Category: Backside Benevolent Fund at Louisiana Downs

LOUISIANA DOWNS PAYS TRIBUTE TO TRAINER STEVE ASMUSSEN AFTER HE SURPASSED DALE BAIRD’S RECORD OF 9,445 WINS ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 7

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Nominations Closed for Louisiana Cup Day on August 21

 

Bossier City, LA – The Thoroughbred racing community was united in watching the progression of trainer Steve Asmussen as he inched closer to breaking the record of 9,445 wins set by Dale Baird. When the Hall of Famer accomplished that significant milestone on August 7 at Saratoga with Stellar Tap, he had a legion of supporters rooting him on at Louisiana Downs.

 

Asmussen continues to fill the entry boxes at racetracks all over the country and has been a longtime supporter of the Bossier City racetrack. He won two editions of the Super Derby (G3) with Michael Lankford’s Limation at odds of 26-1 in 2018 and Rotation the following year for Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC.  Last September, Asmussen claimed both leading trainer and owner of the meet titles for the 2020 Thoroughbred season at Louisiana Downs.  He is currently fifth in the standings with his runners finishing in the money at a 46% clip.

“We have kept a large string at Louisiana Downs for several years,” said Asmussen by phone on Sunday. “They have excellent track surfaces, which help all of our horses as they train and  progress in their racing careers.”

Asmussen also gave credit to longtime assistant Mitch Dennison, who oversees the Louisiana string and jockey Joel Dominguez, who has been his first-call rider here in 2020 and 2021.

“Mitch and Joel are two great examples of why we were able to celebrate in setting the record,” he added. “Each of the 9,446 wins were achieved by the effort of each of our employees and the passion they share for racing. I am so blessed to be in this position and share it with every member of our team.”

When the Evangeline Training Center closed three years ago, it was Louisiana Downs that stepped up with an opportunity to stable and train in Shreveport.

“Louisiana Downs has been our hub for this region for three years,” said Dennison. “Steve believes in having each horse being productive at their class level. So, in addition to our success here this meet, we are able to train and ship horses where they fit.”

Dennison shared that his boss sent a heartfelt text thanking his assistants for their hardwork and how much he appreciated their role in the record-setting milestone.

“The significance of this accomplishment is amazing,” added Dennison. “Steve has been an incredible mentor to so many of us as well as a good human being and family man. He continues to instill that have the same care and expectations to the claiming horses as the graded stakes runners. His attention to detail is unsurpassed.”

“On behalf of the entire team at Louisiana Downs, we congratulate Steve for this incredible achievement,” said David Heitzmann, Director of Racing. “We appreciate his continued support of our racetrack and the standard he continues to set in our industry.”

Nominations Closed for Louisiana Cup Day on Saturday, August 21

Quality Louisiana-bred horses will take center stage on Saturday, August 21 when Louisiana Downs presents Louisiana Cup Day.  Post time will be 2:45 pm (CT) for the annual event that will include six $50,000 main track and turf stakes.

 

Nominations are closed with strong interest from trainers including Joey Foster, Shane Wilson, Ron Faucheaux, Allen Landry, Victor Arceneaux as well as Steve Asmussen.  The draw for Cup Day will take place on Saturday, August 14.

 

Much more to come on the stakes as well as special events for Louisiana Cup Day.  The six Louisiana Cup Day Stakes are as follows:

                                   

$50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile                    2 YO LA-Bred                        Six furlongs

$50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies          2 YO Fillies LA-Bred             Six furlongs

$50,000 Louisiana Cup Filly & Mare Sprint  3 YO & Up F&M, LA-Bred  Six furlongs

$50,000 Louisiana Cup Sprint                        3 YO & Up LA-Bred              Six furlongs

$50,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic              3 YO & Up LA-Bred              1 1/16 miles (T)

$50,000 Louisiana Distaff                              3 YO & Up F & M LA-Bred  1 1/16 miles (T)

 

 

Registration Still Open for the Annual Charity Golf Tournament

Louisiana Downs will host its annual Charity Golf Tournament at Northwood HillsGolf Club in Shreveport, Louisiana on Wednesday September 1.The event will benefit The Winner’s Circle Church and Chaplain Jimmy Sistrunk for his many programs to assist the Louisiana Downs racing community and backstretch workers.

 

Sign in for the event’s Four Person Scramble kicks off at 10:00 a.m. with tee off at 10:30 a.m.  The fee is $80 per person or $320 for a four-person team.  The fee includes green fees, golf cart, lunch, and Super Derby t-shirt/cap. Trophies will be presented to the first, second and third-place teams.

 

The deadline to enter is Wednesday, August 25th. Attendees can register in person in the Louisiana Downs Racing office, or by mail. Checks should be payable to The Backside Benevolence Fund and mailed to:  Jennifer Sokol, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, 8000 East Texas Street, Bossier City, Louisiana, 71111.  For further information, please contact Jennifer Sokol at (318) 741-2512 or (318) 573-5830.

 

 

Louisiana Downs Live Racing Schedule

Live racing takes place Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday until the conclusion of the live season on Tuesday, September 21. For more information on the 84-day racing season and special events, visit https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-louisiana-downs/racing.

 

September 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 Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association, Whispering Oaks Farm,  and  Equine Sales Company. Click images to link to more information

September 4

  • Equine Sales Open Yearling and Mixed Sale Consignment Deadline

September 5

  • Kentucky Derby

September 7

  • Labor Day

September 10 and 11

  • Backside Benevolent Fund at Louisiana Downs, Chaplains Awards Banquet. To be held on consecutive nights at the church on Louisiana Downs Backside. Dinner 7:00.  Tickets $40 each. Limited to 100 guests each night. Contact Loretta Romero for tickets or more information. 318-470-2002

September 19

  • Louisiana Cup Day.  Louisiana Downs, Bossier City. 1st Post 3:15 p.m. Six stakes races for Accredited Louisiana Bred Thoroughbreds worth total purses of $240,000

September 23

  • Louisiana Downs, final day of 2020 Thoroughbred Meet

September 26

  • National Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Assoc. (TOBA) Awards Virtual ceremony hosted by Gabby Gaudet at Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa
    Brittlyn, Inc. to be honored as the recipients of the 2019 TOBA Award for the State of Louisiana.

September 30

  • 2020-21 LTBA Regular Membership Applications and Renewals Due.  $75 before Sept. 30/$85 after Sept 30.

October 1

  • Louisiana Champions Day Early Bird Nominations are due

 

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

BRITISH JOCKEY JACK GILLIGAN ENJOYING SUCCESS AT HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS

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Bossier City, LA – What’s the story behind the newest addition to the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs jockey colony?  Jack Gilligan has been one to watch since the meet began last month and his ear-to-ear grin in the winner’s circle is just a small part of his allure!

Through the first six weeks of the meet, the 23-year-old jockey has ridden 77 horses, with 21 wins, 14 seconds and 10 thirds. He’s currently tied with Joel Dominguez, who has been one of the top riders in Shreveport for the past four years.

Born in Newmarket, England, Gilligan’s father, Patrick, is a Thoroughbred trainer and it was not long before his son found a calling with horses.

“I was riding a pony from five on,” said Gilligan. “When I turned 13, I began exercising horses before and after school and on weekends.”

Gilligan was enrolled in the British Racing School at 14 years-old. He explained that he received one day off from high school each week to attend classes at the esteemed program for aspiring riders.

“We were taught every aspect of racing and caring for horses,” he explained. “It was a great foundation.”

He graduated in May, 2013 and two weeks later, at the age of 16, rode in his first race.

Interestingly, his father was born in New York, so with dual citizenship, Gilligan set his sights on a riding career in the United States. Just before he turned 18, he arrived in Lexington, Kentucky and began riding as an apprentice at Turfway Park. He was the third leading rider at Ellis Park and made the move to Louisiana for the 2017-2018 Fair Grounds meet. One of the horsemen who gave him some very good mounts was Bret Calhoun who entrusted him to ride Silver Dust. The victory for the son of Tapit, owned by Tom Durant in the 2019 Mineshaft at Fair Grounds was his first graded stakes.

His momentum was derailed on January 25 of this year when he was involved in a nasty spill at Fair Grounds, suffering at broken collarbone and seven facial fractures.

“I was out until the last week of the Fair Grounds meet,” said Gilligan. “I knew it would be hard for me to get mounts in Kentucky, so I stayed in Louisiana.”

His agent in Kentucky was Liz Morris, but in Louisiana, Gilligan is represented by veteran Richie Price. They were aiming for Lone Star Park, but the uncertainty of when their season would begin prompted Price to consider shifting to Harrah’s Louisiana Downs. The enticement of riding for leading trainer Karl Broberg was icing on the cake.

“He’s a nice kid and is making the most of this meet,” stated Price, who is also handling mounts for apprentice Kody Kellenberger. “Jack is gaining a lot of confidence here.”

Broberg who has been the North American trainer in wins since 2014, is enjoying his association with the young jockey.

“I heard he was contemplating options and I needed a rider,” said Broberg. “I’m very pleased with Jack; he puts his horses in the right position, and we are winning races.”

Personality-wise, you would be hard-pressed to find two more different personality types than the irascible Broberg and the optimistic and upbeat Gilligan.

“He’s hilarious,” acknowledged Gilligan when asked about Broberg. “No filter whatsoever and tells it like it is. But he is fully invested in our industry and I am lucky to work with his assistant, Kevin Martin here at Louisiana Downs. He does a great job!

Gilligan loves the history, culture and food in Louisiana and recently bought a place in New Orleans. Now, riding afternoons with heat indexes in the 100’s is another story!

“The first weekend (in June) I thought I was going to die,” he said. “I got some relief by dunking my head in the ice bucket even though all the jocks were laughing at me.”

But he takes it all in stride because the camaraderie in the jocks room is very special.

“I was a little worried about fitting in, but everyone has been very friendly,” said Gilligan. “I love the atmosphere in the room and got command of the Cajun accent when I was in the same part of the Churchill Downs jocks room with Calvin Borel.  At first I didn’t understand half the words, but I’ve got them down now!”

 

Charity Golf Tournament Set for Thursday, August 20

Harrah’s Louisiana Downs will host a Charity Golf Tournament at Northwood Hills Golf Club in Shreveport, Louisiana on Thursday, August 20.

The event will benefit Chaplain Jimmy Sistrunk and The Backside Benevolence Fund, which provides valuable assistance to the Louisiana racing community and backstretch workers.

The sign in for the event’s Four Person Scramble kicks off at 10:00 a.m. with tee off at 10:30 a.m.  The fee is $80 per person or $320 for a four-person team.  The fee includes green fees, golf cart, lunch, and t-shirt/cap.

Attendees can register in person in the Louisiana Downs Racing office, or by mail. Checks should be payable to The Backside Benevolence Fund and mailed to: Jennifer Sokol, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, 8000 East Texas Street, Bossier City, Louisiana, 71111.

 The deadline for registration is August 13. For further information, please contact Jennifer Sokol at (318) 741-2512.

 

 

Daily Racing Promotions and Daily Offers

Harrah’s Louisiana Downs welcomes patrons four days a week for live racing and daily simulcast wagering on racetracks across the country. Promotions and food and beverage specials include:

Monday Funday | Fill your cup for a buck at the Paddock Bar.

2X Tuesdays | Present your Caesars Rewards card when making a wager and receive a 2X racing reward credit multiplier each Tuesday.

Watch & Wager Wednesdays | Enjoy food, beverage and racing specials for $1.00 each!

Super Saturday| Enjoy a box seat for 4 with food and drinks for only $16. Present your Caesars Rewards card when making a wager and receive up to a 7X Racing Reward Credit Multiplier.  

 

Post Times and Racing Dates

The 2020 Thoroughbred racing season at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs got underway on Saturday, June 6. The 64-day meet will run Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday through September 23. Post time is 3:05 pm (Central).

 

 

About Harrah’s Louisiana Downs

Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and was purchased by Caesars Entertainment in December, 2002. With annual Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing seasons, the track is committed to presenting the highest quality racing programs paired with its 150,000 square foot entertainment complex offering casino gambling, dining and plasma screen televisions for sports and simulcast racing.

SUCCESSFUL RETURN TO HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS FOR TRAINER SHANE WILSON

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Bossier City, LA – When the 2020 Thoroughbred racing season got underway on June 6 at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, there were several new horsemen stabled at the Shreveport racetrack. The most successful of the group has been trainer Shane Wilson.

It is the first time in eight years that the Haughton, Louisiana native has shifted his base to Shreveport.  There was no hesitation when he was asked about returning for the meet.

“We were all in limbo several months ago,” said Wilson describing the impact of COVID-19 on the resumption of racing in Louisiana. “However (Director of Racing) David Heitzmann was the first to step up with a plan. We knew the early May date was not possible, but David set June 6 as the opening date at Louisiana Downs and quickly got the condition book posted.”

From that point, Wilson set his training schedule and “was ready to roll”.

In addition to the support from Heitzmann and his racing office staff, Wilson gives high marks to track superintendent, Billy McKeever, who oversees both the dirt oval and the Franks Turf Course.

“The main track is amazing,” said Wilson. “We arrived with some sore horses and they are now sound. Billy does an outstanding job.”

So far, it has worked out well for Wilson and his main owner, Wayne T. Davis. They are in second-place in the trainer and owner standings, trailing Karl Broberg and End Zone Athletics, Inc.

Wilson, 49, worked summers at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, starting when he was 15. He mucked stalls and hot walked for trainer Jack Van Berg. His brief foray to college did not last as he realized that he wanted to pursue a career in racing.  He served as assistant to Sam David for seven years before going out on his own in 1998.

His top horse is the multiple-stakes winning Mocito Rojo a 6-year-old son of Mutadda. Wilson claimed the Kentucky-bred for owner Wayne T. Davis for $10,000 in a December 2016 maiden race at Delta Downs. The six-time stakes winner has amassed a record of 17 wins from 30 starts and earnings of $818,063. In 2019, Mocito Rojo won the Steve Sexton Mile Stakes (G3) at Lone Star Park and the Lukas Classic Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs. He returned to the Grand Prairie, Texas racetrack on Sunday, June 28, finishing fifth in the $75,000 Lone Star Mile.

“He never likes dirt in his face and came back covered by a half of an inch of sand,” said Wilson. “It would have been nice to win as it was my owner’s 91st birthday, but the horse cooled out fine and we made it back to Louisiana Downs late Sunday night.”

Davis, who resides in Plain Dealing, Louisiana, a small town in Bossier Parrish, is appreciative of the care Wilson gives each of his horses. His winners this meet at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs include Green Monster; Cap Roc Miner, Artic Peace, Lucky Dare and most recently, a five-length score by Luvmewhenimgone.

Another key member of the Wilson team is veteran jockey Filimon Rodriguez, who is a full-time employee. The 53-year-old has ridden on the Texas and Louisiana circuits for three decades. He gallops the 30 head of Wilson’s stabled at Louisiana Downs and rides the majority of the Wilson trainees in Shreveport.

Aside from his racing ties, Wilson has another notable connection to Harrah’s Louisiana Downs. He met his wife, Becky, the daughter of horseman Jim O’Brien, here. The couple has two sons. Peyton is 19 years-old and his brother, Connor, 16, have both been helping their dad this summer.

“It’s a tough business,” stated Wilson.  “You have to make some very difficult decisions. I started the same time as some very successful horsemen, including good friend, Bret Calhoun. To reach a really high level, you have to travel, and I chose to stay in Louisiana to be closer to my family.”

He will ship select horses to Evangeline Downs this summer but is more than content to be stabled at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs.

“They showed their commitment to the horsemen,” he said. “So, I am happy to run here and support their meet.”

 

 

Charity Golf Tournament Set for Thursday, August 20

Harrah’s Louisiana Downs will host a Charity Golf Tournament at Northwood Hills Golf Club in Shreveport, Louisiana on Thursday, August 20.

The event will benefit Chaplain Jimmy Sistrunk and The Backside Benevolence Fund, which provides valuable assistance to the Louisiana racing community and backstretch workers.

The sign in for the event’s Four Person Scramble kicks off at 10:00 a.m. with tee off at 10:30 a.m.  The fee is $80 per person or $320 for a four-person team.  The fee includes green fees, golf cart, lunch, and t-shirt/cap.

“I am always so humbled to see all the support that the Golf Tournament brings to our ministry,” said Sistrunk. “The people in our industry take care of each other and this fundraising event is a great deal of fun for everyone!”

It is also an event that brings a lot of joy to the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs employees, including Jennifer Sokol, racing operations manager.

“We had an amazing turnout last year,” said Sokol. “Chaplain Jimmy does so much for our racing community and our annual charity golf tournament is such an enjoyable way to raise funds. We thank our horsemen and local businesses for their support and look forward to another successful event this year!”

Attendees can register in person in the Louisiana Downs Racing office, or by mail. Checks should be payable to The Backside Benevolence Fund and mailed to: Jennifer Sokol, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, 8000 East Texas Street, Bossier City, Louisiana, 71111.

 The deadline for registration is August 13. For further information, please contact Jennifer Sokol at (318) 741-2512.

 

Louisiana Downs Trainer, Jockey and Owner Standings

Through June 29, Karl Broberg tops the trainer standings with 14 wins since the meet began on June 6.  Shane Wilson has saddled eight winners to move into second-place with Steve Asmussenthird with seven victories.  Patti Turner and Joe O. Duhon are tied for fourth-place with five winners each.

Jack Gilligan, who rides first-call for Broberg, has taken the lead over his fellow riders with 15 trips to the winner’s circle.  Joel Dominguez is also off to a solid start and follows closely with 14 wins. Jose Guerrero is third with 11 winners and last year’s leading jockey Carlos Lozada has ridden eight winners to date.

End Zone Athletics Inc. has moved into the lead in the owner standings with seven wins from 18 starts.  Wayne T. Davis is tied for second with Asmussen. Both have won five races this season.

 

 

Post Times and Racing Dates

The 2020 Thoroughbred racing season at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs got underway on Saturday, June 6. The 64-day meet will run Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday through September 23. Post time is 3:05 pm (Central).

 

About Harrah’s Louisiana Downs

Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and was purchased by Caesars Entertainment in December, 2002. With annual Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing seasons, the track is committed to presenting the highest quality racing programs paired with its 150,000 square foot entertainment complex offering casino gambling, dining and plasma screen televisions for sports and simulcast racing.

 

September Calendar of Events

louisianathoroughbred

 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, Whispering Oaks Farm, and Equine Sales Company. Click images to link to more information
September 2

  • Labor Day
  • Weiner Dog Races, Louisiana Downs

 

September 4

  • Fair Grounds Early 2019-20 Thoroughbred Stall Applications Due
  • Horses and Heroes Benefit, Blue Star Racing, Scott, LA 6-10 p.m.

September 5

September 7

  • Super Derby Day, Louisiana Downs, Bossier City
  • A.L. Red Erwin Stakes, Louisiana Downs, Bossier City
  • Elge Rasberry Stakes, Louisiana Downs, Bossier City
  • National Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Assoc. (TOBA) Awards Banquet;
    Bill and Al Ulwelling to be honored as the recipients of the 2018 TOBA Award for the State of Louisiana.

 

September 13

  • Backside Benevolent Fund at Louisiana Downs, Chaplains Awards Banquet. Horseshoe Casino. Cocktails 6-7. Dinner 7:00.  Tickets $40 each.  Reserved tables for 8 $320. Gold Tables $600. Contact Loretta Romero for tickets or more information. 318-470-2002

 

September 25

  • Louisiana Downs, final day of 2019 Thoroughbred Meet

 

September 30

  • 2019-20 LTBA Regular Membership Applications and Renewals Due.  $75 before Sept. 30/$85 after Sept 30.

 

October 1

  • Louisiana Champions Day Early Bird Nominations are due

Reminder: 2019-20 LTBA Regular Membership Applications and Renewals Due.
$75 before Sept. 30/$85 after Sept 30.

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
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Backside Benevolent Fund at LAD, Chaplains Awards Banquet Friday, August 31

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The Backside Benevolent Fund at Louisiana Downs is holding its Chaplains Awards Banquet, Friday, August 31 at the Horseshoe Casino. A cocktail hour will be held from 6-7 p.m. with dinner starting at 7:30.

Tickets for the event are $40 each. Reserved tables for eight are $320 and Gold Tables at $600. Contact Loretta Romero for tickets or more information. 318-746-6170. Tickets are going fast, so make arrangements now!