RACES SELECTED FOR THE CAESARS REWARDS HANDICAPPING CHALLENGE ON SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2019

Top Ten Finalists Will Share $35,000. Winner to Take $20,000 in the One of a Kind Contest

Bossier City, LA – The races are set for Saturday’s Caesars Rewards Handicapping Challenge.

The contest involves handicapping from four Caesars Entertainment horse racing properties – Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, Indiana Grand Racing & Casino, Harrah’s Hoosier Park, and Harrah’s Philadelphia in a unique one day contest format involving both Thoroughbred and Standardbred handicapping. Cash prizes will be distributed to the top ten finalists with the winner receiving an entry into the prestigious National Horseplayers Championship (NHC) in Las Vegas.

 

Entry into the Caesars Rewards Handicapping Challenge requires a $150 fee due upon check-in on the day of the challenge. Reservations are currently being accepted and the challenge will be capped at 400 entries. Players are encouraged to sign up quickly as the entries will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Contestants will be limited to two entries per person. The entry fee will include dining offerings at each location, race day simulcast programs and tip sheets. The selected races, with approximate post times, are:

 

Track                                                  Races                          Approximate Post Times (ET)

Harrah’s Louisiana Downs                 Races 2-6                                4:45 -6:45 pm

 

Harrah’s Philadelphia                         Races   8-12                             4:25 – 5:45 pm

 

Indiana Grand Racing and Casino      Races 1-5                                6:19 – 8:20 pm

 

Harrah’s Hoosier Park                        Races 2-6                                6:50 – 8:10 pm

 

The Caesars Rewards Handicapping Challenge – sponsored by John Deere and Cowpokes – will be hosted at the four Caesars Racing properties: Harrah’s Louisiana Downs in Bossier City, LA; Indiana Grand Racing and Casino in Shelbyville, IN; Harrah’s Hoosier Park in Anderson, IN; and Harrah’s Philadelphia in Chester, PA. Players can also participate at the tracks’ Off-Track Betting properties: Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Mound OTB in Tallulah, LA; VooDoo BBQ & Grill and Winner’s Circle OTB in New Haven, IN; Winner’s Circle Pub, Grille & OTB in Indianapolis, IN; and Winner’s Circle OTB in Clarksville, IN. Participants must be 21 or over.

 

The first-place winner in the Caesars Rewards Handicapping Challenge will walk away with $20,000, a seat at the $3,000,000 estimated National Horseplayers Championship, and a chance at an additional $1 million cash prize in the event of a double victory. First-place winner must be eligible to participate in the NHC in order to receive the NHC seat.  For more information about the National Horseplayers Championship, visitwww.nhctour.com. The $1 million prize will be awarded either as an annuity that pays $25,000 per year for forty years without interest or as a discounted lump sum payment of $550,000, which represents the approximate present value of the annuity. Second place will be awarded $10,000 while the third-place winner will take home $1,500. There will be additional cash prizes for fourth through tenth place.

 

The format for the challenge will require contestants to make 12 $2 win and place fictional wagers on the designated challenge races. Contestants must place a win and place wager on one horse in 12 mandatory races out of 20 available from Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, Harrah’s Philadelphia, Indiana Grand, and Harrah’s Hoosier Park. At least one race per track must be included on each entry to be eligible for the challenge. The wagers must be placed at a designated challenge location. All wagers are fictional; no money is paid on challenge wagers. Reservations for the Caesars Rewards Handicapping Challenge can be made by calling (866) 357-1731. Official rules and more information is available on the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs website or by contacting Harrah’s Louisiana Downs coordinator Shelli Briery at 318-742-0711 extension 54382.

 

Fan Vote for the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Racing Hall of Fame Open Through June 29

Harrah’s Louisiana Downs recently announced the formation of its first Racing Hall of Fame. It will honor the achievements of horse owners, trainers, jockeys, horses and property contributors who have played pivotal roles in the rich history of Harrah’s Louisiana Downs.  Members of the first class are John Franks, Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr., Frank L. Brothers, C. W. Walker,  Ronald Ardoin, Larry Snyder, Sunday Silence and Free Spirits Joy.

 

Beginning on Saturday, June 15, the public will be able to cast a vote for an additional inductee in the category of trainer, jockey, racing contributor and horse.  Voters can select ONE of the following nominees in each category  by clicking on the following link on the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs websitehttp://shout.lt/bQZN9.  

 

Voting will close on Saturday, June 29 with the Racing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony slated for Saturday, July 13.

 

Louisiana Downs Trainer, Jockey and Owner Standings

As of June 19, Joey Foster tops his fellow conditioners with 16 wins since the Thoroughbred meet began on May 4.  Karl Broberg is second with 14 victories followed by Joe Duhon with 12 wins.  Beverly Burressrounds out the top four as she has saddled ten winners.

 

Carlos Lozada continues to lead in the jockey standings. He has made 34 trips to the winner’s circle with Richard Eramia second with 25 wins. Joel Dominguez follows with 23 wins  and Aubrie Green and Eguard Tejera have both won 16 races to share fourth-place.

 

End Zone Athletics, Inc. and Dream Walkin Farms, Inc. are tied for the lead in the owner standings with eight wins each. Ronnie P. Ward is next with  five winners and Penny Scarberry, Patti Turner and Steve Asmussen follow closely with four wins each.

 

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:

 

Mobile Mondays | Enjoying the races? Check-in on the Caesars Rewards app from your smart phone to receive an entry into the weekly “Day at the Races” drawing. Winner will receive a dining experience for two to the Harrah’s Club (max value of $100).

 

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 hotdogs, popcorn, beer and racing programs for only $1.00!

 

$5.00 Free Bet | Saturdays, May 4 & 18 |Opt in and receive a ticket at the Racing Kiosks between 11am and 5pm. Saturdays, May 11 & 25| Redeem your Free Bet at the Mutuel Counter.

 

Super Saturdays| Race to more Rewards by presenting your Caesars Rewards card when making a wager and receive up to a 7X Racing Reward Credit Multiplier.

 

Saturday Pick 4 Family Day| Enjoy a box seat for 4 with food and drinks for only $16 on select Saturdays.

 

Bet & Earn| Check out Harrah’s new Bet & Earn offered through Racing by Caesars Rewards. Guests wagering using a Caesars Rewards card will now receive one Tier Credit and one Reward Credit on a three dollar bet.

HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS TO DEBUT NEW SUPER TUESDAY PICK 4 WAGER ON JUNE 25

 Indiana Grand Racing and Casino Partners for Four Races Each Week Through September 24

 

Bossier City, LA – A new wager, the Super Tuesday Pick 4, will debut on Tuesday, June 25.  The wager teams two Caesar’s Entertainment racetracks: Harrah’s Louisiana Downs and Indiana Grand Racing and Casino, which both offer Tuesday matinee racing programs. Two races from each property will be selected for the Super Tuesday, Pick 4 wager: races six and seven from Indiana Grand and races two and three from Harrah’s Louisiana Downs.

 

Both racetracks will offer their fans a free Pick 4 mini-program with past performances on the four races as well as selections from analysts Rachel McLaughlin and John McGary.

 

The Super Tuesday Pick 4 Wager with a reduced takeout of 15%,  will debut on Tuesday, June 25, pending approval from the Louisiana State Racing Commission (LSRC) at their June 24 meeting. It is expected to be offered each Tuesday through September 24.

 

“We are excited about this wager,” said Eric Halstrom, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs vice president of operations.  “Our horseplayers have been highly receptive to handicapping contests and innovative wagers, so we believe they will embrace the Super Tuesday Pick 4 with enthusiasm. It is a tremendous opportunity for both properties to attract new fans and follow the action in Louisiana and Indiana.”

 

Fan Vote for the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Racing Hall of Fame Begins on June 15

Harrah’s Louisiana Downs recently announced the formation of its first Racing Hall of Fame. It will honor the achievements of horse owners, trainers, jockeys, horses and property contributors who have played pivotal roles in the rich history of Harrah’s Louisiana Downs.  Members of the first class are John Franks, Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr., Frank L. Brothers, C. W. Walker,  Ronald Ardoin, Larry Snyder, Sunday Silence and Free Spirits Joy.

 

Beginning on Saturday, June 15, the public will be able to cast a vote for an additional inductee in the category of trainer, jockey, racing contributor and horse.  Voters can select ONE of the following nominees in each category  by clicking on the following link on the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs website:  http://shout.lt/bQZNV.  

 

Voting will close on Saturday, June 29 with the Racing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony slated for Saturday, July 13.

 

 

Caesars Rewards Handicapping Challenge Set for Saturday, June 22

Caesars Entertainment horse racing properties – Harrah’s Louisiana Downs , Indiana Grand Racing & Casino, Harrah’s Hoosier Park, and Harrah’s Philadelphia are pleased to announce the first-ever Caesars Rewards Handicapping Challenge.

 

The Caesars Rewards Handicapping Challenge will take place at four Caesar’s properties, including Harrah’s Louisiana Downs. The entry fee is $150 and participants must be 21 or over. The format for the challenge will require contestants to make 12 $2 win and place fictional wagers on the designated challenge races. Contestants must place a win and place wager on one horse in 12 mandatory races out of 20 available from Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, Harrah’s Philadelphia, Indiana Grand, and Harrah’s Hoosier Park

 

The first-place winner in the Caesars Rewards Handicapping Challenge will walk away with $20,000, a seat at the $3,000,000 estimated National Horseplayers Championship, and a chance at an additional $1 million cash prize in the event of a double victory. First-place winner must be eligible to participate in the NHC in order to receive the NHC seat.  For more information about the National Horseplayers Championship, visit www.nhctour.com. The $1 million prize will be awarded either as an annuity that pays $25,000 per year for forty years without interest or as a discounted lump sum payment of $550,000, which represents the approximate present value of the annuity. Second place will be awarded $10,000 while the third-place winner will take home $1,500. There will be additional cash prizes for fourth through tenth place.

 

For further information, visit the contest page on the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs website.

 

Trainer Joey Foster Off to a Good Start at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs

Trainer Joseph M. Foster having a solid meet this season at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs. “Joey” as he is known to his fellow horsemen and racing fans, is the current leader in the trainer standings with 14 wins since the 2019 Thoroughbred meet began on May 4.

 

Over the past 27 years, the native of Arkansas, has saddled 5,409 horses, winning 736 races with purses topping $11.8 million. Foster wins the majority of his races at the claiming and allowance levels. He won the 2016 and 2017 training titles at Louisiana downs, finishing second last year to Karl Broberg,  the top conditioner in the nation by wins.

 

“Everything’s going well,” said Foster. “Our horses are doing fine and it’s a good start for the meet. After Lone Star wraps, Broberg will ship in 40 head and pass me!”

 

Foster has been impressed with some of the new programs offered this year to attract more fans to live racing at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs.

 

“They are trying some new things this year,” acknowledged Foster. “As a horseman, I appreciate every attempt to get us attention and keep racing going in our region.  It can be tough when several racetracks within three hours of each other are running at the same time.  But my hat goes off to Eric Halstrom for coming up with these contests and new ideas.”

 

 

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.

 

HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS JOINS OTHER CAESARS RACING PROPERTIES IN HOSTING A ONE OF A KIND HANDICAPPING CHALLENGE ON SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2019

Top Ten Finalists Will Share $35,000. Winner to Take $20,000 and a Shot at $1 Million

Bossier City, LA – Caesars Entertainment horse racing properties – Harrah’s Louisiana Downs , Indiana Grand Racing & Casino, Harrah’s Hoosier Park, and Harrah’s Philadelphia are pleased to announce the first-ever Caesars Rewards Handicapping Challenge.

 

The Caesars Rewards Handicapping Challenge will offer horseplayers from around the country the unique opportunity to handicap both Thoroughbred and Standardbred races for a top prize of $20,000, a seat at the $3,000,000 estimated National Horseplayers Championship (NHC), and an additional $1 million cash prize if the winner of the Caesars Rewards Handicapping Challenge also captures the NHC victory. This one-day challenge will be hosted on Saturday, June 22, 2019.

 

The Caesars Rewards Handicapping Challenge – sponsored by John Deere and Cowpokes – will be hosted at the four Caesars Racing properties: Harrah’s Louisiana Downs in Bossier City, LA; Indiana Grand Racing and Casino in Shelbyville, IN; Harrah’s Hoosier Park in Anderson, IN; and Harrah’s Philadelphia in Chester, PA. Players can also participate at the tracks’ Off-Track Betting properties: Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Mound OTB in Tallulah, LA; VooDoo BBQ & Grill and Winner’s Circle OTB in New Haven, IN; Winner’s Circle Pub, Grille & OTB in Indianapolis, IN; and Winner’s Circle OTB in Clarksville, IN. Participants must be 21 or over.

 

Entry into the Caesars Rewards Handicapping Challenge requires a $150 fee due upon check-in on the day of the challenge. Reservations are currently being accepted and the challenge will be capped at 400 entries. Players are encouraged to sign up quickly as the entries will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Contestants will be limited to two entries per person. The entry fee will include dining offerings at each location, race day simulcast programs and tip sheets.

 

The first-place winner in the Caesars Rewards Handicapping Challenge will walk away with $20,000, a seat at the $3,000,000 estimated National Horseplayers Championship, and a chance at an additional $1 million cash prize in the event of a double victory. First-place winner must be eligible to participate in the NHC in order to receive the NHC seat.  For more information about the National Horseplayers Championship, visit www.nhctour.com. The $1 million prize will be awarded either as an annuity that pays $25,000 per year for forty years without interest or as a discounted lump sum payment of $550,000, which represents the approximate present value of the annuity. Second place will be awarded $10,000 while the third-place winner will take home $1,500. There will be additional cash prizes for fourth through tenth place.

The format for the challenge will require contestants to make 12 $2 win and place fictional wagers on the designated challenge races. Contestants must place a win and place wager on one horse in 12 mandatory races out of 20 available from Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, Harrah’s Philadelphia, Indiana Grand, and Harrah’s Hoosier Park. At least one race per track must be included on each entry to be eligible for the challenge. The wagers must be placed at a designated challenge location. All wagers are fictional; no money is paid on challenge wagers. The challenge time frame is 4:15 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (EST). Reservations for the Caesars Rewards Handicapping Challenge can be made by calling (866) 357-1731. Official rules and more information is available on the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs website or by contacting Harrah’s Louisiana Downs coordinator Shelli Briery at 318-742-0711 extension 54382.

 

“We are pleased to be part of this innovative handicapping contest,” said Eric Halstrom, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs vice president of operations.  “Our Road to the Kentucky Derby Handicapping Contest was well-received by our local horseplayers. There were 201 enthusiastic participants who encouraged us to offer more contests in the future. We know they will enjoy the Caesars Rewards Handicapping Challenge with the chance to win a seat to the National Horseplayers Championship (NHC) in Las Vegas.”

 

Louisiana Downs Trainer, Jockey and Owner Standings

As of May 21, Beverly Burress has won five races to top the trainer standings.  Joey Foster, Joe Duhon andRonnie Ward have each saddle four winners. There is also a tie for third-place between Patti Turner, Steve Asmussen, Karl Broberg and Philip Mark Dison. They have each won three races since the 2019 Thoroughbred season began on May 4.

 

Carlos Lozada won three races on the Monday, May 20 card to take the lead in the jockey standings. He has made nine trips to the winner’s circle with  Joel Dominguez and  Eguard Tejera following closely with eight wins each. Hector Del-Cid and Richard Eramia have both won seven races to date.

 

It was a tough start for last year’s leading rider, Emanuel Nieves, who was injured on May 11, when his mount, Girls Life clipped heels and fell. Nieves was transported to the hospital with a dislocated clavicle and broken arm.  He has an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon for further evaluation, according to his agent, Ronald Ardoin.

 

End Zone Athletics, Inc., Ronnie Ward and Steve Asmussen have each won three races to top the owner leaderboard.

 

Memorial Day Pig Races and Family Fun Day                

The popular Memorial Day Pig races return on Monday, May 27.Don’t miss these wacky races as these high flying little porkers race to the finish line. The Pig Races will take place between post times for the Memorial Day Race Card  There will also be a Petting Zoo for children and a kid’s area with bounce houses and water slides. Face painting is available for purchase. Eat up as food trucks serve up great local bites. First Post Time 3:15 pm.

 

For more information on the upcoming racing season and special events, click here.

 

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:

 

Mobile Mondays | Enjoying the races? Check-in on the Caesars Rewards app from your smart phone to receive an entry into the weekly “Day at the Races” drawing. Winner will receive a dining experience for two to the Harrah’s Club (max value of $100).

 

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 hotdogs, popcorn, beer and racing programs for only $1.00!

 

$5.00 Free Bet | Saturdays, May 4 & 18 |Opt in and receive a ticket at the Racing Kiosks between 11am and 5pm. Saturdays, May 11 & 25| Redeem your Free Bet at the Mutuel Counter.

 

Super Saturdays| Race to more Rewards by presenting your Caesars Rewards card when making a wager and receive up to a 7X Racing Reward Credit Multiplier.

 

Saturday Pick 4 Family Day| Enjoy a box seat for 4 with food and drinks for only $16 on select Saturdays.

 

Bet & Earn| Check out Harrah’s new Bet & Earn offered through Racing by Caesars Rewards. Guests wagering using a Caesars Rewards card will now receive one Tier Credit and one Reward Credit on a three dollar bet.

 

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.