Category: 2015

Equine West Nile Virus Positives Diagnosed in December, Texas Cases Total 38

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Typically, West Nile virus (WNV) cases are not diagnosed into December; however, this year suspicious specimens were sent to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) into December. It is expected that WNV cases will drop off as the weather across the state cools and the environment for the mosquitoes that are the vector for the disease diminishes.
As of December 18, 2015, TVMDL can confirm horses in the following counties tested positive for WNV in 2015.
1.   Houston County
2.   Atascosa County
3.   Jefferson County (4 cases)
4.   Roberts County
5.   Sterling County
6.   Parker County
7.   Randall County
8.   Liberty County
9.   Scurry County
10. Hutchinson County
11. Taylor County
12. Nolan County
13. Trinity County
14. Robertson County (2 cases)
15. Midland County
16. Orange County
17. Harris County (3 cases)
18. Victoria County
19. Cooke County
20. Chambers County (2 cases)
21. Erath County
22. Freestone County
23. Smith County
24. Nueces County
25. Collin County
26. Wichita County
27. Lavaca County
28. Jackson County
29. Angelina County
“The number of West Nile virus cases we have seen in 2015 points out the risk to our equine population and the importance of vaccination,” said TVMDL Assistant Director Terry Hensley, MS, DVM. “The horses represented in these cases were either unvaccinated or had lapsed in their vaccinations. The majority of the horses exhibited classical neurological signs which indicates the importance of diagnostic testing as an aid in confirming a clinical diagnosis.”
This year’s positive case map dispels the general public’s belief that WNV is only a threat in low-lying or coastal areas, as positive cases were found from the Panhandle to Dallas, to South Texas and the Houston area. The most prolific area with positive cases was the southeastern region of the state.
Symptoms for other neurologic diseases can present similarly; diagnostic testing is the only method to definitively determine infection. In order to have a complete diagnostic picture, TVMDL also recommends veterinarians request additional tests including: Equine Herpesvirus-1, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and Western Equine Encephalitis. In 2015, TVMDL confirmed four positive cases of EEE in southeast Texas.
The Texas Department of State Health Services and the Texas Animal Health Commission have information related to WNV and mosquito control available for free download.
For more information on TVMDL’s equine neurologic testing, visit tvmdl.tamu.edu, or contact the agency headquarters at 1.888.646.5623

25th Anniversary Louisiana Champions Day Winners

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The Pickett Factor-F-12 12_2015
The Pickett Factor wins the Louisiana Champions Day Classic at the Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, LA Saturday December 12, 2015.  Luis Quinonez was the winning jockey.
Photo By Amanda Hodges Weir / Hodges Photography
The Pickett Factor(Gold Tribute – Dynaspice, by Dynaformer)
Louisiana Champions Day Classic S.
Fair Grounds, New Orleans, Louisiana
December 12, 2015
purse: $150,000
1 1/8 miles, 1:51.33, Fast
B: E. O. Pickett; O: Melissa Cantacuzene; T: Ralph R. Irwin; J: Luis S. Quinonez
2nd, Mobile Bay
3rd, Stormdriver
Margins: 5�, 1�, 6�

Pacific Pink-12 12_20151
Pacific Pink with Robby Albarado aboard wns the Louisiana Champions Day Ladies at the Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, LA, Saturday, December 12,2015
Photo By Amanda Weir Hodges / Hodges Photography
Pacific Pink (  Private Vow – Truly Romantic, by Robyn Dancer)
Louisiana Champions Day Ladies S.
Fair Grounds, New Orleans, Louisiana
December 12, 2015
purse: $100,000
1 1/16 miles, 1:46.15, Fast
B: Brandon Adcock; O: Keith Plaisance; T: Edward J. Johnston; J: Robby Albarado
2nd, Private Promise
3rd, Indian Wind
Margins: �, �, head

Hot Zapper-12 12_2015
Hot Zapper, center, wins the Louisiana Champions Day Turf at the Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, LA, Saturday December 12, 2015. Owned by Ronald Webb, Hot Zapper is trained by Andrew Leggio, Jr.
The about 1 1/16 miles Turf was run in 1:46.17
Photo by Amanda Weir Hodges / Hodges Photography
Hot Zapper (Ghostzapper – Hot Talent, by Alphabet Soup)
Fair Grounds, New Orleans, Louisiana
December 12, 2015
Louisiana Champions Day Turf S.
purse: $100,000
About 1 1/16 miles, 1:46.17, Firm
B: Ronald P. Webb; O: Ronald Webb; T: Andrew Leggio, Jr.; J: Jose Riquelme
2nd,  String King
3rd, Hopeful Notion
Margins: nose, neck, 1

Watch My Smoke-12 12_2015
Watch My Smoke wins the Louisianan Champions Day Starter Handicap Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, LA Saturday December 12, 2015
Colby Hernandez was the winning jockey.
Amanda Weir Hodges Photo / Hodges Photography
Watch My Smoke � Starlight Wishes )
Starter Stakes
Fair Grounds, New Orleans, Louisiana
December 12, 2015
purse: $50,000
one mile 70 yards, 1:42.58 fast
Breeder: J. Adcock
Owner: Hardy Racing Stables, LLC
Trainer: Keith Bourgeois
Jockey: Colby Hernandez
2nd, Deep Bottom
3rd, Hero Force
Margins: 1 3/4, 5 3/4, 1 1/2

Aunt Nellie-12 12_2015
Aunt Nellie with Roberto Morales aboard wins the Louisiana Champions Day Lassie at the Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, LA, Saturday, December 12, 2015.
Owned and trained by Floyd Pitzer, Aunt Nellis ran the 6 furlongs in 1:12.36
Photo By Amanda Hodges Weir / Hodges Photography
Aunt Nellie (Musket Man – Vanilla Whirl, by Island Whirl)
Louisiana Champions Day Lassie S.
Fair Grounds, New Orleans, Louisiana
December 12, 2015
Purse: $100,000
6 furlongs, 1:12.36, Fast
B: Floyd Pitzer & Renee Pitzer; O: Floyd D. Pitzer; T: Floyd D. Pitzer; J: Roberto Morales
2nd, Conquest Tiz One
3rd, Smittys Cougar
Margins: 3�, �, 4�
Jockamos Song-12 12_2015
Jockamo’s Song, right, fights it out to win the Louisiana Champions Day Sprint at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans, LA Saturday, December 12, 2015. Mitchell Murrill was the winning jockey.
Photo By Amanda Hodges Weir / Hodges Photography 
Jockamo’s Song (Half Ours – Miss Clairnette, by Trophy Hunter)
Louisiana Champions Day Sprint S.
Fair Grounds, New Orleans, Louisiana
December 12, 2015
purse: $100,000
6 furlongs, 1:10.78, Fast
B: Debbie Allen & David Allen; O: Dare to Dream Stable LLC (Michael Faber); T: Michael Stidham; J: Mitchell Murrill
2nd, Too Dim
3rd, Heitai
Margins: 1, 1�, nose

Sea Vow-12 12_2015
Ronald Webb’s, Sea Vow wins the Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile at the Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, LA, Saturday, December 12, 2015. Alexander Castillo was the winning jockey.
Photo By Amanda Hodges Weir / Hodges Photography
Sea Vow(Private Vow – Victory At Sea, by Hazaam)
Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile S.
Fair Grounds, New Orleans, Louisiana
December 12, 2015
purse: $100,000
6 furlongs, 1:11.79, Fast
B: Ronald Webb; O: Ronald Webb; T: Joseph M. Foster; J: Alexander Castillo
2nd, Mageez
3rd, Icy Gentleman
Margins: 2�, head, �

Platinum Lady-12 12_2015

Platinum Lady with Robby Albarado aboard wins the Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Sprint at the Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, LA Saturday, December 12, 2015. 
Photo By Amanda Hodges Weir / Hodges Photo
Platinum Lady  (Half Ours – Isle of Grey, by Digression)
Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Sprint S.
Fair Grounds, New Orleans, Louisiana
December 12, 2015
purse: $100,000
6 furlongs, 1:11.88, Fast
B: Valene Farms, LLC; O: Valene Farms; T: Eric L. Heitzmann; J: Robby Albarado
2nd, Lady Grantham
3rd, Wind Chill Factor
Margins: 1�, nose, 1�

Entries Drawn for the 2015 Louisiana Futurities

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Entries have been drawn for the 2015 Louisiana Futurities which will be contested Thursday, December 31st at New Orleans Fair Grounds. The filly division will be the 7th race and the colt and gelding divison will be the 10th race.

For complete race day card go to: http://www.drf.com/race-entries/track/FG/country/USA/date/12-31-2015

Race 7 Post: 5:23 PM ET Dirt

Louisiana Futurity

6 Furlongs | State Bred | Fillies | 2 Year Olds | G STAKES | PURSE: $96,970

#

PP

 ODDS HORSE JOCKEY

Weight

 TRAINER

1

1

   Carmen’s Rose

 

 F. Geroux

122 Lbs

 S. Duke

2

2

   Rita’s Fifty Seven

 

 E. Murray

122 Lbs

 J. Duhon

3

3

   Smittys Cougar

 

 J. Valdivia, Jr.

122 Lbs

 R. Faucheux

4

4

   Wave Goodbye

 

 R. Eramia

122 Lbs

 C. Williams

5

5

   Mink Coat Mimi

 

 F. Torres

122 Lbs

 S. Gelner

6

6

   Carlientita

 

 P. Valenzuela

122 Lbs

 M. Stidham

7

7

   Custom Paint Job

 

 R. Albarado

122 Lbs

 E. Heitzmann

8

8

   Thegoodwitch

 

 C. Hernandez

122 Lbs

 A. Stall, Jr.

9

9

   Reality Is Great

 

 J. Theriot

122 Lbs

 M. Scherer

Race 10 Post: 6:50 PM ET Dirt

Louisiana Futurity

6 Furlongs | State Bred | Open | 2 Year Olds | G STAKES | PURSE: $96,970

#

PP

 ODDS HORSE

Last 3 Beyers

 JOCKEY

Weight

 TRAINER

1

1

   John’s Luck

 

 R. Albarado

122 Lbs

 E. Heitzmann

2

2

   Half Cajun

 

 R. Eramia

122 Lbs

 J. Hodges

3

3

   Cameron Rules

 

 F. Geroux

122 Lbs

 P. Mouton

4

4

   Icy Gentleman

 

 M. Mena

122 Lbs

 H. Johnson, Jr.

5

5

   Rock N Sake

 

 C. Hernandez

122 Lbs

 R. Faucheux

6

6

   Blue Tizzy

 

 B. Hernandez, Jr.

122 Lbs

 W. Calhoun

7

7

   Anterior

 

 P. Valenzuela

122 Lbs

 K. Broberg

8

8

   G’s Josh

 

 R. Morales

122 Lbs

 W. Calhoun

9

9

   Chattanoogan

 

 F. Torres

122 Lbs

 D. Pish

Texas Racing Commission Defies Governor, Keeps Historical Racing

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TEXAS RACING COMMISSION DEFIES GOVERNOR, KEEPS HISTORICAL RACING
by  | 12.15.2015 

Historical wagering has become the hot-button issue in Texas since the machines were approved there last year, and Tuesday marked the third time that the Texas Racing Commission has take an official vote on the matter. This time, the nine-member commission voted 4-4 on an order to repeal historical racing, with one member abstaining, according to the Star-Telegram.

With the motion failed, new Chairman Rolando Pablos, recently appointed by the expressly anti-gambling Gov. Greg Abbott, told the staff to begin the process of shutting down the agency. The end of February marks the termination of the three-month funding extension granted to the commission last month by the Legislative Budget Board.

Some believe the Commission, and thus the entire Texas racing industry, will not actually shut down at that time, despite claims from some in the legislature that funding will not be extended again. Others are clinging to the hope that the millions of dollarsthe industry has spent on legal fees to defend historical racing in court will come to fruition. But supporters are convinced that these machines are their last hope: There is no Plan B, according to Texas Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association president Jan Haynes. We are at the point where it will take some sort of gaming revenue.

Hours after the racing commission vote, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, co-chair of the Legislative Budget Board andrecipient of sizable campaign contributions from the Kickapoo tribe that operates a casino in Texas, issued the following statement:

I am extremely disappointed that the Texas Racing Commission failed to repeal historical racing. Previously, a state district court judge ruled historical racing rules adopted by the commission exceeded the commission’s authority granted to them by the Texas Legislature. Members of the legislature also expressed their opposition in a letter to the commission stating they did not have the authority to enact this rule.

It was my hope that today would be the beginning to finding a solution to resolving this issue for the long term benefit of the equine industry in Texas. Instead, irresponsible members of the industry have politicized this issue and resorted to false, personal attacks.

Recently, the governor appointed three members to the commission. Two of those members voted to repeal historical racing and one did not. In addition, the previous commission chair resigned his chairmanship after he said he could not serve at the pleasure of the governor, staying on the commission but also voting not to repeal. As recently as August, this same member voted to repeal, but today defied the governor.

It is disturbing that a few members of the Texas Racing Commission who refuse to follow the ruling of the judiciary, the clear guidance of the Texas Legislature or directive from the governor have chosen to jeopardize this industry. I look forward to working with responsible members of the equine industry moving forward.

As recently reported by the Fort Worth Star Telegram, if horse racing comes to an end in Texas it will be the fault of a few members of the commission and their supporters in the horse industry not the fault of the governor, the lieutenant governor or the legislature.

Read more at the Star-Telegram.

Mobile Bay Headlines Competitive Louisiana Champions Day Classic

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Read more here: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/96417/mobile-bay-eyes-louisiana-champions-classic

 

Louisiana Champions Day Ladies S.

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, Saturday, December 12, 2015, Race 4
  • STK
  • 1 1/16m
  • Dirt
  • $100,000
  • 3 yo’s & up Fillies and Mares
  • 1:56 PM (local)
PP Horse Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1Discreetly Grand (LA) Francisco C. Torres 115 Morris G. Nicks 8/1
2 2Indian Wind (LA) Kerwin D. Clark 118 Chadwick J. Mouton 8/1
3 3Pacific Pink (LA) Robby Albarado 119 Edward J. Johnston 8/5
4 4Heatseeker Sharon (LA) Colby J. Hernandez 118 Frank Leggio 5/2
5 5Aliana (LA) Patrick A. Valenzuela 118 Morris G. Nicks 3/1
6 6Private Promise (LA) Donnie J. Meche 115 C. Blaine Williams 12/1

Louisiana Champions Day Starter H.

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, Saturday, December 12, 2015, Race 5
  • SST
  • 1m 70y
  • Dirt
  • $50,000
  • 3 yo’s & up
  • 2:25 PM (local)
PP Horse Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1Hero Force (LA) Roberto Morales 117 Donald W. Moran, Sr. 9/2
2 2Deep Bottom (LA) Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr. 122 Keith G. Bourgeois 2/1
3 3Chad Be Glad (LA) Richard E. Eramia 118 Ron Faucheux 6/1
4 4Watch My Smoke (LA) Colby J. Hernandez 121 Keith G. Bourgeois 3/1
5 5Social Prize (LA) Robby Albarado 113 Edward J. Johnston 6/1
6 6Populist Politics (LA) Jose Valdivia, Jr. 116 Joseph C Fontenot, Jr 12/1
7 7Intheblinkofaneye (LA) Leandro R. Goncalves 114 Trace Richards 12/1
8 8Grand Honor (LA) Miguel Mena 112 Sherman Savoie 30/1

Louisiana Champions Day Turf S.

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, Saturday, December 12, 2015, Race 6
  • STK
  • About 1 1/16m
  • Turf
  • $100,000
  • 3 yo’s & up
  • 2:55 PM (local)
PP Horse Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1String King (LA) Richard E. Eramia 124 Charles Craig Smith 8/5
2 2Well’s Gold (LA) Colby J. Hernandez 118 F. Dewaine Loy 6/1
3 3Know You Now (LA) Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr. 118 Joe Sharp 15/1
4 4Gallery (LA) Mitchell Murrill 119 Michael Dini 6/1
5 5One King’s Man (LA) Emmanuel Esquivel 118 Joe Sharp 6/1
6 6McGehee’s Mercy (LA) Robby Albarado 122 Trace Richards 15/1
7 7Four Leaf Chief (LA) Gerard Melancon 115 Steven B. Flint 12/1
8 8Benwill (LA) Marcelino Pedroza 118 Jose R. Mendez 12/1
9 9Hopeful Notion (LA) Miguel Mena 118 Edward J. Johnston 6/1
10 10Hot Zapper (LA) Jose Riquelme 118 Andrew Leggio, Jr. 12/1

Louisiana Champions Day Lassie S.

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, Saturday, December 12, 2015, Race 8
  • STK
  • 6f
  • Dirt
  • $100,000
  • 2 yo Fillies
  • 3:54 PM (local)
PP Horse Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1Aunt Nellie (LA) Roberto Morales 122 Floyd D. Pitzer 12/1
2 2Flying Tinkerbell (LA) Jose Valdivia, Jr. 117 Ray E. Tracy, Jr. 15/1
3 3Cajun Conoseir (LA) Gerard Melancon 122 Steven B. Flint 7/2
4 4Conquest Tiz One (LA) Mitchell Murrill 117 Michael Stidham 5/1
5 5Ms Runcat (LA) Emanuel Nieves 122 Steven B. Flint 8/1
6 6Mis Isla (LA) Shaun Bridgmohan 122 Steven M. Asmussen 8/1
7 7Hand Me the Cash (LA) Dusty Ryder Shepherd 122 Scott Gelner 12/1
8 8Rita’s Fifty Seven (LA) E. M. Murray 117 Joe O. Duhon 20/1
9 9M. B.’s Vow (LA) Patrick A. Valenzuela 122 Henry B. Johnson, Jr. 20/1
10 10Lady Lutie (LA) Donnie J. Meche 117 Enis Mouton 30/1
11 11Oh Dear Lord (LA) Miguel Mena 122 Scotty McNair 8/1
12 12Smittys Cougar (LA) Colby J. Hernandez 122 Ron Faucheux 9/2
13 13Kohen’s Top Cat (LA) Francisco C. Torres 122 Patricia G. West 12/1

Louisiana Champions Day Sprint S.

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, Saturday, December 12, 2015, Race 9
  • STK
  • 6f
  • Dirt
  • $100,000
  • 3 yo’s & up
  • 4:23 PM (local)
PP Horse Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1Heitai (LA) Leandro R. Goncalves 122 Thomas M. Amoss 7/5
2 2Too Dim (LA) Miguel Mena 118 Edward J. Johnston 6/1
3 3Sir Genghis (LA) Jamie Theriot 118 W. Bret Calhoun 8/1
4 4Unitas (LA) Colby J. Hernandez 118 Karl Broberg 15/1
5 5Louisiana Flyboy (LA) Richard E. Eramia 118 Patrick Mouton 8/1
6 6Top Cat Boogie (LA) E. M. Murray 118 Brent Toups 8/1
7 7Jockamo’s Song (LA) Mitchell Murrill 116 Michael Stidham 10/1
8 8King Bandit (LA) Kirk Paul LeBlanc 118 Peter L. Orlando 12/1
9 9Cajun Silver (LA) Roberto Morales 118 Karl Broberg 12/1
10 10Skip the Pinot (LA) Patrick A. Valenzuela 118 Andrew Leggio, Jr. 8/1

Louisiana Champions Day Classic S.

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, Saturday, December 12, 2015, Race 10
  • STK
  • 1 1/8m
  • Dirt
  • $150,000
  • 3 yo’s & up
  • 4:52 PM (local)
PP Horse Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1Udoknowjack (LA) Jocelyne C. Gomez 118 Jorge Gomez 12/1
2 2Social Misfit (LA) Jamie Theriot 118 Frank Leggio 12/1
3 3Stormdriver (LA) Richard E. Eramia 124 Patrick Devereux, Jr. 6/1
4 4One King’s Man (LA) Miguel Mena 124 Joe Sharp 9/2
5 5The Pickett Factor (LA) Luis S. Quinonez 121 Ralph R. Irwin 2/1
6 6Hot Zapper (LA) Jose Riquelme 118 Andrew Leggio, Jr. 15/1
7 7Know You Now (LA) Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr. 118 Joe Sharp 30/1
8 8Just Stormin (LA) Francisco C. Torres 115 Glenn Delahoussaye 20/1
9 9Mobile Bay (LA) Edgar S. Prado 121 Victor Arceneaux 9/5

Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile S.

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, Saturday, December 12, 2015, Race 11
  • STK
  • 6f
  • Dirt
  • $100,000
  • 2 yo
  • 5:21 PM (local)
PP Horse Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1Biblical Strength (LA) Mitchell Murrill 117 Jason H. Meaux 20/1
2 2Mageez (LA) Patrick A. Valenzuela 122 Ronda Hutchinson 8/1
3 3Chattanoogan (LA) Edgar S. Prado 122 Danny Pish 15/1
4 4Sea Vow (LA) Alexander Castillo 122 Joseph M. Foster 5/1
5 5Masterly (LA) Colby J. Hernandez 122 Ricky Courville 20/1
6 6Zackarooney (LA) Shaun Bridgmohan 122 Ricky Courville 15/1
7 7David’s Approval (LA) Francisco C. Torres 122 Andrew Leggio, Jr. 8/1
8 8Our Rapidash (LA) Robby Albarado 122 Glenn Delahoussaye 8/1
9 9Este Es (LA) Jose Valdivia, Jr. 122 Armando De la cerda 10/1
10 10John’s Luck (LA) Leandro R. Goncalves 122 Eric L. Heitzmann 8/1
11 11G’s Josh (LA) Roberto Morales 122 W. Bret Calhoun 9/2
12 12Bayou Banker (LA) Miguel Mena 122 Dallas Stewart 8/1
13 13Icy Gentleman (LA) Richard E. Eramia 122 Henry B. Johnson, Jr. 15/1
14 14Krafty Boy (LA) Kerwin D. Clark 122 Jeffrey D. Thornbury 15/1
15 15Cajun Colonel (LA) Mitchell Murrill 117 Michael Dini 30/1

Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Sprint S.

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, Saturday, December 12, 2015, Race 12
  • STK
  • 6f
  • Dirt
  • $100,000
  • 3 yo’s & up Fillies and Mares
  • 5:50 PM (local)
PP Horse Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1Snappy Girl (LA) Luis S. Quinonez 118 Karl Broberg 5/1
2 2Wind Chill Factor (LA) Denny Velazquez 116 Gary M. Scherer 6/1
3 3Lady Grantham (LA) Gerard Melancon 118 Brett A. Brinkman 5/1
4 4Another Pinot (LA) Jamie Theriot 120 Andrew Leggio, Jr. 8/1
5 5Debbie Ann (LA) Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr. 118 Sturges J. Ducoing 12/1
6 6Fancy Madelyn (LA) Roberto Morales 120 Harvey Lourd, III 9/2
7 7Alivia’s Lion (LA) Mitchell Murrill 118 Frank Leggio 12/1
8 8Teelfa (LA) Patrick A. Valenzuela 118 Morris G. Nicks 20/1
9 9Vivian Da Bling (LA) Colby J. Hernandez 116 W. Bret Calhoun 6/1
10 10Cajun Maid (LA) Miguel Mena 118 Thomas M. Amoss 10/1
11 11Jackson’s G G (LA) Richard E. Eramia 116 Henry B. Johnson, Jr. 20/1
12 12Platinum Lady (LA) Robby Albarado 118 Eric L. Heitzmann 15/1


  

Louisiana Bred Mobile Bay Takes Zia Park Derby

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Ken and Sarah Ramsey’s International Star appeared to be the brightest star on a loaded stakes card at Zia Park. The son of Fusaichi Pegasus came to Wednesday’s contest on a three-race graded win streak after he swept the Fairgrounds Race Course & Slots Kentucky Derby preps�LeComte Stakes (gr. III), Risen Star Stakes (gr. II), and Louisiana Derby (gr. II), but the Mike Maker trainee flamed out in the $200,000 Zia Park Derby, setting the pace and then tiring to a far-back fourth while Mobile Bayand Pain and Misery dueled to the wire, 13 lengths ahead.

Tigertail Ranch’s homebred Super Derby (gr. II) winner Mobile Bay got the bob and won by a nose at odds of 7-2, one start after finishing third in the Oklahoma Derby (gr. III) for trainer Victor Arceneaux.

Contrary to his previous off-the-pace form, International Star went to the lead in the 1 1/16-mile Derby under first-time jockey Martin Garcia and dueled with longshot Where’s the Moon through a half-mile, setting fractions of :24.66 and :49.54. In nine previous starts, International Star had never set the pace.

Pain and Misery took over the lead after six furlongs in 1:13.17, while Mobile Bay loomed 1 1/2-lenths back in fourth, before the pair battled to the wire, finishing in 1:43.62.

Ridden by Edgar Prado, Mobile Bay brought $9.20 $3.60, and $2.60 across the board. Pain and Misery delivered $4.40 and $2.80, while Bold Conquest, 11 lengths back, paid $2.60 to show.

It was the fourth stakes win for Mobile Bay, a Louisiana-bred son of Lone Star Special, who now has a 6-2-3 record from 12 starts, all this year. He now has $589,090 in earnings.

The Pickett Factor Turns Back All Challengers To Win The $100,000 Gold Cup At Delta Downs

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The Pickett Factor Turns Back All Challengers To Win The $100,000 Gold Cup At Delta Downs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2015
FOR MORE INFORMATION,
CONTACT DON STEVENS
337-589-7441 EXT. 1268

– MASTERFUL RIDE BY LUIS QUINONEZ SECURES THE VICTORY –


VINTON, La. � The $100,000 Gold Cup served as the featured race at Delta Downs on Saturday night and it was won by Melissa Cantacuzene�s The Pickett Factor with jockey Luis Quinonez in the saddle. The Gold Cup, restricted to Louisiana-breds, was originally scheduled to take place on October 31 but had to be rescheduled due to a cancellation of racing caused by severe weather.

The Pickett Factor, who is trained by Ralph Irwin, broke from the inside post position in a field of eight competing at one mile. Soon after the start the eventual winner took a lead he would never relinquish. Although he was pressured by Know You Now and Galveston Harbor during the first half of the race, The Pickett Factor began to draw clear around the far turn and reported home 5-3/4 lengths in front of Galveston Harbor with One King�s Man rallying from far back to be third, another two lengths behind the runner-up.

The Pickett Factor covered the eight furlongs of the Gold Cup in 1:38.58 over a fast track.

The win by the Pickett Factor was the fifth of his seven-race career and it placed another $60,000 into his bankroll. Overall the dark bay or brown runner has earned $208,640.

The Pickett Factor is a 3-year-old gelding by Gold Tribute, out of the Dynaformer mare Dynaspice. He was bred in Louisiana by E. O. Pickett.

Sent to the gate as the 9-5 favorite, The Pickett Factor paid $5.60 to win, $4 to place and $3 to show. Galveston Harbor was worth $10.80 to win and $4.40 to show. One King�s Man returned $2.80 to show.

Delta Downs will embark on its most important week of racing Wednesday night with a 10-race program that starts at 5:40 pm CT. The track will host the 13th edition of Jackpot Day next Saturday with a special afternoon card that starts at 1:15 pm CT. The highlight race on Jackpot Day is the $1,000,000 Delta Downs Jackpot (Gr. III) for 2-year-olds competing at 1 1/16 miles.

For more information about racing at Delta Downs visit the track�s website at http://www.deltadownsracing.com<http://www.deltadownsracing.com> . Fans can also get information about through Facebook by visiting the page �Delta Downs Racing�.

Delta Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features exciting casino action, live horse racing and fun dining experiences. Delta Downs is located in Vinton, Louisiana, on Delta Downs Drive. From Lake Charles, take Exit 7 and from Texas, take Exit 4.

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First Winner for Attempted Humor

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First Winner for Attempted Humor
Devilish Humor won the eighth race at Delta Downs, Thursday, November 12 to become the first winner for Attempted Humor, a stakes placed winning son of Distorted Humor.

In a 7 furlong maiden special weight, Devilish Humor stalked the early pace from the outside, inched closer entering the second turn, responded to duel through the drive and inched clear late to win by 1 1/4 lengths in a final time of 1:30.68. Devilish Humor was bred in Louisiana by Charles Guillory and is owned and trained by Benard Chatters.

With only 4 runners to date in his first crop, Attempted Humor is now represented by one winner and one placed starter. The stallion stands at Metoyer and Chatters Farm in Lake Charles, Louisiana for a 2016 breeding fee of $2,000 Live Foal.

November Calendar of Events from the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association

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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 Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association, Peach Lane Farms, and Clear Creek Stud Click images link to more information
Nov 6
  • Acadiana Equine Hospital at Copper Crowne Open House and Stallion Showcase, Opelousas, 12:00-3:00 p.m.
Nov 11
  • Veterans Day


Nov 19
  • Fair Grounds 144th Season Opens
Nov 20
  • Fair Grounds Starlight Racing, featuring Louisiana Spice in the Clubhouse and DJ San-D in the Miller Time Beer Garden
Nov 21
  • Delta Downs Jackpot Day, Delta Downs, Vinton
Nov 26
  • Thanksgiving
  • Thanksgiving Handicap, Fair Grounds, New Orleans
Nov 28
  • Battle of New Orleans Overnight Stakes, New Orleans
Nov 30
  • Louisiana Futurity Nomination Forms to be mailed
  • Louisiana Stallion Registration Forms to be mailed
Would you like to sponsor a newsletter? Reach more than 3,000 readers.
Please contact Linda 985-386-0360,  linda@louisianabred.com or Roger 504-947-4676,  roger@louisianabred.com for cost and availability.
Do you have a date pertaining to Louisiana-breds that you would like included in an upcoming calendar? Please contact Linda 985-386-0360, linda@louisianabred.com or Roger 504-947-4676, roger@louisianabred.com for consideration.
Any questions or need more info call
Roger A. Heitzmann III, Secretary/Treasurer
Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association

Big World Takes Tempted for ‘Carlos’

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Big World Takes Tempted for ‘Carlos’
Big World easily made the lead and kept it Nov. 4 in the $200,000 Tempted Stakes (gr. III) on opening day at Aqueduct Race Track, securing her first graded win for owner Maggi Moss and becoming the first stakes winner for her sire, Louisiana-based Custom for Carlos.

Showing the way through an easy :24.05 first quarter and a half in :47.85 under jockey Jose Ortiz, the 2-year-old filly hit the top of the stretch full of run through three-quarters in 1:12.48, and held off the late charge of Flora Dora to finish a mile in 1:37.19 on a fast track. Banree, who chased the leader all the way around until the final sixteenth, finished third.

“It was a little weird,” said Ortiz. “On paper, it looked like there was a little more speed in there, but my filly broke very well and I noticed it was going easy in front, so I took advantage of it… When I asked her to go, she responded very well. She’s pretty good.”

It was Big World’s second win in a row for trainer Tony Dutrow, who stretched her out to seven furlongs Sept. 6 at Saratoga Race Course to break her maiden.

“I didn’t give Jose any instructions at all,” Dutrow said. “I told him she’s an easy ride and he would know what to do when the gates opened. I noticed the speed was looking at her and they were going soft, so he took advantage of it.

“I was very, very happy with the way she stretched out at Saratoga at seven-eighths of a mile against good company. Then, to come back today and stretch out to a mile, I have to be very happy with that.”

Big World paid $10.40, $7.70, and $3.90 as the 4-1 third choice in a field of six. Flora Dora paid $13.20 and $6.10 while Banree brought $4. Completing the order of finish were Disco Rose, 4-5 favorite Welcoming, and Hi Holiday.

Bred in Louisiana by Curt Leake & Elm Tree Farm out of the Broken Vow mare Tensas Wedding Joy, Big World was a $98,000 purchase from the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co.’s 2014 August yearling sale when consigned by Summerfield and selected by Patrice Miller of EQB. Her record now stands at two wins and two thirds for earnings of $185,600.

Custom for Carlos, a three-time grade III-winning son of More Than Ready  , stood in 2015 for $3,500 at Clear Creek Stud in Louisiana