Join us for an exclusive fundraiser in partnership with Louisiana Stallion Stakes on July 8 in Mojos at Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino!
JOIN US FOR AN EVENING OF MUSIC, FUN, DANCING, LOUISIANA BRED RACING AND SUPPORT THE RACING EMPLOYEES ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (REAP)
REAP is excited to announce our upcoming fundraiser in partnership with Louisiana Stallion Stakes! This exclusive event will take place on Saturday, July 8, 2023. The Stallion Stakes is sponsored by Coteau Grove Farms featuring Louisiana accredited three-year-old and up colts & geldings restricted to horses that were sired by a stallion domiciled in Louisiana. This is also the same evening for the D.S. Shine Young Futurity featuring Louisiana accredited two-year-old colts and geldings.
We invite you to join us for an unforgettable day of horse racing, while also supporting our cause to raise funds for our organization. All proceeds from this event will go towards supporting our mission to make a positive impact in our community. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to support a great cause and enjoy a day at the races!
Keith and Ginger Myers are generously donating the fees to pay the band to ensure that all proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorships are maximized for the benefit of REAP.
We have on level of Signature Sponsorships for $1,000 and individual tickets for $25.
BIG FAMILY NIGHT CROWD ON HAND FOR MARQUEE NIGHT OF RACING
OPELOUSAS, LA –Evangeline Downs hosted the annual celebration of the Louisiana-bred Thoroughbreds with an exciting Louisiana Legends Night card on Saturday. The card featured six stake races each worth $100,000 for state-bred runners and were contested over courses rated fast and firm.
Evangeline Downs honored some past Louisiana Legends throughout the evening. Race fans were asked to nominate their own legends on Facebook. Merrill Scherer, Ray Sibille, Ron Ardoin, Doris Hebert, Buster Leger and Harold Delahoussaye were the top nominees by the fans and were recognized during the card.
FREE LIKE A GIRL STAYS UNBEATEN AT EVANGELINE DOWNS IN MADEMOISELLE VICTORY
Free Like A Girl wins the Louisiana Legends Mademoiselle Stakes. Kimmy Burrow, Coady Photography.
Free Like a Girl again showed her fondness for the local racing strip in her Mademoiselle win. With Jockey Tim Thornton aboard, Free Like a Girl was in midpack running down the backstretch as Wupkar and Beleout sped through early fractions of 22.50 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and a half-mile split in 46.22. Moved outside to produce a four-wide bid, Free Like a Girl was able to collar the leaders nearing the furlong pole and pulled forward in the final 100 yards. The winning margin was 1-3/4 lengths at the wire, with Beleout second and First I’ve Seen another 1-1/4 lengths back in third. The Chasey Deville Pomier trainee moves to a perfect five for five over the local strip. The final time for the 5-1/2 furlongs was 1:05.17.
Bred by Kim Renee Stover and Lisa Osborne, the 4-year-old bay filly was sired by El Deal and is out of the Flashy Bull mare Flashy Prize. Owned by the partnership of Gerald Bruno, Jr., Carl Deville, Chasey Deville Pomier and Jerry Caroom, she wins for the thirteenth time in 27 starts and earns $60,000. Her career bankroll now stands at $930,378.
Free Like a Girl returned $3.80 to win as the wagering favorite, $3 to place and $2.10 to show. Beleout paid $7.60 to place, $6 to show and First I’ve Seen paid $4.40 to show.
Keith Plaisance’s Cheapskate Diva made a sharp bid for the lead turning for home and held off favored A G’s Charlotte to capture the Turf Distaff. Away in good order under jockey Carlos Marquez, Cheapskate Diva tracked the early lead of Eve’s Delight through fractions of 24.08 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 47.43 seconds for the half-mile. Cheapskate Diva made a move to take the lead at the top of the stretch and remained clear in the run to the wire to win by 2-1/2 lengths. A G’s Charlotte made a mild bid without threatening the winner and won a photo for second by a nose over a late closing Wholelottamo. The winner stopped the clock in a time of 1:35.80 for the mile distance.
The Joseph Felks trained runner is a 5-year-old bay mare sired by Animal Kingdom and is out of the Candy Ride (ARG) mare Beautiful Liar. Bred by the owner, Cheapskate Diva wins for the fifth time from 15 career starts. Earning $60,000 in the victory, her career bankroll increases to $176,640.
Cheapskate Diva returned $11.40 to win, $4.80 to place and $2.80 to show. A G’s Charlotte returned $2.80 to place, $2.20 to show and Wholelottamo paid $2.40 to show.
ALLNIGHT MOONLIGHT GETS NECK VICTORY OVER MANGUM IN CHEVAL STAKES
Roger Smith’s Allnight Moonlight dug in late to win a spirited stretch battle over Mangum in the Cheval. With Tim Thornton in the irons, Allnight Moonlight broke smoothly but was caught with a wide trip through the clubhouse turn as Calibrachoa Kid set the pace with Macho Beanie and Clear as a Bele the closest pursuers. Mangum made a bid to take the lead at the top of the stretch, as Allnight Moonlight ranged up while still covering extra ground. The pair squared off and battled to the wire with Allnight Moonlight winning by a neck. It was a big gap of ten lengths back to The Boss Soss in third. The running time for the mile was 1:39.59.
Bred by Coteau Grove Farms LLC and trained by David Terre, the winner is a 3-year-old colt sired by Ransom the Moon and out of the Medaglia d’Oro mare Gingertini. A winner for the fourth time from eight career starts, the $60,000 winner’s share pushes his career bankroll to $229,000.
Allnight Moonlight rewarded his backers with a $6 win price, $4.80 to place and $3.60 to show. Mangum paid $6.80 to place, $5.20 to show and The Boss Soss returned $6 to show.
LOUISIANA LIBERTY TAKES SOIREE STAKES IN DRAMATIC FASHION
Louisiana Liberty wins the Louisiana Legends Soiree Stakes. Kimmy Burrow, Coady Photography.
Jockey Gerard Melancon and Louisiana Liberty sustained a wide rally in a last to first move to capture the Soiree. The early fractions were steady as Highly Wicked set the pace with New Destiny and Sixth Anniversary close behind through an opening quarter mile in 24.08 seconds and a half-mile in 48.38 seconds. Louisiana Liberty was wide down the backside at the tail of the field and began to make some headway with a bid entering the far turn, as favored Star Moment also moved into contention. The duo moved in tandem to battle for the lead inside the final furlong, with Louisiana Liberty edging clear in the final yards to win by a half-length. It was another 1-3/4 lengths back to Highly Wicked holding on for the show spot. The final time for the mile was 1:40.79.
Bred by Coteau Grove Farms LLC and owned by Whispering Oaks Farm LLC (Carrol Castille), Louisiana Liberty is a 3-year-old filly sired by Cloud Computing. She is out of the Pleasant Tap mare Pleasantly Blessed. Winning for only the second time in 11 career starts, her career bankroll increases to $135,230.
Louisiana Liberty, trained by Steven Flint, paid $23.20 to win, $6.80 to place and $4 to show. Star Moment returned $2.60 to place, $2.20 to show and Highly Wicked paid $4.60 to show.
WOODS N WATER VICTORIOUS IN TURF STAKES
Woods N Water wins the Louisiana Legends Turf Stakes. Kimmy Burrow, Coady Photography.
Jockey Tommy Pompell sent Woods N Water through a narrow opening on the far turn to battle for the lead and edged clear to win the Turf. Always in close attendance to the early pace being set by Carlea’s Dream, Woods N Water was caught in some traffic as longshot Double on the Red made a bid nearest the rail entering the far turn. As the field approached the top of the stretch, Woods N Water kicked into another gear and burst through the pack to take the lead. The Lee Thomas trainee pulled away to win by 1-1/2 lengths in the end, with late closing Budro Talking running second and Deer Crossing another length back in third. The running time for the mile and a sixteenth on the turf was hand timed in 1:42.28.
Owned by Richard Painter and Dewberry Farm (John Kent III), the winner was sired by Palace and is out of the First Samurai mare Said and Done. Bred by Orange Grove Thoroughbreds, Inc. and Richard Painter, Woods N Water is a 4-year-old bay gelding. A winner for the sixth time in 17 starts, his career bankroll increases to $186,255.
Woods N Water returned $5.80 to win, $3.20 to place and $2.60 to show. Budro Talking paid $4.40 to place, $3.40 to show and Deer Crossing paid $3.80 to show.
DEL-CID PILOTS BLACK SWORD TO SPRINT VICTORY
Black Sword wins the Louisiana Legends Sprint Stakes. Kimmy Burrow, Coady Photography.
Black Sword captured his second stakes win of the season in the Sprint. Jockey Vicente Del-Cid was able to work out a trip similar to his triumph in the King Creole last month with a sharp start. Sitting just off the early fractions of 22.27 and 46.15 being set by Grunt, Black Sword ranged up to take the lead at the top of the stretch and pulled away to a convincing two-length margin over Big Chopper. Grunt held on well to finish third just a nose better than Mike J. The final time for the 5-1/2 furlongs was 1:04.84.
Trained by Ronnie Averett and owned by Treanor MD LLC (Leonard Treanor, MD), Black Sword is a 6-year-old dark bay or brown gelding. Bred by Margie Averett, he was sired by Awesome Sword and is out of the Devil His Due mare Black Mariah. A winner for the eighth time from 25 starts, his career bankroll increases to $274,705.
Black Sword returned $6.40 to win, $3.40 to place and $2.60 to show. Big Chopper paid $4.80 to place, $3.40 to show and Grunt paid $6.80 to show.
For more information on racing at Evangeline Downs, visit the track’s website atwww.evdracing.com and on Twitter @evdracing. Live racing resumes Thursday with a 5:30pm Central first post. The racing calendar for the remainder of the 2023 season is Thursday through Saturday schedule until the end of the meet on August 12.
SIX $100,000 STAKES FOR LOUISIANA-BREDS HIGHLIGHTS AN EXCITING PROGRAM
OPELOUSAS, LA –The marquee night of the 2023 thoroughbred season takes place Saturday with the Louisiana Legends card at Evangeline Downs. The 10-race card features six stake races for Louisiana-bred runners, with each stake worth $100,000. The 91 total entries also include a pair of 2-year-old races for potential future Legends night runners.
In addition to the excellent card that was drawn, Evangeline Downs has many other attractions for race fans. Prior to the races, jockeys will be available for pictures and autographs in a meet and greet from 4:30-5:00pm and jockeys will be tossing t-shirts from the winner’s circle after each stakes race. Family night staples including face painting and balloon animals for the kids are also planned for the evening. There will be many food vendors with specialty foods and treats in the paddock area as well.
The stakes action starts in the fifth race on the card with the Turf Distaff at the distance of one mile. A G’s Charlotte, a stake winner earlier in the meet on the main track, is the morning line favorite. Fort Polk and Wholelottamo, both recent winners, look to be a couple of the primary contenders.
The Mademoiselle looks to be a competitive affair with fan favorites Snowball and Free Like a Girl entered in the race for fillies and mares at 5-1/2 furlongs. Each of those runners has a win at the current meet. Flashy Meg captured the Creole Lady Stakes earlier in the season and could be an upset candidate. Wupkar and First I’ve Seen could also attract some attention from the wagering public.
The Cheval, for 3-year-olds at one mile, looks like a wide-open race with a field of nine. Macho Beanie defeated Allnight Moonlight earlier in the meet in the Ragin Cajun by just a neck. Five of the other runners won their previous start, including Calibrachoa Kid, Z’s Guitar and Kajun Karma.
The Soiree will test 3-year-old fillies at the distance of one mile. Star Moment was installed as the 5/2 morning line favorite off her recent win in the Cajun Miss. New Destiny and Louisiana Liberty will look to turn the tables after chasing Star Moment home in their earlier meeting. An interesting runner in the field is Sixth Anniversary, who tries the main track for the first time. Her previous 11 starts have been on either turf or synthetic surfaces.
A highly contentious field of 11 runners will square off in the Legends Turf at the distance of a mile and a sixteenth. Carlea’s Dream is the morning line favorite with his recent efforts against open company. Budro Talking and Big Chopper look to draw interest at the windows with their consistent current form. Deer Crossing and Blue Cheese are winners at the current meet and could pose outside chances in a race that could be a handicapping puzzler.
The Legends Sprint will close out the card with a loaded field traveling 5-1/2 furlongs. All nine of the entered runners have some success over the surface, as they all have been victorious over the oval. Big Chopper is the morning line favorite at 5/2, but is cross-entered in the Turf, so that could open other possibilities for favoritism. Black Sword captured the King Creole in his most recent trip and has leading rider Vicente Del-Cid aboard. Mike J, Bertie’s Galaxy and Bootsie’s Galaxy could also merit consideration.
The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association will be awarding two $1,000 scholarships during the evening. Students are encouraged to attend the races and enter the drawing, with the winners to be selected after the fifth race. First post time Saturday will be 5:30pm Central Time.
For more information on racing at Evangeline Downs, visit the track’s website at www.evdracing.com and on Twitter @evdracing. The racing calendar for 2023 season features racing Thursday through Saturday until the end of the meet on August 12.
Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features live horse racing, exciting casino action, the Fan Duel Sportsbook and fun dining experiences. Evangeline Downs is located in Opelousas, Louisiana, off I-49 on Cresswell Lane at Exit 18.
Legends. Champions Awards. REAP Benefit. Scholarships.
(VINTON, La.) – Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino will host Legends Night on Saturday, June 3, with a post time of 5:30 p.m. CT. The day will be highlighted by the Horse of the Year and Champions Awards hosted by the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA) in conjunction with the Racing Employees Assistance Program (REAP) Benefit.
The Award Ceremony and REAP event begin at 1:00 p.m. in Mojos with the races beginning at 5:30 p.m. The REAP event continues when the races start.
The stakes races are as follows with $600,000 in guaranteed purses..
“This is a big evening of championship racing featuring Louisiana bred horses,” said Roger Heitzmann, secretary/treasurer for the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association. “The Horse of the Year and Champions Awards bring owners, breeders and their families for the presentations along with our racing community that supports the industry and REAP.”
REAP was established in 2004 to provide relief to licensed members of the racing community and members of their families. The program provides relief that includes financial assistance for medical care, food, housing, clothing, education, recreational activities, counseling, job training/placement, and much more.
In addition on Legends Night, the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA) will award two scholarships, each valued at $1,000, to college students.
Requirements for the scholarship are as follows:
Must be a college student enrolled full-time in an Accredited College, University or Community College for Summer 2023 or Fall 2023
Scholarships will be awarded by random draw.
Must be in good standing with the college or university.
Must be present to win at the Winner’s Circle when the announcement is made.
Must have college ID and government-issued ID.
Must have University ID number or Social Security number.
For Legends Night:
Registration: 4:30 p,m. – 5:30 p.m. at the designated booth
Races begin: 5:30 p.m.
Drawing Time: The scholarships will be awarded after the fifth race.The scholarship will be deposited directly into the student’s account at the college or university. The student is asked to know the name and address of the college that they are attending.
Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association manages the best incentive program for breeding thoroughbreds in the United States. Since the organization formed, this has led to increased purses, better quality horses, and increased interest in racing and breeding horses. The thoroughbred racing and breeding industry generates over $1 billion and employs over 60,000 people in the state of Louisiana.
For more information about Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association visit louisianabred.com or call (504) 947-4676.
Touchuponastar shines bright in EVD Classic. Coady Photography
TOUCHUPONASTAR DAZZLES IN THE $60,000 EVANGELINE CLASSIC
OPELOUSAS, LA – Touchuponastar was brilliant once again with an impressive score in the $60,000 EVD Classic on Saturday night. The race for 3-year-olds and upward was one of three stake races for Louisiana-bred runners on the Derby night card.
Away in good order under jockey Tim Thornton, Touchuponastar was allowed to settle into stride as Calculated sprinted to the lead. The early fractions were solid with an opening quarter-mile in 23.62 seconds and a half-mile in 47.21. As the field headed towards the far turn, it wasn’t a question of who was going to win, but by how wide of a margin. Touchuponastar steadily increased his lead on the turn while Highland Creek and Double Star chased the leader.
With six furlongs covered in 1:12.07, the Jeff Delhomme-trained Touchuponastar spurted away and widened the margin in the run to the wire. The winning margin was a convincing 9-1/4 lengths in the end, with Double Star second and Highland Creek another 1-3/4 lengths back in third. The finishing time for the mile distance was 1:37.87 over a track rated fast for the evening.
Owned by Set Hut LLC (Jake Delhomme), Touchuponastar is a winner for the seventh time in nine career starts. The winning share of $36,000 increased his lifetime earnings to $334,100.
The 4-year-old bay gelding was bred by Coteau Grove Farms and was sired by Star Guitar. He is out of the Lion Heart mare Touch Magic.
Heavily favored in the wagering, Touchuponastar returned $2.60 to win, $2.10 to place and $2.10 to show. Double Star paid $16.60 to place, $13.40 to show and Highland Creek paid $2.80 to show.
LONGSHOT MACHO BEANIE EDGES ALLNIGHT MOONLIGHT TO WIN RAGIN CAJUN
Macho Beanie Crosses the Wire Ahead of Allnight Moonlight to Win Ragin Cajun Stakes. Coady Photography
Macho Beanie made a bold bid on the far turn and pulled off a mild upset winning the $60,000 Ragin Cajun. A new addition to the stake calendar for 3-year-olds, the Ragin Cajun was narrowed down to a three-horse field after scratches.
Macho Beanie and jockey C.J. McMahon were last as the trio moved down the backside with Allnight Moonlight and Late September disputing the early lead. The Scott Gelner trainee made a bold bid outside of rivals midway on the turn and the three runners were separated by less than a length at the top of the stretch.
As they straightened away, Macho Beanie edged forward to challenge Allnight Moonlight as Late September backed out of the battle. Inside the final furlong Macho Beanie began to edge clear and hit the wire a neck to the good of Allnight Moonlight. It was 7-3/4 lengths back to Late September. The running time for the seven furlongs was hand timed in 1:23.50.
Owned by Oak Tree Stables LLC (Bennett Powell), Macho Beanie wins for the second time in four starts. The first stakes victory was worth $36,000 and increases his career bankroll to $94,000.
The 3-year-old bay colt was bred by Oak Tree Stables LLC,. Sired by Mucho Macho Man, he is out of the My Pal Charlie mare My Pal Beanie.
Macho Beanie went off as the longest odds in the short field and returned $8.40 to win and $3 to place. Allnight Moonlight returned $2.20 to place. No show wagering was offered on the Ragin Cajun.
BLACK SWORD TAKES FIRST RUNNING OF KING CREOLE
Black Sword Proves Best in King Creole Stakes. Coady Photography
Black Sword proved best in the inaugural running of the $60,000 King Creole under jockey Vicente Del-Cid. Away in good order, Black Sword settled in mid-pack as Bertie’s Galaxy and X Clown battled for the lead through an opening quarter-mile in 23.10 seconds and a half-mile in 46.35.
Black Sword made a four-wide bid at the top of the stretch and wrestled the lead away from a stubborn X Clown nearing the furlong pole. The Ronnie Averett runner pulled away from the field in the final yards and was four lengths clear at the wire. X Clown battled on for second, one length better than a late closing Big Chopper. The final time for the 5-1/2 furlongs for the field of 3-year-olds and upward was 1:04.30.
Owned by Treanor MD LLC (Leonard Treanor, MD), Black Sword is a winner for the seventh time from 24 career starts. The winning purse of $36,000 increases his lifetime earnings to $214,705.
Bred by Margie Averett, Black Sword is a 6-year-old dark bay or brown gelding. Sired by Awesome Sword, he is out of the Devil His Due mare Black Mariah.
Black Sword paid $6 to win, $3.40 to place and $2.40 to show. X Clown returned $6.60 to place, $3.40 to show and Big Chopper paid $2.40 to show.
Live racing resumes on Wednesday with a 5:30pm first post. The Evangeline Downs Thoroughbred season runs until August 12.
JOCKEY TIM THORNTON WINS FOUR RACES WITH A STAKES DOUBLE
FREE LIKE A GIRL REIGNS SUPREME IN THE $60,000 EVANGELINE DISTAFF
Free Like A Girl wins EVD Distaff. Coady Photography
OPELOUSAS, LA –Free Like a Girl kept her local record unblemished with a victory in the $60,000 EVD Distaff on Friday night. The Distaff was part of a three-stake program that included the new Cajun Miss and Creole Lady. The stake races, all for Louisiana-bred runners, were contested over a track rated fast.
Jockey Tim Thornton and Free Like a Girl broke sharply to contest the early lead in the Distaff with Mishpachah, who hopped slightly at the start. A G’s Charlotte, a stake winner earlier in the meet, was also away in good order and tracked the leaders from third through opening fractions of 24.35 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 48.29 for the half-mile. As the field entered the far turn, Free Like a Girl edged forward to take a slim lead from Mishpachah, while A G’s Charlotte moved closer in third.
Through six furlongs in 1:13.10, Free Like a Girl had assumed a length lead as A G’s Charlotte moved in to second and set the stage for the stretch duel. The Chasey Deville Pomier trainee would not be denied and held sway for a two-length victory. A G’s Charlotte finished second with Mishpachah another seven lengths back in third. The running time for the mile was 1:39.09 for the 3-year-old and up filly and mares.
Owned by the partnership of Gerald Bruno, Jr., Carl Deville, Chasey Deville Pomier and Jerry Caroom, Free like a Girl captured her 12th career victory from 26 career starts. With the $36,000 winning share, her career bankroll grows to $870,378.
The winner is a bay 4-year-old filly. Sired by El Deal, she is out of the Flashy Bull mare Flashy Prize.
Free Like a Girl returned $4.20 to win as the slight betting favorite, $2.10 to place and $2.10 to show. A G’s Charlotte paid $2.10 to place, $2.10 to show and Mishpachah returned $2.10 to show.
STAR MOMENT EARNS SECOND CAREER STAKES IN CAJUN MISS
Star Moment take the Inaugural Running of the Cajun Miss Stakes at EVD. Coady Photography
Star Moment parlayed a stalking trip into her second career stakes victory in the $60,000 Cajun Miss. With jockey Tim Thornton in the irons, Star Moment was away in good order and tracked the speed of Kyle Beauty through quick early fractions of 22.49 seconds for an opening quarter-mile and 45.33 for a half-mile.
As the field of 3-year-old fillies made their way to the top of the stretch, Star Moment had collared Kyle Beauty and was starting to edge clear. The final winning margin was 4-1/2 lengths, as Kyle Beauty held on for second, with Louisiana Liberty another ¾-lengths back in third. The final time for the seven furlongs was 1:25.05.
Owned by Intrepid Thoroughbreds LLC (Logan Trotter and Tyron Picard) and trained by Bret Calhoun, Star Moment wins for the third time in five career starts. The winning share of $36,000 increases her career bankroll to $127,530.
Bred in Louisiana by Brittlyn, Inc., she is a bay filly sired by Clear Creek Stud stallion Star Guitar and is out of the Saint Liam mare Moment of Majesty.
Star Moment returned $11.60 to win, $5.20 to place and $4.20 to show. Kyle Beauty paid $4.60 to place, $3.40 to show and Louisiana Liberty returned $4.20 to show.
FLASHY MEG FINISHES STRONG TO WIN CREOLE LADY STAKES
Flashy Meg Pulls Away to Win the Cajun Miss Stakes at EVD. Coady Photography
John Sargent’s Flashy Meg battled through some fast early fractions but had plenty in the tank to pull away in the $60,000 Creole Lady. Away sharply under Jockey Joe Stokes, Flashy Meg was joined by Wupkar as they zipped through an opening quarter-mile in 21.79 seconds and a half-mile in 45.35 in the stake for 3-year-old and up filly and mares.
As the field moved to the top of the lane, the leading duo was being chased by First I’ve Seen and Snowball was starting a wide run. In the run to the wire Flashy Meg found some extra energy and pulled clear to win by two lengths. Wupkar battled on to hold second, a half-length better than First I’ve Seen. Favored Snowball’s run flattened out as she finished fourth. The final time for the 5-1/2 furlongs was 1:04.63.
Trained by Kearney Segura, Flashy Meg wins for the fifth time from 15 career starts. She earned $36,000 in the victory and increases her bankroll to $174,050.
Bred by Steven Miller, the 4-year-old is a dark bay or brown filly sired by Flashpoint. She is out of the West Acre mare Meg’s Answer.
The 2023 Evangeline Downs Thoroughbred season kicked off with a pair of stake races Friday night. A G’s Charlotte picked up a stylish looking victory in the Spotted Horse, while Taylors Tap rallied in the final yards to capture the Acadiana. The opening night card was contested over a track listed as muddy after substantial overnight rains.
A G’s Charlotte, owned by Thomas Galvin, broke alertly from her inside post position and was quickly in front as the field entered the first turn. Sassy Beast was her closest pursuer in the early stages, with Another Hot Mess saving ground along the rail in third. Jockey C.J. McMahon had A G’s Charlotte traveling comfortably through an opening quarter-mile in 24.35 seconds and a half-mile in 48.61. As the field entered the far turn, the Patricia West trainee was a half-length in front of Sassy Beast, with Majestic Ways splitting rivals to move into contention alongside Another Hot Mess.
Through six furlongs in 1:13.49, A G’s Charlotte, still traveling smoothly, continued to fend off a stubborn Sassy Beast, as the pair kicked clear of the rest. Inside the final furlong A G’s Charlotte spurted clear with a burst to finish 4-1/4 lengths clear of Sassy Beast. It was another 2-1/2 lengths back to Another Hot Mess in third. The final running time for the mile distance for the 3-year-old and upward fillies and mares was 1:39.10.
A G’s Charlotte earned $36,000 in capturing her sixth victory from 16 career starts. Her career bankroll now stands at $263,160.
The winner is a 4-year-old bred in Louisiana by the owner. The dark bay or brown filly was sired by Mo Tom and is out of the Indygo Shiner mare Adrianne G.
A G’s Charlotte returned $4.80 to win as the wagering favorite, $2.80 to place and $2.20 to show. Sassy Beast paid $6.40 to place, $3.60 to show and Another Hot Mess paid $2.60 to show.
THE 61-DAY SEASON RUNS FROM APRIL 7 THROUGH AUGUST 12
OPELOUSAS, LA –The 2023 Thoroughbred season opens at Evangeline Downs on Friday, April 7. The meet will consist of 61 racing days running through August 12. First post each night will be at the new time of 5:30pm Central. The racing schedule will feature racing on Wednesday through Saturday for the first five full weeks of the meet. Beginning the week of May 18, racing will switch to a Thursday through Saturday schedule.
Vicente Del-Cid has taken the Louisiana racing scene by storm and will be the top returning rider in 2023. Del-Cid captured his first riding title at Evangeline Downs last summer and followed that up with a runaway championship at the recently concluded Delta Downs meet. C.J. McMahon, Tim Thornton, and Joe Stokes are among some of the other riders looking for a big season. Jose Luis Rodriguez joins the jockey colony and will be represented by former trainer Ron Faucheux.
Karl Broberg regained his spot at the top of the trainer standings in 2022 following a runner-up finish in 2021. The Broberg barn connected with 44 winners from 228 starters to take top honors last season. Eduardo Ramirez, the 2021 training champ, is among the trainers looking to unseat Broberg. Robertino Diodoro will bring a division of his stable to the Opelousas oval this year. Trainers Justin Jeansonne, Isai Gonzalez and Allison Escobar will also be new additions to the backside. Other notable trainers include Keith Bourgeois, Sam David, Sam Breaux, Rylee Magnon, and Allen Landry.
The popular “Exotic Animal Racing” will make a return to Evangeline Downs on April 22. The Saturday card will include a couple of non-wagering events featuring racing camels and zebras sure to delight and entertain the crowd.
The 2023 season will feature an expanded stakes schedule, starting with a pair of stakes on opening night. The $60,000 Spotted Horse and $60,000 Acadiana are the main events. The first Saturday card includes the $60,000 Lafayette and Strong Eagle will look to defend his title in the $100,000 Evangeline Mile.
Racing fans will want to make plans to attend the races the first weekend of May for simulcasting of the Kentucky Oaks on Friday and the 149th Kentucky Derby on Saturday from Churchill Downs. The EVD Classic highlights the live Derby Day card.
The marquee night of the season will take place on Saturday, June 3 with Louisiana Legends Night. The program will feature six stake races for Louisiana-bred runners, with each purse increased to $100,000 guaranteed this year. Free Like a Girl and Net a Bear were popular winners on the 2022 Legends Night.
The Friday, July 7 card features the $75,000 Louisiana Stallion Stakes presented by Coteau Grove Farms and the filly division of the $60,000 Shine Young Futurity. Saturday, July 8 will have the $60,000 Shine Young colts and gelding division, along with the $75,000 Louisiana Stallion Stakes presented by Coteau Grove Farms.
For more information on Evangeline Downs, including a full stakes schedule, visit the track’s website at www.evdracing.com. Evangeline Downs information can also be found on Twitter @EVDracing and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EvangelineDownsRacing.
Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features exciting casino action, live horse racing, the Fan Duel sportsbook and fun dining experiences. Evangeline Downs is located in Opelousas, Louisiana, off I-49 on Cresswell Lane at Exit 18.
Texas Two-Year-Olds In Training Breeze Show, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie
April 5
Texas Two-Year-Olds In Training Sale, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie
April 6
Louisiana Downs barn area opens for 2023 Thoroughbred meet.
First Day of Passover
April 7
Evangeline Downs 2023 Thoroughbred Meet Opens
Acadiana Stakes, Evangeline Downs, Opelousas
Spotted Horse Stakes, Evangeline Downs, Opelousas
Good Friday/LTBA Office Closed
April 8
Lafayette Stakes, Evangeline Downs, Opelousas
Evangeline Mile, Evangeline Downs, Opelousas
April 9
Easter Sunday
April 18
Tax Day
April 24
Louisiana Downs 2022 Thoroughbred meet zero date for papers.
April 25-28
OBS Spring Sale of Two-Year-Olds In Training
April 28, 29, 30 May 4, 5, 6, 7
New Orleans Jazz Fest at the Fair Grounds
No visitors will be allowed access to New Orleans Office during these days.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
Would you like to sponsor a newsletter? Reach @ 2,500 readers.Please contact Linda 985-386-0360, linda@louisianabred.com or Roger 504-947-4676, roger@louisianabred.com for cost and availability.
Do you have a date pertaining to Louisiana-breds that you would like included in an upcoming calendar? Please contact Linda 985-386-0360, linda@louisianabred.com or Roger 504-947-4676, roger@louisianabred.com for consideration.
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