OPELOUSAS, LA –Diego Saenz took charge of the jockey standings with a five-win night on the first Friday of the meet and never looked back. Finishing off the season with a two-bagger, Saenz finished the season with 116 victories from 403 mounts, a 29% winning clip. With 88 runner ups and 58 show placings, Saenz hit the board with 65% of his rides and brought in $1,872,243 in earnings. Three other riders brought in over one million dollars for their connections with their mounts. Tim Thornton was second behind Saenz with $1,611,046, followed by Pedro Cotto, Jr. with $1,340,315 and Joe Stokes with $1,235,400.
The complete top 10 jockeys for the 2021 meet were: Diego Saenz (116 wins), Tim Thornton (100), Pedro Cotto, Jr. (81), Joe Stokes (66), Roberto Morales (38), Kevin Smith (38), Gerard Melancon (37), Ashley Broussard (34), Casey Fusilier (34) and Antonio Quiles (26).
The long reign of Karl Broberg as the top trainer at Evangeline Downs came to an end on Saturday night. Capping off the season with three victories on the closing night card, Eduardo Ramirez drew off to capture his first training title. Ramirez, a former assistant in the Broberg brigade, saddled 44 winners on the season. Winning at a 31% clip, Ramirez finished the season five wins ahead of Broberg. The Ramirez barn tallied $541,682 in purse winnings for the meet. Karl Broberg runners did lead in that category, bringing in $624,546 for the meet.
The complete top 10 in the trainer standings were: Eduardo Ramirez (44 wins), Karl Broberg (39), Juan Larrosa (33), Scott Gelner (30), Allen Landry (26), Keith Bourgeois (23), Sam Breaux (21), Dale White, Sr. (20), Rylee Grudzien (19) and Ron Faucheux (18). Of the trainers in the top ten, Bourgeois runners had the highest strike rates with 34% winners and 72% on the board from his 68 total starters.
Jimmy Johnson’s Red Rose Racing fended off the challenge of End Zone Athletics, Inc. to bring home the title in the owner’s race. Red Rose Racing starters won 30 races from 88 starts, while finishing second 10 times and third 10 times, for a 34% winning percentage and 57% in the money. End Zone Athletics, Inc. was active at the entry box with a meet leading 144 starters that tallied a second-best 28 winners. The End Zone Athletics, Inc. runners led in money won with $434,936 in earnings followed by Joe Alfredo Castillo with $361,925 and Red Rose Racing with $300,307.
The complete top 10 in the owner standing were: Red Rose Racing (30 wins), End Zone Athletics, Inc. (28), Joe Alfredo Castillo (19), Dale White, Sr. (16), Rylee Grudzien (15), Elite Thoroughbred Racing, LLC (12), Adriel Gonzalez (10), Whispering Oaks Farm, LLC (8), and a tie for ninth between George Santis and Sandy Badeaux with 7 wins apiece.
Evangeline Downs will be dark for a couple of weeks. Live racing resumes with the start of the American Quarter Horse meet on Wednesday, October 6. Post time for the 53-day season will be at 5:35pm Central Time.
Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features exciting casino action, live horse racing and fun dining experiences. Evangeline Downs is located in Opelousas, Louisiana, off I-49 on Cresswell Lane at Exit 18.
Jockey Diego Saenz won four stakes races at Delta Downs on their richest program of the year to earn Jockey of the Week honors for the week of Feb. 8 through Feb. 14.
The award, which is voted on by a panel of racing experts, is for jockeys who are members of the Jockeys’ Guild, the organization which represents more than 950 active riders in the United States as well as retired and permanently disabled jockeys.
Under jockey Diego Saenz and riding for trainer Tom Amoss and owners Maggi Moss and Greg Tramontin, No Parole was an easy winner in the Premier Day Sprint. No Parole covered the 5-furlong distance in 57.37 the fastest clocking of the season at that distance.
Trainer Bret Calhoun gave Saenz a leg up on Southern Beauty in the Premier Day Matron. Saenz roused her to the lead turning for home in the five-furlong sprint for older fillies and mares. The win was the fourth of the day for Saenz.
Eclipse award-winning trainer Brad Cox teamed with Saenz on Australasia in the Premier Day Starlet for 3-year-old fillies at one mile. Under Saenz, Australasia set the early pace and then took off to win by 7-1/4 lengths.
Riding for trainer Ronnie Averett in the Premier Day Bon Temps Starter, Saenz and Wild Mallory won the five-furlong test in front-running style.
Saez, who was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, has been riding professionally since 2004 primarily on the Louisiana circuit. He has won numerous riding titles at Delta Downs and currently sits in second place.
Lifetime to date, he has won 2,326 races and more than $47 million purses.
Saenz out polled fellow riders Eric Cancel who was leading jockey by number of wins and won a stakes at Aqueduct, Florent Geroux who won two stakes races at Fair Grounds, Gerard Melancon who won three stakes at Delta Downs and Flavien Prat who won a stakes race at Santa Anita.
Australasia captures the 2021 Louisiana Jewel at Delta Downs
AUSTRALASIA
Sky Kingdom–Ayala Strand
Breeder: J. Adcock & Hume Wornall
Owner: Jean Etienne Dubois
Trainer: Brad H. Cox
Jockey: Diego Saenz
2nd Inawic
Wicked Strong–Inaword
Breeder: Gulf Haven Farm, LLC
Owner: Gulf Haven Farms
Trainer: Ronnie P. Ward
Jockey: Joel Dominguez
3rd Tecate Time
Karakontie (JPN)–Urge to Splurge
Breeder: Carrol J. Castille
Owner: Whispering Oaks Farm LLC
Trainer: Steven B. Flint
Jockey: Gerard Melancon
Mirabeau with jockey Diego Saenz aboard winning the Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies. Hodges Photo
MIRABEAU
Bind–Smittystown
Breeder: J. Adcock & Nathan C Granger
Owner: Larry Romero and Ron Faucheux
Trainer: Ron Faucheux
Jockey: Diego Saenz
2nd Rue Lala
Star Guitar–Miss Addison
Breeder: Brittlyn, Inc.
Owner: Corinne and L. William Heiligbrodt and Spendthrift Farm LLC
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen
Jockey: Joel Dominguez
3rd Tecate Time
Karakontie (JPN)–Urge to Splurge
Breeder: Carrol J. Castille
Owner: Whispering Oaks Farm LLC
Trainer: Steven B. Flint
Jockey: Jansen Melancon
Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint
Louisiana Downs, 9-19-20, 6 furlongs
3YO and Up, Accredited Louisiana Bred, Fillies and Mares, $50,000
Snowball emerges from the pack to take the Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint. Hodges Photo
SNOWBALL
Apriority–Inner Peace
Breeder: 4M Ranch
Owner: Tin Roof Farms LLC
Trainer: Samuel Breaux
Jockey: Diego Saenz
2nd Play Unified
Exchange Rate–Carson City Sham
Breeder: Keith Hernandez, Earl Hernandez & John Duvieilh
Owner: Ivery Sisters Racing, Larry J. Romero, Dorby Racing, LLC and Winalot Racing, LLC
Trainer: Ron Faucheux
Jockey: E. M. Murray
3rd Our Lost Love
Half Ours–Lost Love Baby
Breeder: Tri-Star Racing LLC
Owner: Tri-Star Racing, LLC
Trainer: Joseph M. Foster
Jockey: Carlos Lozada
Louisiana Cup Distaff
Louisiana Downs, 9-19-20, 8.5 furlongs, turf
3YO and Up, Accredited Louisiana Bred Fillies and Mares, $50,000
IS TOO
Midshipman–Tensas Salt
Breeder: J. Adcock & Montgomery Equine Center
Owner: Baronne Farms, LLC
Trainer: Edward J. Johnston
Jockey: Diego Saenz
2nd Mariah’s Galaxy
Greeley’s Galaxy–Black Mariah
Breeder: Margie Averett
Owner: Riley Blanchet and Todd Matte
Trainer: Victor Arceneaux
Jockey: Kevin J. Smith
3rd Room to Finish
Giant Oak–Can’t Roll a Seven
Breeder: Mike Meeks
Owner: West Point Thoroughbreds, Forge Ahead Stables, LLC and Jerry Caroom
Trainer: Wayne M. Catalano
Jockey: Gerardo Mora
JOCKEY DIEGO SAENZ IS THE RIDING STAR OF THE NIGHT WITH THREE STAKES WINS
OPELOUSAS, LA – Evangeline Downs hosted its annual celebration of the Louisiana-bred Thoroughbred on Saturday night with Louisiana Legends Night. There were eight stakes races with purses totaling $550,000, making it the richest night of the entire Thoroughbred season.
Louisiana Legends Mademoiselle
Evangeline Downs, 5-25-19, 5 1/2 furlongs
Three-Year-Olds and Upwards, Fillies and Mares, Accredited Louisiana Bred, $75,000
OURS TO RUN
Half Ours-Brown Eyed Baby
Breeder: Clifford Grum
Owner: Colonel Thoroughbreds, LLC
Trainer: J. Larry Jones
Jockey: R. Morales
2nd Our Millie
Half Ours–Magic Madam
Breeder: Barbara V. Rowell
Owner: Ming Yan Ng
Trainer: Ron Faucheux
Jockey: T. Thornton
3rd Tensas Thought
Custom for Carlos–Tensas Idea
Breeder: Curt Leake
Owner: Cash is King, LLC and Edward Johnston Racing Stables, Inc.
Trainer: Edward J. Johnston
Jockey: C.J. Hernandez
The first stakes race of the evening featured a returning champion in Ours to Run, who defended her victory in the $75,000 Mademoiselle by winning the race once again over a game Our Millie. Ours to Run was sent off as the biggest betting favorite of the night at odds of 1-9 and covered the 5-1/2 furlongs over the fast main track in a final time of 1:03.48 to win by 1-1/4 lengths.
Ours to Run was bred in Louisiana by Clifford Grum, is owned by Colonel Thoroughbreds, LLC, trained by Larry Jones and was ridden to victory by Roberto Morales. The 5-year-old mare is by Half Ours and is out of the Mineshaft mare, Brown Eyed Baby and has now extended her winning streak to six stakes races in a row.
SNOWBALL
Apriority–Inner Peace
Breeder: 4M Ranch
Owner: Tin Roof Farms LLC
Trainer: Samuel Breaux
Jockey: D. Saenz
2nd Net a Bear
Awesome Bet–Edacious Reality
Breeder: Lora Pitre & Elaine Carroll
Owner: Maximo Lamarche and Federico Deltoro
Trainer: Allen Landry
Jockey: S. Laviolette
3rd Cicada’s Song
Twirling Candy–Money for Makeup
Breeder: J. Adcock & Hume Wornall
Owner: John F. Youngblood
Trainer: Albert M. Stall, Jr.
Jockey: C.J. Hernandez
Snowball was sent right to the lead in the $75,000 Soiree by jockey Diego Saenz and she took that cue to lead every step of the way to score a 6-1 upset victory, finishing the one mile distance in a time of 1:39.69 to win by three-quarters of a length.
Snowball was bred in Louisiana by 4M Ranch, is owned by Tin Roof Farms, LLC, and trained by Sam Breaux. The 3-year-old filly is by Apriority and is out of the Value Plus mare, Inner Peace.
Louisiana Legends Distaff Starter
Evangeline Downs, 5-25-2019, 7 furlongs
Three-Year-Olds and Upwards, Fillies and Mares, Accredited Louisiana Bred, $50,000
GALAXY THIRTYSIX
Greeley’s Galaxy-Stang Thirtysix
Breeder: Gerald L. Averett, Jr.
Owner: Arian Haxhillari
Trainer: Ron Faucheux
Jockey: D. Saenz
2nd Tenpins Tempo
Tenpins-Perfect Time
Breeder: Elite Thoroughbreds
Owner: Elite Thoroughbred Racing LLC
Trainer: Lee Thomas
Jockey: C.J. Hernandez
3rd Kiss That Dude
First Dude-Kiss Me Tu
Breeder: Maverick Stables, Inc.
Owner: Wayne T. Davis
Trainer: Shane Wilson
Jockey: G. Melancon
Jockey Diego Saenz then made it back-to-back stakes wins on Louisiana Legends Night by coming through with a 3-1/2 length victory aboard Galaxy Thirtysix in the $50,000 Distaff Starter. The win was the second stakes victory of 2019 for Galaxy Thirtysix, who had previously won the $60,000 Premier Night Ladies Starter Stakes at Delta Downs on February 9.
Galaxy Thirtysix was bred in Louisiana by Gerald Averett, Jr., is owned by Arian Haxhillari and trained by Ron Faucheux. The 5-year-old mare is by Greeley’s Galaxy and is out of the Forty Won mare, Stang Thirtysix.
SHANG
Shanghai Bobby–Humble Janet
Breeder: Cloyce C. Clark Jr.
Owner: L. William and Corinne Heiligbrodt
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen
Jockey: R.E. Eramia
2nd Power Jet
Power Broker–Zada Rae
Breeder: Joseph Adcock
Owner: William T. Reed
Trainer: W. Bret Calhoun
Jockey: C. R. Rosier
3rd Inspector Eddie
Mineshaft–Happy Choice
Breeder: Clear Creek Stud LLC
Owner: Cash is King LLC
Trainer: Edward J. Johnston
Jockey: C.J. Hernandez
Shang, who was sent off as a strong 3-5 favorite in the $75,000 Cheval, rewarded the faith of the betting public with a victory by one length over the 2019 Equine Sales Derby winner, Power Jet. Power Jet tried to go last-to-first, but his challenge was rebuffed easily by Shang, who finished the one mile in 1:38.26.
Shang was bred in Louisiana by Cloyce Clark, Jr. The 3-year-old colt is owned by Corrine and William Heiligbrodt, trained by Steve Asmussen and was ridden to victory by Richard Eramia. Shang is by Shanghai Bobby and is out of the Humble Eleven mare, Humble Janet.
Louisiana Legends Turf Distaff
Evangeline Downs, 5-25-2019, 8 furlongs (turf)
Three-Year-Olds and Upwards, Fillies and Mares, Accredited Louisiana Breds, $75,000
BERMUDA STAR
Star Guitar–Bermuda Bride
Breeder: Tom Curtis & Wayne Simpson
Owner: Brittlyn Stable, Inc.
Trainer: Victor Arceneaux
Jockey: D. Saenz
2nd Is Too
Midshipman–Tensas Salt
Breeder: J. Adcock & Montgomery Equine Center
Owner: Baronne Farms, LLC
Trainer: Edward J. Johnston
Jockey: C.J. Hernandez
3rd Tap Dance Star
Star Guitar–Dance by Em
Breeder: Virginia Lazenby
Owner: Virginia Lazenby Racing Stable LLC
Trainer: Oscar Modica
Jockey: G. Melancon
The first of two turf races on the program was the $75,000 Turf Distaff and Diego Saenz collected his third stakes victory of the night with Bermuda Star, who covered the one mile over the firm turf in a time of 1:37.19. Bermuda Star got first run on the pace-setting longshot, Mi Copa Rebosa, and then fended off a challenge from the 4-5 favorite, Is Too, to win by a half-length.
Bermuda Star was bred in Louisiana by Tom Curtis and Wayne Simpson. The 5-year-old mare is owned by Brittlyn Stable, Inc. and trained by Victor Arceneaux. She is by Star Guitar and out of the Runaway Groom mare, Bermuda Bride.
3rd Double Barrel Man
Musket Man–Double Points Day
Breeder: Michele Rodriguez
Owner: End Zone Athletics, Inc.
Trainer: Karl Broberg
Jockey: C.J. Hernandez
There was another winner from last year’s edition of Louisiana Legends Night defending his crown on Saturday night and that was the 2018 Louisiana-bred Horse of the Year, Monte Man, in the $75,000 Sprint. Monte Man had to overcome a slow start and rally five-wide on the far turn, but he managed to survive those troubles and win by three-quarters of a length in a final time of 1:03.48 for the 5-1/2 furlongs.
Monte Man was ridden to victory by Gerard Melancon, who was also aboard for that 2018 score. The 6-year-old gelding was the second win on the night for trainer Ron Faucheux. He was bred in Louisiana by Val C. Murrell and is owned by Ivery Sisters Racing. Monte Man is by Custom For Carlos and is out of the Sutter’s Prospect mare, Sarah’s My Angel.
MAGEEZ
Musket Man–Spaseeba
Breeder: James A. Mcgehee Jr.
Owner: Double Dam Farm LLC
Trainer: Delmar R. Caldwell
Jockey: R. Morales
2nd In The Navy
Midshipman–Southern Princess
Breeder: Ken Standlee
Owner: Ken Standlee
Trainer: Scott Gelner
Jockey: D. Saenz
3rd Theoryintopractice
Into Mischief–Cayman Colada
Breeder: Cypress Bend Farm
Owner: Courtney Barousse
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen
Jockey: R. Eramia
It was a return to the grass for the $75,000 Turf, which provided one of the more exciting finishes of the night, as Mageez just beat out In the Navy for the win and denied Diego Saenz a fourth stakes victory. Instead, it was Roberto Morales who collected win number two on the evening, as Mageez won by a head and finished the 1-1/16 miles in a time of 1:43.27.
Mageez is owned by Double Dam Farm, LLC, of Delmar Caldwell, who is also the trainer. The 6-year-old horse was bred in Louisiana by James A. McGehee, Jr. Mageez is by Musket Man and is out of the Spectacular Bid mare, Spaseeba.
Louisiana Legends Starter
Evangeline Downs, 5-25-2019, 1 1/16 miles
Three-Year-Olds and Upwards, Accredited Louisiana Bred, $50,000
JUST STORMIN
Freud-Crypto Cream
Breeder: Tom Curtis & Wayne Simpson
Owner: Craig Drago
Trainer: Allen Landry
Jockey: K.D. Clark
2nd Lucky Andy
Lookin At Lucky-Sweet Britches
Breeder: George Gary Guidry MD & Walter Dwayne Brown MD
Owner: Hardy Racing Stables LLC
Trainer: Keith G. Bourgeois
Jockey: G. Melancon
3rd I Am Ready Again
Prado Again-Fillyocity
Breeder: Harry D. Williamson & Charles J. Guilbeau Jr.
Owner: End Zone Athletics
Trainer: Karl Broberg
Jockey: R. Morales
The $50,000 Starter was the final stakes race on the program and the 3-5 favorite, Just Stormin, proved best after being headed on the turn by I Am Ready Again. Just Stormin re-rallied in the stretch and ended up winning by 1-1/2 lengths in a time of 1:45.40 for the 1 1/16 miles.
Just Stormin was bred in Louisiana by Tom Curtis and Wayne Simpson. The 7-year-old gelding is owned by Craig Drago, trained by Allen Landry and was ridden to victory by Kerwin Clark. Just Stormin is by Freud and is out of the Cryptoclearance mare, Crypto Cream.
Live racing at Evangeline Downs will resume on Wednesday night with a nine-race program. Post time on Wednesday will be 5:50 pm Central Time.
For more information on the Thoroughbred season at Evangeline Downs, visit the track’s website at www.evdracing.com. Evangeline Downs’ Twitter handle is @EVDRacing and the racetrack is also accessible on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EvangelineDownsRacing.
About Evangeline Downs
Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel is owned by Boyd Gaming Corporation, a leading diversified owner and operator of 22 gaming entertainment properties located in Nevada, New Jersey, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Boyd Gaming press releases are available at www.prnewswire.com. Additional news and information can be found at www.boydgaming.com, or www.evangelinedowns.com.
Staton Flurry and Tor Con Six. Hodges Photography.
Bossier City, LA – Thoroughbred owner Staton Flurry will never forget winning the 2017 Super Derby at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs with Mr. Misunderstood.
Last September, the marquee stakes for 3-year-olds was run on the Franks Turf Course at the distance of a mile and one-sixteenth. Trained by Brad Cox, the gelded son of Archarcharch, shipped in undefeated on the turf, and punched his ticket to the Super Derby with a win in the $60,000 Prelude, which was also run on the turf in 2017.
Flurry, 28, is a passionate Thoroughbred owner from Hot Springs, Arkansas. His family’s Flurry Racing Stables, LLC has campaigned a quality group of stakes winners at Oaklawn Park and Louisiana Downs. . Flurry’s first stakes winner Little Miss Flurry captured the 2014 Razorback Futurity. But Mr. Misunderstood has vaulted to the top of the ladder with an incredible record of 11 wins from 19 starts. Since winning the Super Derby, the dark bay gelding won five stakes including the Grade 2 Wise Dan at Churchill Downs. Purchased for $130,000, he currently boasts earnings of $707,854.
Flurry made the trip back to Louisiana Downs this week to see three of his horses who are trained by Karl Broberg. On Monday afternoon, Tor Con Six, a 4-year-old son of Half Ours ran in a starter optional claiming sprint, and despite coming into the race off three wins, struggled and finished fifth.
“That was a little disappointing as he had been doing great,” said Flurry. “His rider (Gerardo Mora) said he just spit the bit.”
Tuesday it was Golden Driller in the second, a $21,000 maiden at six and one-half furlongs. The 3-year-old by Caleb’s Posse was injured last October at Remington Park. Flurry sent him to Louisiana Downs last month and looked forward to a solid return off the layoff. With Mora aboard, he caught the leader Three Time Charmer, briefly took the lead, before losing by a nose.
Wednesday marks the debut of Mathieu, a 2-year-old Louisiana-bred son of Custom For Carlos, out of the Vindication mare Laughing Saint. He has posted several solid works for the six furlong main track event and will be ridden by Jose Guererro.
“We’ve babied him along,” said Flurry. “He has settled down since being gelded and I have come over to see a few of his works, and am looking forward to watching him run on Wednesday.”
Flurry debated on several names for the 2-year-old, finally settling on Mathieu in honor of Louisiana native Tyrann Mathieu, an All American football player. He played for LSU and is now a safety for the Houston Texans.
Next up for Mr. Misunderstood is the $1,000,000 Shadwell Mile at Keeneland on October 6 with the Grade 1, Breeders’ Cup Mile on the radar for Flurry and Cox.
“Winning the Super Derby at Louisiana Downs was a cool starting spot for Mr. Misunderstood,” stated Flurry. “We thought we really might have something, but to think that he may be two races away from earning a million dollars is pretty amazing.”
Memorial Service for Trainer Dana Whited Set for Saturday, September 22
Harrah’s Louisiana Downs is saddened to confirm the passing of trainer Dana Whited. Her sister, Gina Nagy Wilson confirmed that Whited died on Friday, September 14 from heart failure.
The 52 year-old horsewoman was born in Dodge City, Kansas and has been a respected member of the Louisiana racing industry since 2012. According to Equibase statistics, Whited saddled 851 horses, with a record of 94 win; 107seconds and 102 thirds. She won 18 races this year on the Louisiana circuit.
A memorial service will be held in the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs winner’s circle this Saturday, September 22 at 7:00 pm. The public is invited to pay their respects.
“Dana was so much more than a trainer; she was a friend to everyone,” said Chaplain Jimmy Sistrunk. “This was a shock for our racing community as Dana looked out for so many people and served as a mentor to anyone she could help. She will be greatly missed.”
Announcer John McGary Off to Zia Park This Week
Harrah’s Louisiana Downs track announcer John McGary will wrap up his duties in the booth on Wednesday, September 19. He will head to Zia Park in Hobbs, New Mexico to call the races for their 2018 live racing season which begins on Saturday, September 22.
Announcer Mike Persichino will fill in for McGary for the final four days of the meet. He began calling races in 1999 with appearances in Utah, Arizona, California and Oregon. Persichino has been the voice of Wyoming Downs since 2014 and called the final two weeks of the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Thoroughbred meet last September.
Trainer, Jockey and Owner Standings
As of September 18, Karl Broberg tops the trainer standings with 25 wins. Last year’s leading trainer, Joey Foster follows closely with 24 winners and horses trained by Al Stall, Jr. have won 22 races. Jorge Lara, Beverly Burress, Jose Camejo and Danny Pish have each saddled 17 winners this meet.
Emanuel Nieves won eight races last week and continues to lead the rider standings with 75 wins. Last year’s leading jockey Gerardo Mora has been steadily making his way up the ladder and is now in second place with 65 victories. Joel Dominguez is third with 64 trips to the winner’s circle and Hector Del-Cid and Jose Guererro have each won 40 races.
Dream Walkin Farms, Inc. and End Zone Athletics, Inc. are tied for leading owner honors with 14 wins. Patti Turner is next with 12 victories and Beverly Burress and Indian Creek Thoroughbred Farms, LLC follow with nine wins each.
The winners of each division will be honored on Wednesday, September 26, which is the final day of the 2018 Thoroughbred racing season.
Diego Saenz Approaching his 2,000th Career Win
Jockey Diego Saenz is just 9 wins away from his 2,000th career victory. The 39-year-old rider won one race on the Monday, September 17thcard, piloting My Prophet for trainer Eduardo Ramirez.
Saenz is named on 15 horses this week. Once the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs meet wraps, he will head to Delta Downs when their meet opens October 17. He has won four leading rider titles at the Vinton, Louisiana racetrack.
Wednesday and Saturday Race Day Promotions
Louisiana Downs offers value for racing fans each Wednesday with Dollar Day. They will be able to enjoy $1 hot dogs, $1 beer at the Paddock as well as $1 programs. Saturday’s weekly promotion is the Family Four Pack featuring four hot dogs, four sodas, a program, and a box seat for four at the affordable price of just $16.
The Total Rewards program is free for horseplayers. With the swipe of their card each Saturday, members will receive valuable incentives. These include:
Play $250 or more to receive a 5X multiplier
Play $1,000 or more to receive a 7X multiplier
Play $5,000 or more to receive a 10X multiplier
Participant’s multiplier cannot exceed a total balance of more than one hundred thousand (100,000) Reward Credits during one promotional day after the multiplier is applied.
Post Times and Stakes Schedule
Live racing will be conducted Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and Saturday with a 3:15 p.m. (Central) post time through Wednesday, September 26.
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.
Bossier City, LA –Super Derby 39 at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs on Sunday, September 2 was successful on many levels. The 13-race card featured seven stakes races, highlighted by the Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby.
A field of nine competed with top horsemen Tom Amoss, Al Stall, Jr., Brad Cox and Hall of Fame conditioner Steve Asmussen sending in quality 3-year-olds for the 39th running of the prestigious championship.
It was Michael Lankford’s Limation who pulled off a stunning upset in Super Derby 39 at odds of 26-1 and despite a heavy downpour earlier in the afternoon, the richest race of the 2018 Thoroughbred season went off under sunny skies.
Officials reported a 12% increase in handle from the 2017 Super Derby card, which also showcased 13 races.
“We were very pleased with the quality of racing on Super Derby Day,” said David Heitzmann, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs director of racing. “The response from some of the nation’s most respected horsemen surpassed our expectations and despite the lone afternoon shower, we presented a very competitive race card.”
Promotions, special events and hospitality in the suite level added to the overall festive nature of Super Derby 39.
“It was a great day overall and would not have been possible without the efforts of the hard-working racing office staff and entire team at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs,” added Heitzmann.
First Graded Stakes for Jockey Diego Saenz
Horseplayers should never ignore jockey Diego Saenz on Super Derby Day. Last year, the 39-year-old rider won three of the seven stakes on the program. He set the bar even higher on Sunday, winning four of the seven features, and notching the first graded stakes of his career.
His stakes wins on Sunday’s card included Bermuda Star, owned by Brittlyn Stable, Inc.in the $60,000 River Cities; Yes Gorgeous in the $60,000 Elge Rasberry for owner and trainer Scott Gelner and Ice City Ghost and homebred by Dream Walkin Farms, Inc., who scored the upset in the $60,000 Sunday Silence. Ice City Ghost paid $42.20, but that was not the biggest longshot of the Super Derby card for Saenz!
That came in the eleventh race of the afternoon when Saenz rode Limation, for owner Michael Langford in the Super Derby. Considered an outsider by the betting public, Saenz had studied his form and had a pretty good idea what kind of a trip the son of Alternation would need. The Kentucky-bred colt was saddled by Asmussen’s longtime assistant Darren Fleming.
“For me, I just threw out his last race, and was hoping to give him a clear trip and keep his face clean,” explained Saenz. “Darren never seemed nervous and that gave me confidence.”
Saenz was content to stay off the early speed and had plenty of horse left when he rounded the far turn. He got clear at the top of the lane, crossing the wire in 1:43.91, by a margin of 5 ¾ lengths over the top betting choice, Lone Sailor.
“I had my horse where he needed to be and when we hit the quarter pole, he just drew off,” he said.
It was the first Super Derby and very first graded stakes for Saenz, and a pretty nice win payout of $56.40 for the many Louisiana horseplayers who have faith in the top Louisiana jockey.
“I won a $300,000 turf stakes with Heitai at Evangeline Downs, but this was my first grade 3,” he said. “I’ve been riding at Louisiana Downs since 2004; this was my very first Super Derby mount. It felt pretty good to win such an important race.”
Saenz had three mounts on Monday’s Labor Day racing card, scoring an allowance victory aboard Harlons Commision. He took a minute to reflect upon his Super Derby 39 success.
“I am very grateful to Steve for giving me the opportunity to ride Limation,” said Saenz. “I also want to thank trainers Carl Deville, Scott Gelner, Victor Arceneaux and my agent, Louis Coco, who works very hard for me.”
Saenz, who was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, has been riding professionally since 2004 and has won 1,987 wins from 10,198 starts in his 15-year career.
He and his wife have three children and reside in Carencro, a suburb of Lafayette, Louisiana. Saenz will head to Delta Downs when their meet opens October 17. He has won four leading rider titles at the Vinton, Louisiana racetrack.
Update on Super Derby Winner Limation
Limation, winner of Sunday’sGrade 3, $300,000 Super Derby at Louisiana Downs came out of the race in good order and has returned to trainer Steve Asmussen’s barn at Remington Park.
“I expect the Oklahoma Derby to be next for him,” the Hall of Fame conditioner told Mary Rampellini of the Daily Racing Form.
According to Rampellini, the Kentucky-bred son of Alternation will be pointed to the Grade 3, $400,000 Oklahoma Derby at Remington Park on September. 30. Mike Langford, owner of Limation also campaigns 2017 Oklahoma Derby champion, Untrapped.
Weiner Dog Races Set for Saturday, September 8
Rain on Labor Day forced the cancelation of the popular Weiner Dog Races, but Harrah’s Louisiana Downs has rescheduled the entertaining event for Saturday, September 8. Family-friendly activities will get underway at 11:00 amwith the first Wiener Dog race at noon. The championship is scheduled for 2:00 pm.
Live Thoroughbred action follows at its regular time of 3:15 pm.
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.
84-DAY MEETING WRAPPED UP ON SATURDAY NIGHT WITH A 12-RACE CARD
VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs closed out its 2017-18 Thoroughbred season on Saturday night with a special 12-race program. During the night, the track honored its leading horsemen for the 84-day meeting that began on October 18.
Jockey Diego Saenz won his second consecutive and fourth leading rider title overall at Delta Downs this year while Karl Broberg won his seventh consecutive leading trainer crown. The title of leading owner went to End Zone Athletics, Inc. for the sixth time in the last seven years. End Zone Athletics, Inc. is made up of Karl Broberg and Matt Johanson.
Saenz led all jockeys in terms of wins and mount earnings as he enjoyed 109 trips to the winner’s circle while his mounts earned a total of $2,530,635. The 39-year-old resident of Carencro, Louisiana had previously won titles during the 2009-10, 2013-14, and 2016-17 seasons.
Following Saenz in the final jockey standings were Timothy Thornton (93 wins), Gerard Melancon (69), Ashley Broussard (55), Roberto Morales (53), Luis Negron (47), Jansen Melancon (34), Jose Guerrero (30), Steve Bourque (27), and Eddie Martin, Jr. (26).
Karl Broberg saddled 83 winners to capture the leading trainer crown during the season and his barn also led all trainers in earnings with a total of $1,801,310. The 47-year-old resident of Arlington, Texas began his current streak of leading trainer titles at Delta Downs during the 2011-12 season and has led the entire nation in wins for four calendar years in a row, 2014-2017.
Rounding out the top 10 trainers for the season at Delta Downs were Eduardo Ramirez (34), Thomas Amoss (30), Brett Brinkman (28), Scott Gelner (26), Sam Breaux (24), Shane Wilson (24), Joel Berndt (19), Henry B. Johnson, Jr. (17), J. R. Caldwell (16).
End Zone Athletics Inc. saw 43 of their runners make it to the winner’s circle from 175 starts this year to earn the leading owner title again this year. The barn, which is made up of primarily allowance and claiming horses, tallied total earnings of $854,250.
Rounding out the top 10 owners for the meet were Karl Broberg (19), Red Rose Racing (Jimmy Johnson) (16), Maggi Moss (15), Wayne T. Davis (14), Norman Stables, LLC (Robert A. Norman) (12), Brittlyn Stable Inc. (Evelyn Benoit) (11), Indian Creek Thoroughbred Farm, LLC (Phillip Mark Dison) (9), Larry Elenz and Janice Krueger (9), and Donald Melancon (8).
Delta Downs is now preparing for its 2018 American Quarter Horse season, which gets underway on Friday, April 20. The 46-day stand will run through July 7 with live racing each Wednesday through Saturday night starting at 6:15 pm CT.
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 off I-10.
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