uniform set of rules applicable to every Thoroughbred racing participant and racetrack. HISA seeks to enhance the safety of both horse and rider and to protect the integrity of the sport to the benefit of all racing participants, fans, and bettors.

The 2023 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, consisting of 14 Grade 1 Championship races, and $31 million in purses and awards, is scheduled to be held Nov. 3-4 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. The Championships will return to the West Coast in 2024 with Del Mar in Del Mar, California, set to host Nov. 1-2. The Championships will be televised live by NBC Sports. Press releases appear on the Breeders’ Cup website, BreedersCup.com. You can also follow the Breeders’ Cup on social media.

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2023 Texas Summer Yearling Sale Catalog Features Increase in Entries

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(Austin, TX) – Two-Hundred-Sixty-Four yearlings are cataloged in the 2023 Texas Summer Yearling Sale catalog, marking one of the largest yearling books in TTA Sales’ history. The catalog features 52 more horses in the main body of the book than the 2022 edition of this sale.

“The increase in entries points to the success our sales have had,” TTA Sales Director Foster Bridewell said. “We’ve continued to push to grow our sales as a healthy marketplace to buy and sell for not only our regional buyers and sellers, but also attracting interested folks from all over the country.”

Top sires like Bolt d’Oro, Connect, Classic Empire, Liam’s Map, Malibu Moon, and Practical Joke as well as freshman stallions Echo Town, Global Campaign, Honor A. P., Improbable, Instagrand, McKinzie, Mr Money, Spun to Run, and Vekoma are represented. Regional stallions such as American Freedom, Bobby’s Wicked One, Bradester, Competitive Edge, El Deal, King Zachary, My Golden Song, Star Guitar, and Too Much Bling sire yearlings in the book.

“We’re proud and grateful of the offerings our breeders, owners, and consignors have brought forward for our 2023 Texas Summer Yearling sale,” Bridewell said. “We have a diverse book in terms of stallions and pedigrees and we think this could be one of our best sales yet.”

Notable yearlings cataloged:

Hip 42: A Mo Tom half-sister to MSW Bron and Brow; consigned by Red River Farm

Hip 52: A Dialed In half-brother to MSW Weast Hill; consigned by 4M Ranch

Hip 55: A Competitive Edge filly out of MSW Cowgirls Like Us; consigned by Highlander Training Center

Hip 87: A Spun To Run half-brother to undefeated SW Divining Humor; consigned by Oakridge Farm

Hip 107: A Mr. Money half-brother to MSW Happy Mesa; consigned by Clear Creek Stud

Hip 110: A Spun To Run half-brother to SW True Deal; consigned by Straight Line Equine Sales

Hip 112: An Improbable half-brother to SP Twirl Girl; consigned by Highlander Training Center

Hip 124: A Guilt Trip half-sister to SW Wholelottamo; consigned by Oakridge Farm

Hip 132: A Bradester half-brother to SW Alegbra; consigned by Benchmark Training Center

Hip 143: A Flatter half-brother to G3W Texas Chrome and G2W Patrona Margarita; consigned by 

  Stoneview Farm

Hip 156: A Midshipman half-brother to SW El Dinero; consigned by Red River Farm

Hip 187: A Texas Red half-brother to SW El Pando; consigned by Fairytail Farms LLP

Hip 220: A World of Trouble colt out of G2SP Spanish Flower; consigned by Straight Line Equine Sales

Hip 228: An Aurelius Maximus half-sister to MSW Midnight Fantasy and undefeated SW Strong Promise; consigned by Red River Farm

The interactive catalog is available now at www.ttasales.com. The catalog is also available for download on the Equineline IPad App. Supplements to the catalog are expected.

LQHBA Yearling Sale 2023

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Speedhorse is showcasing this year’s Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders’ Association Yearling Sale consignors, who advertised with us in Speedhorse Magazine. This flipping book will let you get a preview of their horses before the sale. The Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders’ Association Yearling Sale is August 4th and 5th in Kinder, Louisiana. Click here or on the cover below to see the featured consignments.

Louisiana Cup Day at Louisiana Downs Scholarships

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(BOSSIER CITY, La.) – Louisiana Downs will host Louisiana Cup Day on Saturday, August 5, with a post time of 1:05 p.m. CT. The Louisiana Cup Day will feature some of the top Louisiana bred thoroughbreds with stakes races totaling $450,000 in purse money.

Louisiana Downs, located on 280 acres near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana opened on October 30, 1974 with approximately 15,000 fans in attendance for the first day of its inaugural meet. Built by the late shopping-center magnate, Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr., the track was a success from the start, setting numerous national records for handle and attendance throughout the 1970’s and ’80’s. In 1980, plans were announced for the first running of the Super Derby, a 1-1/4 mile race to be run in the fall with the hope of attracting the best three-year-olds in the country and to have an impact on the end-of-the year championships. With a $500,000 purse, the race was the richest ever for three-year-old Thoroughbreds.

Louisiana Cup Day Stakes Races:

  • Louisiana Cup Juvenile $75,000 Guaranteed
  • Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies $75,000 Guaranteed
  • Louisiana Cup Sprint $75,000 Guaranteed
  • Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint $75,000 Guaranteed
  • Louisiana Cup Turf Classic $75,000 Guaranteed
  • Louisiana Cup Distaff $75,000 Guaranteed

The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA) will award two scholarships, each valued at $1,000, to college students on Louisiana Cup Day.

Requirements for the scholarship are as follows:

  • Must be a college student enrolled full-time in an Accredited College, University or Community College for Fall 2023.
  • Scholarships will be awarded by random draw.
  • Must be in good standing with the college or university.
  • Must be present to win at the Winner’s Circle when the announcement is made.
  • Must have college ID and government-issued ID.
  • Must have University ID number or Social Security number.

For Louisiana Cup Day:

  • Registration: 12:05 p.m. – 1:05 p.m. at the designated booth at Louisiana Downs.
  • Races begin: 1:05 p.m.
  • Drawing Time: The scholarships will be awarded after the fifth race.The scholarship will be deposited directly into the student’s account at the college or university. The student is asked to know the name and address of the college that they are attending.

Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association manages the best incentive program for breeding thoroughbreds in the United States. Since the organization formed, this has led to increased purses, better quality horses, and increased interest in racing and breeding horses. The thoroughbred racing and breeding industry generates over $1 billion and employs over 60,000 people in the state of Louisiana.

For more information about Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association visit louisianabred.com or call (504) 947-4676.