Category: 2022

Clear Creek Stud to Host Stallion Presentation, Saturday, December 3

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Clear Creek Stud is holding their annual Stallion Presentation Saturday, December 3rd from 10:30 am until 2:00 p.m., at their farm in Folsom, Louisiana.

Several dignitaries will be on hand to speak and visit with guests, including Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Mike Strain, State Senator Beth Mizell, LAHBPA Executive Director Ed Fenasci, LAHBPA President Benard Chatters, LTBA President Warren Harang, and Louisiana Solicitor General Liz Murrill, the top litigator on the Louisiana Attorney General’s staff. This is an opportunity for horsemen and women to share ideas and concerns with each other as well as political leaders across the state.

The highlight of the day will be the presentation of Clear Creek Stud’s 2023 stallion roster.  Clearly Now (Horse Greeley-Bend, by Arch) is a multiple graded stakes winning millionaire . His first foals are just beginning to run, with his first winner breaking his maiden at two by 4 ¾ lengths. Proven sire Custom For Carlos (More Than Ready-Meadow Oaks, by Meadowlake) is the 2022 leading sire of Louisiana-breds. His current leading runner, Janet is Ready, has already won three stakes as a juvenile.  Imperial Hint (Imperialism-Royal Hint, by Lahint) is a multi-millionaire, four time Grade 1 Stakes Winner and record setting sprinter. His first crop are very attractive and will be yearlings in 2023. Mr. Money (Goldencents-Plenty O’Toole, by Tiznow) is an exciting new addition to the Clear Creek Stud roster. A Grade 1 placed multiple graded Stakes Winner, he is one of only two sons of Goldencents at stud anywhere. His first crop are yearlings of 2023, and they are exceptional. Star Guitar (Quiet American-Minit Towinit, by Malagra) completes the 2023 stallion roster. Unequivocally the best Louisiana-bred runner in history, Star Guitar is a perennial leading sire in Louisiana. With seven crops to run, he has an impressive 43 stakes horses to date including three graded stakes horses.

A catered buffet  lunch will be provided starting at 11:30, with the stallion presentation beginning at 12:00 noon. A family friendly event, there will be pony rides, Santa Claus and many children activities to entertain younger visitors.

 

Clear Creek Stud Stallion Presentation
Saturday, December 3, 2022
10:030 a.m. till 2:00 p.m.
Opening Ceremony 11:00 a.m.
Buffet 11:30 a.m.
Stallion show 12:00 noon
Entertainment
Special Guest Speakers
Including State Officials, Representatives from
the Racing Commisssion and HBPA
Door Prizes and more
11591 Hwy 1078
Folsom, LA 70437

Rushie – by Liam’s Map – arrives at Blue Star Racing in Louisiana for the 2023 Breeding Season!

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Scott, Louisiana USA – November 18, 2022 – Blue Star Racing announces the arrival of stallion, Rushie (Liam’s Map / Conquest Angel, by Colonel John), to their breeding facilities in Scott, Louisiana where he joins Breaking Lucky – another exceptional stallion owned by the racing company.
Out of the first crop by Liam’s Map, Rushie first entered the Kentucky Derby trail after breaking his maiden in his first start at three, followed by a pair of 3rd place finishes in the Gr.1 Runhappy Santa Anita Derby (to Honor A.P. and Authentic), and the Gr.2 Toyota Bluegrass stakes (to Art Collector and Swiss Skydiver). In the Gr.2 Pat Day Mile on the Derby undercard, he earned a graded stake win while finishing the mile in 1:34:41. Rushie’s career earnings were nearly $700,000.

“Sires from the Unbridled’s Song line have been an integral part of Louisiana breeding success for the last 20 years and Rushie is the perfect candidate to continue that legacy,” said Dex Comardelle of Blue Star Racing.  “His size, speed, and durability are a great match for the speedy sprint-type mares that make up the majority of our southwest mare population.”

Rushie’s sire, Liam’s Map (Unbridled’s Song / Miss Macy Sue, by Trippi) is a two-time Gr.1 winner of more than $1.3 million. The Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile winner had six wins and two 2nds from eight starts with a total of six triple-digit Beyer Speed Figures – topping his career with 114 Beyers in his Gr.1 Woodward and Gr.1 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile victories.  He is a leading fourth-crop sire and has accumulated four Gr.1 winners from first four crops and more than $19 million in progeny earnings. In 2022, his yearling colts averaged nearly $200,000 at auction.

Rushie’s 1st dam, Conquest Angel (Colonel John / More Oats Please, by Smart Strike) was a $300,000 OBS April two-year-old in training purchase. She is by multiple Gr.1 winner millionaire Colonel John (Tiznow / Sweet Damsel, by Turkoman). His 2nd dam, More Oats Please, has produced three winners from five starters, including Peace and War – a Gr.1 winner that started as a $300,000 yearling, went on to become a $1.5 million Fasig-Tipton mixed sale purchase, and then was sold for $1.45 million at the Keenland Breeding Stock sale.

For more information on about Rushie and Breaking Lucky and Blue Star Racing, call Dex Comardelle at 985-791-6546 or email: bluestarracingla@gmail.com.  Blue Star Racing is located 1627 Renaud Drive, Scott, Louisiana 70583

 

Louisiana Champions Preview Weekend Features Six New Stakes, Sets Stage for Brittlyn Stable’s Encore

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The victory march begins for Jose Camejo-driven Brittlyn Stable, sending out four of stallion Star Guitar’s finest

New Orleans, LA (November 17, 2022)—The history of 151 years of horse racing at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots can be read in the stakes names, from the Colonel Power to the Rachel Alexandra (G2), the Allen Lacombe to the Buddy Diliberto. That tradition continues with the addition of six new opening weekend restricted stakes, serving as the perfect springboard for Louisiana Champions Day on Dec 10.

Brittlyn Stable seems poised to replicate last year’s record-breaking number of 22 winners, all of whom were sired by Star Guitar, but this time Evelyn Benoit and Jose Camejo will look to kick off the meet in the same fashion they ended 2021 – 2022. On closing day, Brittlyn Stable sent out sire Star Guitar’s top three runners. Behemah Star won The Star Guitar, named after his legendary sire. Ova Charged won The Page Cortez. Spirited Beauty ran a gusty third in The Shantel Lanerie.

Opening day will see Ova Charged and Spirited Beauty face off in the $75,000 Happy Ticket. Behemah Star is entered in the $75,000 Scott’s Scoundrel. Star Guitar’s newest hit, Pursuit l’Harmonie will debut in the $75,000 Donovan L. Ferguson for 2-year-old fillies.

 

 

Friday’s spotlight will be on Louisiana-bred fillies and mares

A 6 furlong sprint for 3-year-olds and up will be run in Happy Ticket’s honor. The presence of Brittlyn Stable’s Ova Charged didn’t scare away eight others from entering, including stablemate Spirited Beauty. After winning The 2021 Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Sprint in an unforgettable battle against Cilla, Ova Charged has raced only once more, winning the Page Cortez by seven lengths over two others entered here, Snowball and Fame Feather. She has the talent to be the next graded stakes winning La-bred, durability is the only question. Installed as the 3-5 favorite by morning-line oddsmaker and Fair Grounds’ clocker Mike Diliberto, Ova Charged will be guided from post four by Jose Rodriguez.

The Happy Ticket Stakes is Race eight on the opening day card. Post time is scheduled for 6:36 p.m. (all times CT). Follow this link for a list of the entire field: https://www.equibase.com/static/entry/FG111822USA-EQB.html#RACE8

A field of eight 3-year-olds will inaugurate the 1 mile 70 yards race across the main track in Big World’s honor. Allied Racing Stable’s Winning Romance is the deserving 2-1 morning line favorite. Winner of the $75,000 Shantel Lanerie in the spring, Calhoun has kept her fresh and in form. She defeated stablemate She’s Gone D’Wild in the Evangeline Distaff, and finished second to graded-stakes-aspiring Free Like a Girl on Oct 7 in the Magnolia at Delta Downs. Deshawn Parker keeps the mount and will likely be pressing or taking the early lead breaking from gate five.

It’s hard to argue with Keith Plaisance’s Cheapskate Diva’s 2022 form. After breaking her maiden against $20,000 claimers on May 14 across the Evangeline Downs turf course, trainer Joseph Felks moved her through two allowance conditions and then threw her in the deep end, facing the likes of Fort Polk, Net a Bear, and A G’s Charlotte in the Louisiana Cup Distaff at Louisiana Downs. She won. That was in August and she is fresh and firing bullets coming into this one. Colby Hernandez will leg up for the first time and he will likely send to the front from post eight.

Fort Polk, the patient stalker from Pat Mouton’s barn, has drawn the rail (Emmanuel Nieves, 7-2 ML).

The Big World Stakes is Race four on the opening day card. Post time is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Follow this link for a list of the entire field: https://www.equibase.com/static/entry/FG111822USA-EQB.html#RACE4

Named for Fair Grounds’ beloved, longtime mutuels manager, the $75,000 Donovan L. Ferguson Memorial offers a chance for La-bred 2-year-old fillies to shine over 5 1/2 furlongs of dirt.

In June, Mansfield Racing’s Free Drop Maddy debuted at Churchill Downs and was bet to favoritism. She ran well but finished second, then came back against stakes company at Lone Star and again the betting public fancied her chances, and they were correct. It’s been two third-place finishes since then for the $200,000 yearling purchase trained by Calhoun, including finishing three lengths shy of Janet Is Ready at Delta Downs on October 14 in the Louisiana Jewel. That duo will renew acquaintances here. Rey Guitierrez will try to return her to the winner’s circle, breaking from post seven (5-2 ML).

The ownership team of Jerry Caroom, Carl Deville, Gerald Bruno Jr, and Our Blue Streaks Stable have to be feeling on top of the world about their $5,500 purchase, Janet Is Ready. With three stakes wins under her belt, including a score against open company in the Prairie Gold Lassie at Prairie Meadows in July, she is a tough-trip across a muddy track away from stakes perfection. Tabbed as the favorite when she debuted at Churchill Downs in May, she is a half sibling to two other fine La-breds, Janets Jay Jay and Prizeless. Chasey Pomier trains, and Devon Magnon comes in from Delta to ride.  Pegged as the 9-5 favorite on the morning line, Janet Is Ready drew gate three.

Slated as Race six, post time for the Ferguson is scheduled for 5:32 p.m. Follow this link for a list of the entire field:https://www.equibase.com/static/entry/FG111822USA-EQB.html#RACE6

On Saturday, Nov 19 the focus shifts to Louisiana-bred colts

Brittlyn Stable’s Behemah Star will return to the main track in the $75,000 Scott’s Scoundrel for 3-year-olds and up to be run over 1 mile 70 yards. Having not won since closing day, it’s not surprising to see him at 6-1 on the morning line (Jose Rodriguez, post 2). Allied Racing Stables’ Who Took the Money is the deserving 7-5 favorite.

Finishing third to Behemah Star in the Star Guitar Stakes after a brutal start, Who Took the Money won his next two, most recently earning a career-top speed figure in the Gold Cup Stakes at Delta. Deshawn Parker times this Calhoun-trainee’s late move perfectly, and he will have plenty of pace to close into with stablemate Highland Creek in the field (uncoupled Allied Racing entry). He doesn’t need the lead but he will definitely be pressuring the front runners: Kendel D Standlee’s Big Chopper (jockey Jareth Loveberry, trainer Scott Geldner, 15-1 ML, post 8), ​​Norman C Miller IV’s Maga Man (Joe Stokes, Norman Miller III, 12-1, post 7) , and Gerard Perron’s Grand Luwegee (Colby Hernandez, Gerard Perron, 6-1 ML, post 5).

The Scott’s Scoundrel Stakes is Race seven on Saturday’s card. Post time is scheduled for 4:15 p.m. Follow this link for a list of the entire field: https://www.equibase.com/static/entry/FG111922USA-EQB.html#RACE7

No other horse would be more fitting a winner of the inaugural 6-furlong $75,000 Monte Man Stakes for 3-year-olds and up than Allen Cassedy’s Bertie’s Galaxy. The Ron Faucheaux–trained stablemates ran first and second in last year’s Louisiana Champions Day Sprint, Monte’s Man final race.

Bertie’s Galaxy is a 11-time winning speed demon who always runs his race, having finished in the exacta 19 out of his 25 tries. The 5-2 pre-betting favorite will look to get the jump on a field full of early speed from post 2 with Jareth Loveberry up.

The Monte Man is Race eight on the opening day card. Post time is scheduled for 4:45 p.m. Follow this link for a list of the entire field: https://www.equibase.com/static/entry/FG111922USA-EQB.html#RACE8

Louisiana-bred 2-year-old colts will look to strut their stuff in the 5 1/2 furlong $75,000 Joseph R.Peluso Stakes. The Coteau Grove-bred Kevin Stedman-owned Late September exits a mid-October win in the Louisiana Legacy Stakes at Delta Downs. Before that, he ran in the Group 2 Coventry at Royal Ascot. In Camejo’s hands, he broke his maiden in May at Churchill Downs. This world-traveler will be piloted by jockey Jose Rodriguez. 5-2 on the morning line, he’ll break from the far outside in post 8.

Morning-line oddsmaker Mike Diliberto tabbed Ivery Sisters Racing’s Not On Herb as his 7-2 main threat. This son of First Samurai impressed his trainer Ron Faucheux by surviving a taxing duel to win on debut in October at Delta Downs.

Slated as Race 5, post time for the Peluso is scheduled for 3:15 p.m. Follow this link for a list of the entire field:https://www.equibase.com/static/entry/FG111922USA-EQB.html#RACE

Twin Colts Remain a Blessing for Coteau Grove

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Weanling sons of Gift Box growing gracefully at their birthplace in Cajun Country.

 

Earlier this year, Louisiana-based Coteau Grove Farms received a most unexpected surprise when their mare Villa d’Este gave birth to healthy twin colts.

Before the mare foaled out, the farm had wondered why she was so large, not knowing she was carrying an additional foal. To their amazement, both foals were no worse for the wear and now, more than seven months later, the sons of Gift Box   have started to grow into their skin.

Jacob Cyprian, broodmare manager at the Sunset, La., operation, witnessed the birth and has been with the colts for every step of their journey. He said they are somewhat of resident celebrities at the farm.

 

Read BloodHorse Article

Fair Grounds Opens Friday for 80-day Stakes-Laden Meet

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Purses up, takeout down as famed connections return with Kentucky Derby dreams

New Orleans, LA (November 14, 2022)—The nation’s third oldest racetrack, Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots is set to open for the 151st meet on Friday, Nov 18. Two racing days kick things off and post time will be 3 p.m. (all times Central) on Friday and 1:15 p.m. on Saturday. Opening weekend of the 80-day Thoroughbred meet includes the inaugural running of six stakes written for Louisiana-breds, serving as preps for Louisiana Champions Day on Dec 10.

The meet will feature 65 stakes worth a combined $8.5 million, up more than $700,000 from last season. Working with the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association and Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, Fair Grounds’ racing office created 12 new stakes peppered throughout the schedule, making it the richest program ever offered in Louisiana.

Christmas comes early for horseplayers as Fair Grounds has announced takeout will be lowered to 15% for the Pick 5. Also, a non-jackpot $1 Pick 6, also with a low 15% take,  has been added to the wagering menu. Everyone will get to see the payouts light up the new toteboard in the infield.

The progression of the Road to Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve prep races continues to attract top connections. Beginning with the $100,000 Gun Runner (Dec 26) for 2-year-olds going 1 1/16 miles, the Grade 3 $200,000 Lecomte (Jan 21) stays at that same distance, then the Grade 2 $400,000 Risen Star (Feb 19) stretches out to 1 1/8 miles. It all culminates in the 1 3/16 miles Grade 2 $1,000,000 Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby (March 25).

Fair Grounds has become the sport’s destination for 3-year-olds on the Kentucky Derby trail. 3-year-olds running in these races have had phenomenal success in the “Run for the Roses.” Country House won in 2019, Mandaloun won in 2021, and Epicenter finished second in 2022 Further than that, the 2022 Kentucky Derby trifecta and four of the top six finishers of 2021 all traveled through Fair Grounds’ Derby preps.

Much of the excitement around the Derby prep races extends from the presence of perennial powerhouses Steve Asmussen and Brad Cox who will be back for 2022 – 2023. Dating back to 1994, Asmussen has won 1081 races at Fair Grounds, including last year’s Gun Runner, Risen Star, and Louisiana Derby with Epicenter, and the Fair Grounds Oaks with Echo Zulu. North America’s all-time leading trainer, Asmussen’s historic 10,000th career win will likely come during the meet.

Cox finished second in the 2021 – 2022 trainer standings but he earned the crown four years in a row starting in 2016. Last year’s string of 3-year-olds included Grade 2 $300,000 Rachel Alexandra-winner Turnerloose, as well as Kentucky Derby-runners Cyberknife, Tawny Port, and Zozos.

“We are very much looking forward to welcoming our horsemen back for our 151st season at this historic racetrack,” said Racing Secretary Scott Jones. “Fair Grounds has proven to be one of the premier winter racing destinations. Once again last year, the quality of horses who stabled or came through New Orleans made a huge impact in premier races all over the country.”

Titan trainers Tom Amoss, Al Stall Jr., Bret Calhoun, Dallas Stewart, Greg Foley, and Michael Stidham all return with packed barns of stakes-caliber Thoroughbreds.

A new addition to the backside is Ken McPeek. McPeek shipped in Smile Happy and Rattle N Roll to last year’s Derby preps. With a win in the Preakness and the Belmont under his belt, he is still on the hunt for his first Kentucky Derby winner.

Beyond Kenneth McPeek, new barns include 2022 Derby-runner Barber Road’s trainer John Ortiz, Brian Williamson and Mike Tomlinson. Robertino Diodoro will have a larger presence than last year, as will Norm Casse, and Chris Davis returns following a year in Florida.

“The owners, the trainers, the jockey colony, the backside workers–there’s something special about Fair Grounds that extends from the heritage of horse racing in Louisiana,” said Racing Director Jason Boulet. “With the new tote board, the increased purses, the high profile connections and the best of the esteemed Louisiana-bred program, we are thrilled for what’s in store for our 151st year.”

Week two of racing picks back up on Thanksgiving, a well-celebrated New Orleans tradition,  with a noon starting time on a card that features the 98th running of the Thanksgiving Classic, last year won by Just Might, the winning-most stakes horse in North America in 2021. His trainer Michelle Lovell will be back after winning 9 races at a 21% clip last season.

Coming off back-to-back trainer and jockey titles, all connections will be targeting Ron Faucheux and James Graham. Faucheux consistently excels at Fair Grounds, and sitting at 283 local wins, the barn will assuredly surpass 300 this meet. No active jockey comes close to James Graham’s career 1283 wins at Fair Grounds, but there are three new yet familiar additions to this year’s colony who have had their lion’s share of success.

Famed pilot of Gun Runner, Monomoy Girl, The Pizza Man, and 2021 Derby-winner Mandaloun, Florent Geroux returns to Fair Grounds seeking his next world-traveling, grade-one winning mount. With two riding titles and a 22% career win rate at Fair Grounds, Geroux will be back looking to pick up where he left off in 2020 – 2021.

Hailing from the Lafayette area, Fair Grounds welcomes home Louisiana-natives Corey Lanerie and Jamie Theriot. With 5 top 5 finishes in the jockey standings, Lanerie will get live mounts. Winner of the 2007 – 2008 jockey title but absent from racing since 2018, Theriot will be donned “The Comeback Kid” as he battles to earn a seat aboard his next Breeders’ Cup winner, having ridden two for Bret Calhoun in 2010.

Other newcomers to the colony include David Cohen who rode last winter at Oaklawn Park. Coming off a successful year riding in Kentucky where he got first call on a lot of Tom Amoss horses, Edgar Morales moves his tack back south, where he rode three meets between 2017 – 2020.

Ready and waiting will be Rey Gutierrez and Jareth Loveberry who both finished in the top 10 their first season at Fair Grounds. In May career win 6,000 came for Deshawn Parker, and he’ll be back for his second local meet after riding 40 to the finish line first last year. The 2018 – 2019 title-winner Adam Beschizza, brothers Brain Hernandez Jr. and Colby Hernandez, and “Mighty” Mitchell Murrill will each vie for a spot in the top 10 of an accomplished jockey colony.

Evelyn Benoit’s ​​Brittlyn Stable ran away with the 2021 – 2022 owner’s title with every one of her 22 winners being sired by Star Guitar, the all-time leading money earner among Louisiana-breds. The trainer behind those wins, Jose Camejo, returns with many of the same formful LA-breds.

When not playing the races live at Fair Grounds, fans can enjoy the spoils of one of our 15 statewide Off Track Betting facilities, or play the races through mobile devices at Twin Spires. The official wagering service of the Kentucky Derby will also entice fans with ongoing promotional offers to potentially help pad their wagering accounts. Don’t forget to opt in!

Fair Grounds will also team with Horse Racing Nation to provide unique horseplayer content and in depth coverage. Both the Louisiana and Muniz Stakes are presented by Horse Racing Nation.

The 80-day, 2022-2023 Fair Grounds racing season runs through Sunday, March 26. Regular post time will be 1:15 p.m., but there will be an earlier noon first post on Thanksgiving Day (Nov 24), Louisiana Champions Day (Dec 10), Road to the Derby Kickoff Day (Dec 26), Road to the Derby Day presented by Hotel Monteleone (Jan 21), Louisiana Derby Preview Day presented by Lamarque Ford-Lincoln (Feb 18), and Louisiana Derby Day (March 25). A complete list of the racing days and stakes schedule can be found here: https://www.fairgroundsracecourse.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/FGNO-42861_22-23-ThoroughbredRacingSched.PocketGuide-8.5×11-WEB_V4-HR.pdf.

 

TENSAS CANDY HOLDS OFF STELLAR LADY TO WIN THE $100,000 MY TRUSTY CAT AT DELTA DOWNS

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JORGE LARA TRAINEE SCORES HER FIRST STAKES WITH ALEXANDER CASTILLO UP

 

Tensas Candy wins against open company in the My Trusty Cat Stakes at Delta Downs. Coady Photography.

 

VINTON, LA. – The rains came down hard during this year’s running of the $100,000 My Trusty Cat Stakes at Delta Downs on Friday night. But the weather did not slow down Terrell Jarrett, Jr.’s filly Tensas Candy, who used a perfect trip under jockey Alexander Castillo to snare the first stakes win of her career. The Jorge Lara trainee ran second in the Louisiana Jewel Stakes at Delta Downs on October 14.

The My Trusty Cat is a one-mile race for 2-year-old fillies competing at one mile and the early pace this year was set by Taylors Tap, who showed the way while clicking off the opening quarter mile in 23.97 seconds while running on a muddy track. Tensas Candy was content to lay off the pace in midpack while the heavy favorite Stellar Lady was last in a field five during the early going.

As Taylors Tap swung into the second turn she was confronted by Tensas Candy after going a half-mile in 48.59 and three-quarters in 1:14.20. The challenge was short lived as Tensas Candy grabbed the lead at the head of the lane before a threat came from Stellar Lady, who was gaining momentum quickly while closing ground to the inside of the eventual winner. The pair hit the finish line together in a photo finish, but it was Tensas Candy who got the decision by a half-length. It was another half-length back to Taylors Tap, who held on to third.

The final time for Tensas Candy in the My Trusty Cat was 1:42.26.

Tensas Candy has now won two of four career starts. She earned $60,000 for her win on Friday and now owns a bankroll of $93,800.

Bred in Louisiana by Curt Leake, Tensas Candy is a 2-year-old filly by Twirling Candy, out of the Into Mischief mare Mischievous Belle. She was purchased earlier this year at sale in Texas for $29,000.

Sent to the gate at odds of 5-1, Tensas Candy returned $12.20 to win, $3.40 to place and $2.20 to show. Stellar Lady paid $2.10 to place and $2.10 to show. Taylors Tap was worth $2.40 to show.

Delta Downs will close out the race week on Saturday with another nine-race program that starts at 4:55 pm. The featured race will be the $100,000 Jean Lafitte Stakes for 2-year-olds going one mile.

For more information about the current season, visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com. Fans can also get information on Facebook and Twitter.

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.

Louisiana Champions Day Nomination Deadline, Saturday, November 26

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Louisiana Champions Day Nomination Deadline, Saturday, November 26

 

Louisiana Champions Day is a month away. Be sure to get your nominations in by the deadline of Saturday, November 26th. Fair Grounds is in charge of all nominations. Please contact the racing office 504-948-1111 for nominations as well as any questions regarding Louisiana Champions Day.

 

Fair Grounds is opening their 151st season next Friday November 18th , and will be introducing six new stakes for Accredited Louisiana Breds that weekend. Please note there are several changes to the first condition book due to management of the turf course.

See attached

Fair Grounds Racetrack and Slots Makes Changes to Condition Book 1

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The management of Fair Grounds Racetrack and Slots has discovered that there are some problems with the turf course. As a precaution, adjustments have been made to Condition Book 1 in order to resolve the issues. The majority of the turf races moving to the dirt track.  Among the races being moved to the dirt track is the  Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Turf on December 10th. The stakes for Accredited Louisiana Bred three-year-old and upward fillies and mares, was originally to be run at 1 1/16 miles on the turf. The Louisiana Champions Day Turf for Accredited Louisiana Bred three-year-olds and upwards will remain on the turf course.

For Fair Grounds Condition Book 1 Changes, Click Here

Obituary: Alta Vascocu Franks

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Alta Vascocu Franks, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend went to be with her Lord and Savior Friday, October 28, 2022 at the age of 90.

Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Alta graduated from Fair Park High School and attended Northwestern State University. As a teenager and very young adult, Alta was well known as a softball pitcher for her church league through Ingleside Baptist Church.

Later, she worked for Mid States Oil where she met the love of her life, John Franks. Alta and John married August 17, 1952 and remained devoted to one another until John’s death on December 31, 2003. Both Alta and John were faithful members of Trinity Heights Baptist Church for over 40 years.

Alta was preceded in death by her loving husband of 51 years, John Franks; mother and father, Mary Camille and Gordon Lee Vascocu; and sisters, Evelyn Losey and Melva Langford. Alta leaves to cherish her memory her only child, Karen Franks Recchia and husband, David; granddaughter, Lauren Mason Nunnery and husband, Neil; grandson, John Franks Mason and wife, Stephanie; step granddaughter, Amanda Recchia Oswalt; great-grandchildren, Faith Ingles, Logan Ingles, Jude Mason, and Maddie Oswalt; sister, Mary V. Caskey; and several special nieces and nephews. Alta also leaves to cherish her memory special friends, Bobby and Jane Jelks, Lonzo and Susan Lanier, Shirley and Norman Graham, Betty and John Fryar, Betty and Russell King, Brenda McDonough, and Betty Faye Womack.

The family would like to express their love and thankfulness to those who have blessed them with their love and care for Alta. Special thanks go to Dr. Dan Moller, beloved physician and friend for 40 years, Dr. Mandy Crow for her care and compassion to Alta these last few years of her life, faithful and loving sitter and longtime companion, Ella Feaster, and sitters, Kissy Day, Donna Kennon, and BJ Davis. The family also wishes to give special thanks to Wade Gipson, Betty Smith, Bruce Hunter, and Janelle Ward for their dedication to our mom and grandmother.

A Memorial Service honoring the life of Alta will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 4, 2022 at Trinity Heights Baptist Church, 3820 Old Mooringsport Road, Shreveport, Louisiana. Officiating will be Dr. Scott Teutsch, Reverend Billy Crosby, and Reverend Dan Lay.

A visitation for Alta will be held on Thursday, November 3, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport, Louisiana. A private graveside service will be held prior to the memorial service.

Honoring Alta as pallbearers will be David Recchia, Neil Nunnery, John Mason, Logan Ingles, Bobby Jelks, Roger Johnson, and Lonzo Lanier.

The family suggests memorials may be made to Trinity Heights Baptist Church, 3820 Old Mooringsport Road, Shreveport, LA 71107 or the charity of your choice.

Alta will always be remembered for her deep love for her family, her friends, and especially her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” -Jeremiah 29: 11

November 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,  and Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association. Click images to link to more information

Nov 1

  • All Saints Day

Nov 4

  • Treasure Chest S., Delta Downs, Vinton, Louisiana

Nov 5

  • Delta Mile S., Delta Downs, Vinton, Louisiana

Nov 6

  • Daylight Savings Time Ends

Nov 8

  • Election Day

Nov 11

  • Veterans Day
  • My Trusty Cat S., Delta Downs, Vinton, Louisiana

Nov 12

  • Jean Lafitte S., Delta Downs, Vinton, Louisiana

Nov 14
·       Fair Grounds, final day to enter papers for zero date

Nov 18

  • Fair Grounds 151st Season Opens
  • Happy Ticket S., Fair Grounds, New Orleans
  • Big World S., Fair Grounds, New Orleans
  • Donovan L. Ferguson S., Fair Grounds, New Orleans

Nov 19

  • Monte Man S., Fair Grounds, New Orleans
  • Scott’s Scoundrel S., Fair Grounds, New Orleans
  • Joseph R. Peluso Mem. S., Fair Grounds, New Orleans

Nov 24

  • Thanksgiving
  • Thanksgiving Classic, Fair Grounds, New Orleans

Nov 26

  • Final Louisiana Champions Day Nominations Deadline

Nov 30

  • Louisiana Futurity Nomination Forms to mail from LTBA office
  • Stallion Registration Forms (covered in ‘22 for foals of ‘23) to mail from LTBA office

Would you like to sponsor a newsletter? Reach @ 2,500 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.comfor consideration.

 

Any questions or need more info call

Roger A. Heitzmann III, Secretary/Treasurer

Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association

504-947-4676