Category: Don Stevens

TOUCHUPONASTAR DEFENDS HIS CROWN IN THE $150,000 LOUISIANA PREMIER NIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP AT DELTA DOWNS

louisianathoroughbred
Touchuponastar wins the Louisiana Premier Championship at Delta Downs. Coady Photography.

 

 

VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs hosted its richest program of the season on Saturday evening as the 21st edition of Louisiana Premier Night took center stage. The 11-race program featured 10 stakes races and over $900,000 in total purse money for Louisiana-bred horses.

The featured race on the program was the $150,000 Louisiana Premier Night Championship and it was won for the second straight year by Set Hut, LLC (Jake Delhomme)’s Touchuponastar under jockey Tim Thornton. The Jeff Delhomme trainee defeated five rivals in the 1 1/16-mile affair over a muddy sealed racetrack. Touchuponastar is now five-for-five at Delta Downs and has won three stakes races this season.

After breaking sharply from post position three, Touchuponastar went to the lead and dictated the pace throughout, covering the opening quarter mile in 24.35 seconds and the half mile in 49.61. He hit the ¾ mile timer in 1:14.08 and had yet to be asked for his best run by Thornton. In the upper-stretch he drew clear from Play Mo, who had been chasing the leader since the start and wound up second. The winning margin was 6-3/4 lengths on the wire. Wise Verdict rounded out the top three finishers another 1-1/4 lengths behind the runner-up. Touchuponastar covered the distance in a time of 1:45.03.

“This horse is all class; I’m thankful to be on him”, Thornton said in the winner’s circle. “He makes it look easy. He just keeps getting better and better and that’s what makes him so special.”

Overall, Touchuponastar has won 11 of his 14 career starts. He earned $90,000 on Saturday night which raised his lifetime bankroll to $708,100.

“We are blessed to have him,” said owner Jake Delhomme after the race. “There was no pace in the race so Timmy just loped him along. This horse takes his racetrack with him, but he really likes Delta Downs.”

Bred in Louisiana by Coteau Grove Farms, Touchuponastar is a 5-year-old bay gelding by all-time Louisiana-bred earner Star Guitar. He is out of the Lion Heart mare Touch Magic. Touchuponastar was sold for just $15,000 in Texas as a yearling in 2020.

Fans made Touchuponastar the lowest of favorites at odds of 1-9. He paid $2.10 to win, $2.10 to place and $2.10 to show. Play Mo returned $4.80 to place and $2.40 to show. Wise Verdict was worth $3 to show.

All eyes were on Louisiana millionaire and 1-9 wagering favorite Free Like a Girl in the $125,000 Distaff but 23-1 longshot Wholelottamo had other ideas.

The race unfolded as it appeared it would on paper with Free Like a Girl stalking the early pace set by Vale Male, who covered the opening quarter mile in 23.34 seconds and the half mile in 47.91. As the field of eight fillies and mares entered the second turn of the one-mile affair, Free Like a Girl under jockey Vicente Del Cid used a quick turn of foot to go by the leader and open a four-length lead at the top of the lane after going three quarters of a mile in 1:13.27.

Another win for Free Like a Girl looked to be in the cards before Wholelottamo and jockey C. J. McMahon launched a furious rally from far behind to run down the accomplished mare and win by ¾ of a length at the wire. Thetruthisthetruth finished another 5-3/4 lengths behind the runner-up. The final time for Wholelottamo was 1:41.20.

The win by Wholelottamo was the sixth of her 28-race career. She earned $75,000 for her connections of owner Thompson Racing LLC (Stephen Thompson) and trainer Jayde Gelner. Overall, she has taken home $383,865 during her career.

Bred in Louisiana by Cloyce C. Clark, Jr., Wholelottamo is a 5-year-old mare by Mo Tom, out of the A. P. Jet mare Jet’s Tradition. She was purchased as a yearling for $17,000 in 2020.

Wholelottamo paid $48.20 to win, $6.20 to place and $3.60 to show. Free Like a Girl was worth $2.10 to place and $2.10 to show. Thetruthisthetruth returned $3.20 to show.

The Mark Casse trainee Bron and Brow ($3.40) returned to Delta Downs and defended his title in the $100,000 Sprint this year under jockey Reylu Gutierrez. The Gary Barber-owned gelding used a dazzling late kick to slip through at the rail late and win the five-furlong dash going away. It was the seventh win from 17 career starts for Bron and Brow.

Bred in Louisiana by J. Adcock & Hume Wornall, Bron and Brow is a 5-year-old gelding by Gormley, out of the Changeintheweather mare Changing Vista. He was a $200,000 purchase as a 2-year-old in 2021.

TAV Enterprises, LLC’s El Dinero ($6) used a strong late kick to get by Good and Stout and win the $100,000 Prince on Saturday under jockey Juan Vargas. The Patrick Devereux, Jr. trainee has now won three stakes races during his seven-race career. The dark bay or brown runner broke his maiden last August in the D. S. ‘Shine’ Young Futurity at Evangeline Downs.

Bred in Louisiana by J. Adcock & Hume Wornall, El Dinero is a 3-year-old gelding by El Deal, out of the Forestry mare Money for Makeup. He was purchased for $36,000 as a 2-year-old in 2023.

Longshot Lightofmaine ($34) held off a late charge by Magnolia Avenue to capture this year’s $100,000 Starlet under jockey Jansen Melancon. The W. Bret Calhoun trainee has now won three of six career starts for owners Maury Harrington and Christopher Harrington. The Starlet was her first stakes tally.

Bred in Louisiana by Baronne Farms LLC, Lightofmaine is a 3-year-old filly by Tapwrit, out of the Deputy Minister mare Pontiana. She was purchased for $45,000 at the Keeneland September Sale in 2022.

Charlie T ($17.80), under jockey Carlos Lozada, proved best in the $100,000 Matron on Louisiana Premier Night. The Lee M. Thomas trainee held off several challengers in the five-furlong test and reported home ¾ of a length in front of runner-up Blessed Assurance. It was the seventh win for the homebred and she earned $60,000 for the effort.

Charlie T is a 5-year-old mare by My Pal Charlie, out of the Roger That mare That Real World. She was bred in Louisiana by her owner Elite Thoroughbred Racing LLC (Michelle Rodriguez).

Muchmorethanready ($3) was an easy winner in this year’s $60,000 Ladies Starter under jockey Juan Vargas. The Juan Larrosa trainee came from far behind to win by 9-¾ lengths going away for owner Laurence Jones and Evans Thoroughbred Racing, LLC. The win was her fifth from 16 career starts and her fourth in the last five trips to the starting gate.

Bred in Louisiana by T & G Farm of KY LLC, Muchmorethanready is a 4-year-old filly by Tom’s Ready, out of the Street Sense mare Astarte. She was originally sold for $20,000 at the Keeneland September sale in 2021 and was claimed by her current connections for $5,000 in November at Delta Downs.

Heza Pickle ($16.40) was victorious in the $60,000 Gentlemen Starter under jockey Corey Lanerie. The property of Terrell Jarrett, Jr. and Lara Racing Stables, LLC (Jorge Lara) used a strong late kick to gain his fifth career win from 20 overall starts. The Jorge Lara trainee was claimed for $7,500 at Delta Downs earlier this season.

Bred in Louisiana by Gerald L. Averett, Jr., Heza Pickle is a 5-year-old gelding by Yellow Meadow, out of the Planet Earth mare I Love Pickles.

The $50,000 Bon Temps Starter was won by Larry J. Romero’s Myfriendsawinner ($7) under jockey Vicente Del Cid. The Jonas B. Gibson trainee won the five-furlong sprint by three lengths over Commercial Flash. It was her eighth win from 17 career starts.

Bred in Louisiana by Penny Scarberry, Myfriendsawinner is a 6-year-old mare by Silent Pleasure, out of the Musket Man mare My Girl Max.

The closest finish of the night came in the nightcap, the $50,000 Ragin Cajun Starter when Sharp Charlie ($7.20) nosed out Double Barrel Man in a dramatic finish of the five-furlong sprint. Sharp Charlie was ridden by Joel Dominguez, who got a leg up from trainer Jorge Lara. The winner is owned by Terrell Jarrett, Jr. and Lara Racing Stable.

Sharp Charlie is a 6-year-old gelding by My Pal Charlie, out of the Rodeo mare Chic Jolie. He was bred in Louisiana by Michelle Rodriguez.

Delta Downs has three weeks left in its 2023-24 season, which wraps up on February 24. First post time each night for the remainder of the season is at 5:15 pm.

For more information about racing at Delta Downs visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com. Fans can also get information about through Facebook by visiting the page ‘Delta Downs Racing’. The track’s Twitter handle is @deltaracing.

Delta Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation, is the premier racing and gaming entertainment venue in Vinton, LA. Named “America’s Best Horse Racing Track” by readers of USA TODAY 10Best for 2023, Delta Downs features a six-furlong oval track, 15,000 square feet of casino space and more than 1,500 of the most popular slot machines. Amenities include two restaurants, chart-topping entertainment at the Delta Event Center and the FanDuel Sportsbook.

TOUCHUPONASTAR DOMINATES IN THE $150,000 LOUISIANA PREMIER NIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP AT DELTA DOWNS

louisianathoroughbred

FREE LIKE A GIRL SURPASSES $800,000 IN EARNINGS WHILE WINNING THE DISTAFF 

 

 VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs hosted its richest program of the season on Saturday evening as the 20th edition of Louisiana Premier Night took center stage. The 12-race program featured 10 stakes races and $980,000 in total purse money for Louisiana-bred horses.

The featured race on the program was the $150,000 Louisiana Premier Night Championship. The favorite, Touchuponastar did not disappoint in the race, winning easily under jockey Tim Thorton, who notched a pair of wins on the rich program.

Touchuponastar, who is owned by retired NFL quarterback Jake Delhomme’s Set Hut Stables and trained by Jeff Delhomme, was expected to set the pace in the 1 1-16-mile test for 4-year-olds and up, but an early lead was not in the cards as Brian’s Iron Mike shot to the front in the initial strides after Touchuponastar stumbled when the gates opened.

Thornton appeared to struggle with his mount early after a rough start, but he settled down and angled off the rail entering the first turn of the two-turn race. The opening quarter mile was clicked off in 23.65 seconds by Brian’s Iron Mike while Thornton guided his mount into a stalking position onto the backstretch. When the half-mile was reached in 47.47, Brian’s Iron Mike was feeling the pressure from Touchuponastar and eventually gave way to the eventual winner, who clicked off a rapid time of 1:12.89 for three quarters.

Turning for home the outcome was never in doubt, as Touchuponastar increased his lead and cruised to a final winning margin of 2-1/2 lengths over late runner Behemah Star, while recording a final time of 1:45.53. Ballinonabudjet wound up third, another three lengths behind the runner-up.

After the race, Thornton raved about Touchuponastar, whom he has ridden in all but one of his seven career starts.

“He’s a class act; does everything you ask of him,” stated the winning rider. “He stumbled out of the gate, but I was never worried.”

Touchuponastar has now won four consecutive races and five-of-seven starts overall. He banked another $90,000 for the win on Saturday and his earnings now stand at $253,100.

Bred in Louisiana by Coteau Grove Farms, Touchuponastar is a 4-year-old gelding by Star Guitar, out of the Lion Heart mare Touch Magic. He was purchased for $15,000 as yearling.

Sent off at odds of 6-5 by the fans, Touchuponastar returned $4.40 to win, $2.80 to place and $2.10 to show. Behemah Star was worth $3.20 to place and $2.60 to show. Ballinonabudjet paid $2.80 to show.

In other action on Louisiana Premier Night, Free Like a Girl won the $125,000 Distaff under jockey Pedro Cotto, Jr. for trainer Chasey Deville Pomier. The multiple graded stakes placed 4-year-old filly notched her 11thwin from 23 career starts in the race for owners Gerald Bruno, Jr., Carl J. Deville, Chasey Deville Pomier and Jerry Caroom. The $75,000 winner’s paycheck raised Free Like a Girl’s lifetime bankroll up to $829,878.

Race favorite Bron and Brow used a rail-skimming trip up jockey Rey Gutierrez to claim victory in the $100,000 Sprint. The Mark Casse trainee was well behind the leaders early in the five-furlong affair but found a seam on the inside of leader Takes Two to Tango in the stretch before drawing clear to win easily. Bron and Brow, a 4-year-old by Gormley, is owned by Gary Barber and has now won five-of-11 starts while earning $284,670.

Alpine Mist made her stakes debut a winning one in the $100,000 Starlet on Louisiana Premier Night. Under jockey Vicente Del Cid, Alpine Mist pulled the upset at odds of 11-1 for owner/breeder Melissa Cantacuzene and trainer J. Luis Garcia. Alpine Mist, a 3-year-old filly, is now a perfect three-for-three in her career and has earned $108,600.

The $100,000 Prince wasn’t without controversy this year as Allied Racing Stables’ gelding Jack Hammer made it to the wire first in the one-mile test for 3-year-olds but had to survive a jockey’s objection from C. J. McMahon, who rode runner-up Marks Promise. The objection was eventually disallowed, and the W. Bret Calhoun trainee was declared the official winner. Jack Hammer is now undefeated in his three-race career and banked $60,000 for his victory on Saturday night. His fledgling bankroll now stands at $157,755.

This year’s $100,000 Matron featured a dramatic photo finish between Snowball and Ova Charged, who hit the finished line together. After the image was examined by the placing judges, the tote board displayed a dead heat for the win.

Snowball’s effort earned her the eighth victory of her career from 47 overall starts. The 7-year-old mare has now won $470,370 for owner Tin Roof Farms, LLC and trainer Sam Breaux. Snowball was ridden to victory by jockey Vicente Del Cid.

Ova Charged, who was sent off was the heavy favorite while on a five-race winning streak, was ridden by jockey Jose Rodriguez. The Jose Camejo trainee is owned by Brittlyn Stables, Inc. Ova Charged has only suffered defeat once in her nine-race career, and that was in a graded stakes race at Belmont Park in July of 2021. Ova Charged has now earned $364,600 during her stellar career.

The biggest upset of the night came in the $60,000 Gentlemen Starter as Kevin Delahoussaye’s Freedomfi wore down pacesetter Doctor Leo in the stretch of the 1 1/16-mile event. Going off at odds of 31-1, the Glenn Delahoussaye trainee was ridden to victory by Tim Thornton. Freedomfi is now six-for-47 during his career, and he has earned $253,847.

The Mark Hibdon owned and trained D’wild Muffin took the $50,000 Bon Temps Starter under jockey Alex Birzer. The 9-year-old mare has now won six-of-16 career starts and has a bankroll of $114,704. Her local record at Delta Downs now stands at five wins and three seconds from 12 trips to the starting gate.

This year’s $60,000 LAPN Ladies Starter went to Zydeco Music under jockey Rey Gutierrez. The Shane Wilson trainee used a front-running trip to lead all the way before holding off a late challenge by A Wish for Madelyn, who made it close at the wire in the one-mile affair. Owned by Richard Anthony Tompkins, Zyedeco Music has now won 10-of-28 career starts and banked $204,440.

The final race on the card was the $50,000 Ragin Cajun Starter and it was won by Vanessa Motta’s Dixie Street under jockey Tracy Hebert for trainer Sean Alfortish. Dixie street went from last to first in the five-furlong sprint and has now won nine-of-33 career starts. He earned $30,000 for his win and now has a bankroll of $219,520.

Delta Downs has three weeks left in its 2022-23 season. The track will move to a 5:20 pm post time each Wednesday through Saturday until closing night on February 25.

For more information about racing at Delta Downs visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com. Fans can also get information about through Facebook by visiting the page ‘Delta Downs Racing’. The track’s Twitter handle is @deltaracing.

DELTA DOWNS HOSTS 2023 LOUISIANA PREMIER NIGHT ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4

louisianathoroughbred

NEARLY $1 MILLION IN TOTAL PURSE MONEY TO BE AWARDED TO LOUISIANA’S BEST THOROUGHBREDS DURING 12-RACE PROGRAM

 

VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs is getting set for the richest race day of the season on Saturday when Louisiana’s most talented racehorses will vie for nearly $1 million in total purse money on Louisiana Premier Night. The annual event features 10 stakes races on a 12-race program that kicks off at 4:50 pm. This will be the 20th renewal of Louisiana Premier Night.

In addition to thrilling action on the racetrack, fans will also be treated to a Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association Last Fan Standing Handicapping Contest with cash prizes awarded to the top five finishers; a special drawing for two (2) $1,000 Louisiana college scholarships, also sponsored by the LTBA; and an appearance by expert handicapper and national horse racing personality Martha Claussen, who will co-host the simulcast show along with track announcer Don Stevens.

The feature race on Saturday will be the $150,000 Louisiana Premier Night Championship for older horses competing at 1-1/16 miles, which will be the 11th race on the card. This year’s headliner attracted a field of nine headed by Set-Hut, LLC’s Touchuponastar (3-1 morning line favorite), who will be ridden by jockey Tim Thornton. The Jeff Delhomme trainee enters the event on a three-race winning streak and most recently defeated four other Championship runners in the Louisiana Classic at Fair Grounds on Champions Day, December 10.

The LAPN Championship field also includes top earner Who Took The Money (7-2), who won the $100,000 Gold Cup at Delta Downs earlier this season; Highland Creek (6-1), who won the Boyd Rewards Stakes at Delta Downs on December 30; Behemah Star (9-2), who finished second to Touchuponastar in the Louisiana Classic; and defending race champion Langs Day (6-1).

The overwhelming morning line favorite on the entire program is Brittlyn Stable’s 5-year-old mare Ova Charged, who will go postward in the $100,000 Louisiana Premier Night Matron at five furlongs. Installed at odds of 3-5 in the program, Ova Charged is a graded stakes placed runner who enters the night on a five-race winning streak, the last four of which were in stakes company. Jockey Jose Luis Rodriguez will get a leg up on the mare from trainer Jose Camejo.

The top earner on the entire program Saturday will try to win her second consecutive Louisiana Premier Night race when Free Like a Girl goes to the post in the $125,000 Distaff. The Chasey Deville Pomier trainee won last year’s Starlet as a 3-year-old and has been graded stakes placed multiple times since that effort. Overall, the 4-year-old daughter of El Deal has banked $754,878 on 10 wins from 22 starts. Jockey Pedro Cotto, Jr. will pilot Free Like a Girl, who is the 5-2 morning line favorite for the race.

In addition to the many local horsemen taking part in Louisiana Premier Night, there will also be nationally prominent trainers who will saddle horses on the program. They include Brad Cox, Karl Broberg, W. Bret Calhoun and many others.

Listed below are all 10 Louisiana Premier Night stakes races for 2023 in program order.

Race #             Purse              Stakes                                                 Distance          Age

3                      $60,000           LAPN Ladies Starter                          1 mile              4yo & up FM

4                      $50,000           LAPN Bon Temps Starter                  5 furlongs        4yo & up FM

5                      $60,000           LAPN Gentlemen Starter                   1-1/16 miles    4yo & up

6                      $100,000         LAPN Prince                                       1 mile              3yo

7                      $125,000         LAPN Distaff                                     1 mile              4yo & up FM

8                      $100,000         LAPN Matron                                     5 furlongs        4yo & up FM

9                      $100,000         LAPN Starlet                                      1 mile              3yo Fillies

10                    $100,000         LAPN Sprint                                       5 furlongs        4yo & up

11                    $150,000         LAPN Championship                          1-1/16 miles    4yo & up

12                    $50,000           LAPN Ragin Cajun Starter                 5 furlongs        4yo & up

For more information about Louisiana Premier Night and the remainder of Delta Downs’ season, which runs through February 25, visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com. Fans can also follow the track on Facebook and Twitter.

Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & 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 off Interstate 10, and from Texas take exit 4.

CILLA DAZZLES WHILE CAPTURING THE $75,000 ORLEANS STAKES AT DELTA DOWNS

louisianathoroughbred

GRADED STAKES WINNER NOTCHES ANOTHER BIG WIN FOR OWNER P. DALE LADNER

 

Cilla wins the Orleans Stakes at Delta Downs. Coady Photography.

 

VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs hosted the $75,000 Orleans Stakes on Friday afternoon and the winner was a very popular choice of the fans as P. Dale Ladner’s 3-5 wagering favorite, Cilla, came home in front under jockey Thomas Pompell. The daughter of California Chrome got back to the winner’s circle for the first time since winning the Grade 2 Prioress Stakes at Saratoga Race Course back in September.

 

Breaking from post eight in a field of nine, Cilla stalked the early pace set by Icy Charlie, who carved out fractional times of 22.54 seconds for the opening quarter mile and 46.01 for the half. As they turned for home Cilla engaged Icy Charlie who didn’t give way easily in the stretch. The pair battled it out for a few strides before Cilla gained the upper-hand and went on to a 2-3/4 length victory over a game Icy Charlie while Onerollofthedice settled for third, another half length behind the runner-up.

 

Cilla covered the five-furlong distance of the Orleans in a rapid time of 58.40 seconds. Each race on the Friday program was contest of a fast track and under sunny skies.

 

The win by Cilla marked the sixth of her 13-race career. She earned $45,000 for the effort and now has a career bankroll of $416,000.

 

Bred in Louisiana by Ladner and her trainer Brett Brinkman, Cilla is a 4-year-old bay daughter of California Chrome, out of the Into Mischief mare Sittin At the Bar.

 

Fans who wagered on Cilla collected payoffs of $3.20 to win, $2.40 to place and $2.20 to show. Icy Charlie was worth $4.80 to place and $3.40 to show. Onerollofthedice returned $7 to show.

 

Delta Downs will close out its race week on Saturday afternoon with another nine-race program that kicks off at 12:55 pm. The headliner will be the $75,000 Sam’s Town Stakes for older horses sprinting five furlongs.

 

For more information about the current season visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com. Fans can also get information about the track through Facebook by visiting the page ‘Delta Downs Racing’. The track’s Twitter handle is @deltaracing.

 

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.

DELTA DOWNS READIES FOR 2021 EDITION OF LOUISIANA PREMIER DAY ON FEBRUARY 10

louisianathoroughbred
Don Stevens
DeltaDowns

–  $125,000 CHAMPIONSHIP HIGHLIGHTS LUCRATIVE CARD FOR LOUISIANA-BREDS –

 

 

VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs will host its richest race program of the season on Wednesday, February 10, when the track will award $805,000 in total purse throughout 10 stakes races. The event is called Louisiana Premier Day, and for the first time in its 18-year existence it will take place during the daytime hours with first post time set for 12:55 pm.

 

The featured race on the card will be the $125,000 Louisiana Premier Day Championship for older horses competing at 1-1/16 miles, which will be the ninth race on the program. This year’s Championship attracted a field of nine talented runners including last year’s winner Underpressure, from the barn of trainer Chris Richard. Underpressure, a 7-year-old gelding, is also the top earner in the field with a bankroll of $763,182 from 39 lifetime starts for owner Mallory Richard. Journeyman jockey Gerard Melancon will pilot Underpressure in the big race.

 

The Championship field also includes Israel Flores Horses, LLC’s Pound for Pound and Gerard Perron’s Grand Luwegee. Pound for Pound beat Underpressure by a nose in their most recent showdown, an allowance event at Fair Grounds on January 14. Grand Luwegee won the Championship back in 2019 and scored a big win in the Louisiana Champions Day Classic at Fair Grounds in December of this year.

 

Fans will also be in for a treat when the $100,000 Louisiana Premier Day Sprint rolls around in the sixth race as grade I winner No Parole makes his second appearance at Delta Downs for owner Maggi Moss and trainer Tom Amoss. The 4-year-old star won last year’s Louisiana Premier Day Prince before going on to take the Woody Stephens Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park this past June. Diego Saenz will be at the helm when No Parole goes to the starting gate on Wednesday afternoon.

 

Another race that will get plenty of attention on the program will be the $100,000 Louisiana Premier Day Starlet featuring Brett Brinkman and P. Dale Ladner’s Cilla. The 3-year-old daughter of California Chrome most recently finished third in the Grade I Frizette Stakes at Belmont Park. Brinkman trains Cilla and Gerard Melancon will get the mount aboard the likely favorite.

 

In addition to the many local horsemen taking part in Louisiana Premier Day there are also some nationally prominent trainers who will saddle horses on the program. They include Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen, as well as W. Bret Calhoun, Tom Amoss and others.

 

Delta Downs will offer the DRF Bets $50,000 Guaranteed All Stakes Pick 4 wager on the Louisiana Premier Day program. The special wager will take place on race 7 – 10, which includes the afternoon’s richest race, the $125,000 Louisiana Premier Day Championship serving as the penultimate leg.

 

Delta Downs will also welcome a special guest to its simulcast program during Louisiana Premier Day.  Nationally known horse racing analyst and commentator Martha Claussen will join track announcer Don Stevens on the simulcast show as a co-host, handicapper and trackside reporter following the major stakes races.

 

Listed below are all 10 Louisiana Premier Day stakes races for 2021 in program order.

 

Race #             Purse              Stakes Race                                        Distance                      Age

1                      $40,000           LAPD Bon Temps Starter                   5 furlongs                    4yo & up FM

2                      $50,000           LAPD Ladies Starter                           1 mile                          4yo & up FM

3                      $100,000         LAPD Starlet                                       1 mile                          3yo fillies

4                      $40,000           LAPD Ragin Cajun Starter                 5 furlongs                    4yo & up

5                      $100,000         LAPD Prince                                       1 mile                          3yo

6                      $100,000         LAPD Sprint                                       5 furlongs                    4yo & up

7                      $100,000         LAPD Distaff                                      1 mile                          4yo & up FM

8                      $100,000         LAPD Matron                                     5 furlongs                    4yo & up FM

9                      $125,000         LAPD Championship                          1-1/16 miles                4yo & up

10                    $50,000           LAPD Gentlemen Starter                    1-1/16 miles                4yo & up

 

The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association will be awarding two (2) $1,000 college scholarships via a drawing that will take place on Louisiana Premier Day.

 

Entries for the LTBA drawing will be taken online only this year at www.louisianabred.com. The deadline to enter is noon on Tuesday, February 9. Winners will be announced after the fifth race at the track and the drawing will be shown live on the Louisiana Thoroughbred Association Facebook page. To qualify for the drawing, entrants must be enrolled full time for spring or summer 2021 classes and in good standing with their Louisiana college or university.

 

For more information about Louisiana Premier Day and the remainder of Delta Downs’ current season, which runs through April 16, visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com. Fans can also follow the track 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.

 

 

Battered By Hurricane Laura, Delta Downs Is Back in Business

louisianathoroughbred

By Bill Finley

Take a quick glance at the opening day card at Delta Downs and it might seem like nothing has changed. The fields for Tuesday’s races are full, perennial leading trainer Karl Broberg has seven entered and the feature is a $60,000 stakes for Louisiana-breds that has attracted horses from the stables of Tom Amoss and Steve Asmussen.

But this will be a meet unlike any other at the track that sits just a few miles east of the Texas-Louisiana border. Delta Downs was directly in the path of Hurricane Laura, a Category 4 storm with winds reaching 150 miles per hour that all but tore the place apart when it hit land on Aug. 27. Since then, there’s been a full-court press to get the track ready for a delayed opening day of a meet that will be conducted during the day.

 

Read TDN article

MARIAH’S GALAXY WINS THE TREASURE CHEST AT DELTA DOWNS

louisianathoroughbred

LOUISIANA-BRED ALSO WON THE MAGNOLIA STAKES ON OPENING WEEKEND

Mariah's Galaxy, Treasure Chest - 11-15-19
Maria’s Galaxy defeats open company in the $100,000 Treasure Chest Stakes at Delta Downs.

The Treasure Chest Stakes
Delta Downs, 11-15-19, One mile
Three-year-olds and upwards, fillies and mares, $100,000

MARIAH’S GALAXY
Greeley’s Galaxy–Black Mariah
Breeder: Margie K. Averett (LA)
Owner: Riley Blanchet and Todd Matte
Trainer: Victor Arceneaux
Jockey: Kevin J. Smith

2nd
She’s Our Fastest
Oratory–Dawali
Breeder: Eureka Thoroughbred Farm (TX)
Owner: Mark Norman and Norman Stables LLC
Trainer: Scott Gelner
Jockey: Thomas L. Pompell

3rd
Special Blessing
Flat Out–Langsyne
Breeder: J. Adcock (LA)
Owner: Coteau Grove Farms LLC
Trainer: W. Bret Calhoun
Jockey: Roberto Morales

 

VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs hosted the 14th running of the $100,000 Treasure Chest Stakes on Friday night and the winner was Mariah’s Galaxy under jockey Kevin Smith. The Victor Arceneaux trainee has now won two stakes races already this season as she also took the $100,000 Magnolia on opening weekend, October 11.

Mariah’s Galaxy’s task in the Treasure Chest appeared to be tougher one as she was facing open company this time after beating Louisiana-breds in the Magnolia. She passed the test with flying colors however as she sat back in the 10-horse field while Summer’s Indy set the early pace of 23.01 seconds for the opening quarter mile and 47.40 for the half. As the field entered the final turn of the one mile event Smith called on his mount and she responded with a determined rally that put her 1-1/2 lengths in front of Shes Our Fastest at the wire while Special Blessing rallied for third, another four lengths behind the top pair. Summer’s Indy faded to fourth.

The final time for Mariah’s Galaxy over a fast track in the Treasure Chest was 1:39.51

The win by Mariah’s Galaxy, who is owned by Riley Blanchet and Todd Matte, was the ninth of her 24-race career. She banked another $60,000 for her win on Friday and now boasts a lifetime bankroll of $302,485.

Bred in Louisiana by Margie K. Averett, Mariah’s Galaxy is a 5-year-old mare by Greeley’s Galaxy, out of the Devil His Due mare Black Mariah.

Sent to the gate at odds of 5-1, Mariah’s Galaxy paid $12 to win, $5.20 to place and $4 to show. Shes Our Fastest was worth $11.20 to place and $7 to show. Special Blessing paid $4.80 to show.

 

 

For more information about racing at Delta Downs visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com. Fans can also get information about through Facebook by visiting the page ‘Delta Downs Racing’. The track’s Twitter handle is @deltaracing.

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.

GRAND LUWEGEE SCORES AN UPSET IN THIS YEAR’S LOUISIANA PREMIER NIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

louisianathoroughbred
GRAND LUWEGEE - LA Bred Premier Night Championship - 16th Running - 02-09-19 - R09 - DED-04
Grand Luwegee wins the $150,000 Louisiana Premier Night Championship Stakes at Delta Downs, Saturday, February 9th. Coady Photography

– JOCKEY DIEGO SAENZ TALLIES FOUR STAKES WINS ON RICH NIGHT OF RACING –

VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs hosted its richest program of the season on Saturday night with another edition of Louisiana Premier Night. The 12-race card featured 10 stakes races for Louisiana-bred horses and nearly $1 million in total purse money up for grabs.

 

The featured event of the night was the $150,000 Louisiana Premier Night Championship for older horses competing at 1-1/16 miles. The race was won by Grand Luwegee with jockey Diego Saenz in the saddle for owner, breeder and trainer Gerard Perron. The win was the third of four victories on the night for Saenz.

 

After the race, Perron praised Saenz for a special talent he used to help Grand Luwegee get to the winner’s circle following his first stakes win.

 

“Diego’s got the hands that this horse needs,” Perron stated. “He’s proven it each time he’s ridden him.”

 

Perron also explained how Grand Luwegee got his unique name.

 

“I let my grandsons name my horses and Bryce, who is six, came up with the name.”

 

Grand Luwegee’s win came with a front-running, rail skimming trip after he broke alertly from the inside post position in a field of 10. The 4-year-old carved our fractional times of 23.91 seconds for the opening quarter-mile, 48.33 for the half, and 1:13.30 for three-quarters. At the top of the lane he owned a three-length lead before turning back a late challenge by Givemeaminit and won by a neck on the finish line. Mageez finished another 3 ¾-lengths behind in third.

 

The final time for the Championship was 1:45.80 over a fast track.

 

Grand Luwegee has now won five of 13 career starts and his $90,000 paycheck on Saturday raised his overall bankroll to $235,360.

 

Bred in Louisiana, Grand Luwegee is a dark bay or brown colt by El Corredor, out of the Gold Fever mare Magical Mia.

 

Sent to the gate at odds of 11-1, Grand Luwegee paid $24.20 to win, $10 to place and $6.40 to show. Givemeaminit returned $4 to place and $3 to show. Mageez was worth $7.20 to show.

 

In other action on Louisiana Premier Night it was Hyper Piper winning the $125,000 Distaff under jockey Tim Thornton. The grey 6-year-old is trained by Sam B. David, Jr. and is owned by Earl J. Hernandez, Keith Hernandez and John Duvieilh.

 

This year’s $100,000 Sprint was taken by Wonder Run, who was guided to victory by jockey Diego Saenz, Wonder Run is a 6-year-old gelding who is trained by Steven Flint and is owned by Whispering Oak Farm, LLC.

 

James McIngvale’s 3-year-old Goodprofit proved best in this year’s $100,000 Starlet while being ridden by Gerard Melancon. The 3-year-old bay runner is trained by Chris Richard.

 

A strong rally in the stretch got Shang to the winner’s circle in the $100,000 Prince with jockey Diego Saenz aboard. Shang is owned by Corinne and William Heiligbrodt and is conditioned by Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen.

 

Ours to Run won her second straight $100,000 Matron this year as she turned in a strong performance under jockey Roberto Morales. The winner is owned by Colonel Thoroughbreds LLC and is trained by Larry Jones.

 

Galaxy Thirtysix gave Delta Downs leading trainer Karl Broberg a win on the program in the $60,000 Ladies Starter, as she drew clear in the lane under jockey Tim Thornton. Galaxy Thirtysix is owned by End Zone Athletics, Inc.

 

Jockey Kerwin Clark rode a masterful race in the $60,000 Gentlemen Starter to earn the victory aboard Just Stormin. The Allen Landry trainee is owned by Craig Drago.

 

In the $50,000 Bon Temps Starter it was Toomuch getting the victory with Diego Saenz in the saddle. Toomuch is owned by Darque Horse Racing, LLC and is trained by Eduardo Ramirez.

 

And finally, Hunker Down took the $50,000 Ragin Cajun Starter with jockey Adam Beschizza aboard for trainer Ron Faucheux, who owns the 6-year-old gelding in partnership with Ming Yan Ng.

 

Delta Downs will embark on its 18th week of live racing Wednesday night with a 10-race program that kicks off at 5:25 pm. The current season runs through March 9.

 

For more information about racing at Delta Downs visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com. Fans can also get information about through Facebook by visiting the page ‘Delta Downs Racing’. The track’s Twitter handle is @deltaracing.

 

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.

 

Delta Downs Preparing For Another Edition Of Louisiana Premier Night On Saturday

louisianathoroughbred

$150,000 LAPN CHAMPIONSHIP HIGHLIGHTS EXCITING CARD FOR LOUISIANA-BREDS –

  

VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs is gearing up for another rich race program on Saturday as the track hosts the 16th edition of Louisiana Premier Night. The 12-race program will feature 10 stakes races for Louisiana-bred horses worth nearly $1 million in total purse money. First post time for the rich program is at 5:25 pm Central Time.

 

Saturday’s featured race will be the $150,000 Louisiana Premier Night Championship for older horses competing at 1-1/16 miles, which will be the ninth race on the program. This year’s Championship attracted a full field of 12, which includes two also eligible horses. The Chris Richard trainee Underpressure is one of the horses to watch in the feature as he just missed in last year’s race after taking the Louisiana Premier Night Prince in 2017.

 

The $125,000 Louisiana Premier Night Distaff field will include a pair of Brittlyn Stables runners in Testing One Two and Mr. Al’s Gal. Testing One Two is trained by Victor Arceneaux and is undefeated at Delta Downs with five wins in as many starts, including a score in the Treasure Chest Stakes on November 16. Mr. Al’s Gal, who hails from the barn of Justin Jeansonne, is the high earner in the field with a lofty bankroll of $479,400. The daughter of Salute the Sarge won the Louisiana Premier Night Starlet in 2017 before finishing third in last year’s Distaff.

 

In addition to the local horsemen taking part in Louisiana Premier Night there are also some nationally prominent trainers who will saddle horses on the program. They include Hall of Famers Jerry Hollendorfer and Steve Amussen, as well as Larry Jones, Al Stall, Jr., Dallas Stewart and Bret Calhoun.

 

Delta Downs will offer a $50,000 guaranteed all stakes Pick 4 wager on the special Louisiana Premier Night program. The special Pick 4 will take place on races six through nine, which includes the evening’s richest race, the $150,000 Louisiana Premier Night Championship serving as the anchor leg.

 

Fans can also take part in a special handicapping contest on Louisiana Premier Night which will offer a first-place prize of $500 and other cash prizes paid down to the top five finishers. The contest is free to enter but participants must be 21 years of age and a B Connected or Prime Rewards member to play. The contest will take place on races five through 10 and the deadline to enter is post time for the fifth race.

 

Listed below are all 10 Louisiana Premier Night stakes races for 2019 in program order.

 

Race #             Purse              Stakes Race                                                    Distance                      Age

2                      $100,000         LAPN Starlet                                                   1 mile                          3yo Fillies

3                      $50,000           LAPN Bon Temps Starter                               5 furlongs                    4yo & up FM

4                      $60,000           LAPN Gentlemen Starter                                1-1/16 miles                4yo & up

5                      $50,000           LAPN Ragin Cajun Starter                             5 furlongs                    4yo & up

6                      $60,000           LAPN Ladies Starter                                       1 mile                          4yo & up FM

7                      $100,000         LAPN Matron                                                 5 furlongs                    4yo & up FM

8                      $100,000         LAPN Prince                                                   1 mile                          3yo

9                      $150,000         LAPN Championship                                      1-1/16 miles                4yo & up

10                    $125,000         LAPN Distaff                                                  1 mile                          4yo & up FM

11                    $100,000         LAPN Sprint                                                   5 furlongs                    4yo

 

The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association will be awarding two $1,000 college scholarships via a drawing that will take place on Louisiana Premier Night. Entries for the drawing will be taken between 4:25-5:25 pm in the promenade area. To qualify for the drawing, entrants must be enrolled in a good standing in a Louisiana school. The winners of the scholarships will be announced during the program.

 

For more information about Louisiana Premier Night and the remainder of Delta Downs’ current season, which runs through March 9, visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com. Fans can also follow the track 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.

SIR GENGHIS PREVAILS IN THE $100,000 GOLD CUP AT DELTA DOWNS

louisianathoroughbred
SIR GENGHIS - Gold Cup-The 16th Running - 10-20-18 - R09 - DED-01
Sir Genghis wins the Gold Cup Stakes at Delta Downs. Coady Photography

 

Gold Cup Stakes
Delta Downs, 10-20-18, 1 Mile
Three Year Olds and Upwards, Accredited Louisiana Breds, $100,000

SIR GENGHIS
Tale of the Cat-Staria
Breeder: Randel Stutes
Owner: Gillian and Kirk L. Harris
Trainer: Kirk L. Harris
Jockey: T.L. Pompell

2nd
Mageez
Musket Man-Spaseeba
Breeder: James A. McGehee, Jr.
Owner: Double Dam Farm LLC
Trainer: Delmar R. Caldwell
Jockey: T. Thornton

3rd
Underpressure
Birdstone-Charming Colleen
Breeder: James McIngvale
Owner: Mallory Greiner
Trainer: Chris Richard
Jockey: G. Melancon

 

VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs capped of its new Thoroughbred season on Saturday with a 10-race program that included a pair of stakes races, the $100,000 Gold Cup and the $50,000 Jean Lafitte. Gillian and Kirk L. Harris’s Sir Genghis took the Gold Cup while Ninth Street dominated the Jean Laffite.

 

The Gold Cup field had plenty speed this year and Sir Genghis was one of the early-pace runners. After taking advantage of the rail post position under journeyman rider Thomas Pompell, the Kirk L. Harris trainee followed Queeten through an opening quarter-mile in 23.56 seconds while laying just off the pace. Sir Genghis then took the lead and passed the half-mile in 47.95 and three-quarters in 1:12.87. After that he proved unbeatable through the homestretch, hitting the finish line a half-length in front of Mageez who rallied well but came up short in second. Race favorite Underpressure settled for third, another 1-1/2 lengths behind the runner-up.

 

The final time for Sir Genghis in the Gold Cup was 1:39.43 over a fast track.

 

The victory by Sir Genghis was his first at Delta Downs from six trips and it was his 11th career win overall from 48 total trips to the starting gate. He earned $60,000 for the Gold Cup score and now boasts a lifetime bankroll of $520,612.

 

Bred in Louisiana by Randel Stutes, Sir Genghis is a 7-year-old gelding by Tale of the Cat, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Staria.

 

Sent off at odds of 5-2, Sir Genghis paid $7 to win, $4 to place and $2.60 to show. Mageez paid $5.20 to place and $3.20 to show. Underpressure returned $2.40 to show.

 

Delta Downs will embark on its second week of live racing on Wednesday night with a 10-race program that beings at 5:25 pm CT.

 

For more information about racing at Delta Downs visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com. Fans can also get information about through Facebook by visiting the page ‘Delta Downs Racing’. The track’s Twitter handle is @deltaracing.

 

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