Guitar Solo wins the Acadiana Stakes at Evangeline Downs. Coady Photography.
Guitar Solo broke sharply to gain early control and led every step in the $60,000 Acadiana Stakes. The race for 3-year-old fillies was contested over six furlongs.
Jockey Devin Magnon and Guitar Solo broke alertly and were quickly a length in front of the Acadiana field. Fibber, showing a new dimension with some early speed, was on the chase from the outset. Guitar Solo held a 2-1/2 length advantage through an opening quarter-mile in 22.46 seconds, but Fibber was able to cut the margin to just a half-length after the half-mile split in 45.76.
As the field turned for home, Guitar Solo dug in and would not be denied, holding on for a length victory in the end. Fibber gave a valiant effort in defeat and was well clear of third-place finisher Nana’s Corn Muffin, with the margin another 2-3/4 lengths. The winner stopped the timer in 1:11.92.
Owned by World War IV Racing (Warren McFatter and John Christmann), Guitar Solo wins for the third time in five career starts. The winning purse of $36,000 increases her lifetime earnings to $133,800.
Trained by Allen Landry, the winner was sired by Star Guitar. She is out of the Grand Appointment mare Tory’s Triumph.
Off as a slight favorite, Guitar Solo returns $4.40 to win, $2.60 to place and $2.10 to show. Fibber pays $2.60 to place, $2.10 to show and Nana’s Corn Muffin was worth $3.40 to show.
OPELOUSAS, LA –The gates will open for the Evangeline Downs 2024 Thoroughbred season on Friday, April 5. The meet will feature 70 racing days running through August 24. First post each night will be scheduled for 5:30pm Central. Following the opening weekend, the schedule features racing on Wednesday through Saturday for the months of April and May, with a switch to a Thursday through Saturday schedule for June, July, and August.
Tim Thornton, a three-time leading jockey at Evangeline Downs, will look to regain his spot at the top of the standings. Elio Barrera tallied 65 wins in his first season at the oval last summer and will look for more success. C.J. McMahon, Jose Guerrero and Jose Luis Rodriguez are others among the jockey colony looking to have a big summer. Recently retired from riding, Gerard Melancon will be the new jockey agent for Joe Stokes and apprentice Marlon Del-Cid.
Lee Thomas will look to defend his first training title but will face a host of strong contingents on the backside vying for top honors. Thomas saddled 24 winners in taking the top spot last summer. Karl Broberg added another title at the recently concluded Delta Downs meet and has long been the barn to beat. Allen Landry, Eduardo Ramirez, Juan Larrosa and Brett Brinkman were among trainers with successful seasons at Delta Downs over the winter. Alexis Claire will stable at Evangeline Downs for the first time, while Shane Wilson and Ronnie Ward will bring additional runners for the meet.
The 2024 stake schedule will kick off opening night with the running of the $60,000 Acadiana and the $60,000 Spotted Horse. The following night co-features are the $60,000 Lafayette and the $100,000 Evangeline Mile.
Racing fans will want to make plans to attend the races the first weekend of May for the simulcasting of the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 3 and the 150th “Run for the Roses” on Saturday, May 4. The Friday card will include a trio of stake races including the $60,000 EVD Distaff, while the Derby night card showcases the $60,000 EVD Classic.
The marquee night of the season will take place on Saturday, June 1 with Louisiana Legends Night. The program features six stake races for Louisiana-bred runners, with each purse $100,000 guaranteed. Millionaire Free Like a Girl was a very popular winner on the 2023 Legends Night card.
July racing action will include the Opelousas and John Henry Stakes on Saturday, July 6. Each race will carry a purse of $60,000 and be contested over the turf course.
The stakes calendar finishes up in August with the Friday, August 2 card including the $100,000 Louisiana Stallion Stakes presented by Coteau Grove Farms and the filly division of the $70,000 Shine Young Futurity. Saturday, August 3 will have the $70,000 Shine Young colts and gelding division, along with the $100,000 Louisiana Stallion Stakes presented by Coteau Grove Farms.
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.
Do you have a date pertaining to Louisiana-breds that you would like included in an upcoming calendar? Please contact Linda 04-460-5518, linda@louisianabred.com or Roger 504-947-4676, roger@louisianabred.com for consideration.
VINTON, LA—December 8, 2023—Chris Warren, who has served as Director of Racing for both Delta Downs and Evangeline Downs, will depart and head home to Ruidoso, New Mexico.His last day will be December 15.
His Beginning
Warren, 64, grew up in Ruidoso, and credits his dad, Bill Warren, for introducing him to the Sport of Kings. He was a contractor, carpenter and builder by trade. Chris enjoyed watching the races at Ruidoso Downs and earned money in high school by writing and selling a tip sheet he titled “Simon Says.”
Chris Warren 2023. Paula Tindall / Coady Photography
“My dad loved horse racing and definitely got me started,” acknowledged Warren.
He worked summers at Ruidoso Downs and attended the University of Arizona Racetrack Industry program in Tucson.
“I remember in 1987I worked as assistant clerk of scales at Santa Anita,” he said. “The first rider in the room was Billy Shoemaker. That was like a football fan interacting with Tom Brady; he could not have been nice; it was a big moment for me.”
In addition to Santa Anita, Warren traversed the country in various racing office positions early in his career. His employers included The Downs at Santa Fe and Canterbury Park in Minnesota. He first worked at Delta Downs when he was 22 year-old, serving as assistant racing secretary to Jim Grundy. He spent eight years at Delaware Park before returning to Delta Downs in 2001.
Demanding Job Description
The role of director of racing in Louisiana entails a myriad of responsibilities from interacting with horsemen and horsemen’s organizations, attending racing commission meetings, overseeing purses and condition books for Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing and ensuring racetrack safety. Hiring competent racing office staff is also a key element of the job, and there are far more positions than the average racing fan knows about! Placing judges, entry clerks, starter and assistants, gate crew, jockey room clerk of scales, valets and more! When Boyd Gaming acquired its second track in Louisiana in 2013, Warren was asked to take over the role at Evangeline Downs in addition to Delta.
“In hindsight, I should have said no,” quipped Warren. “In the beginning, I put a lot of miles making the 120 mile (one-way) commute between the two tracks. Those trips have not been as necessary in the last few years.”
He earned respect from both Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred trainers throughout his tenure.
Kenneth Roberts, Sr. has been one of the leading Louisiana Quarter Horse trainers for decades and credited Warren for his commitment to the horsemen.
“I have always had a good relationship with Chris,” stated Roberts. “You could call him with concerns, and he listened. His hands were tied sometimes, but he pulled for the horsemen and was there for us.”
Allen Landry, who runs Thoroughbreds at both Delta and Evangeline, echoed the sentiments of Roberts.
“Despite his busy schedule, Chris would always take my call,” said Landry. “He would do his best in taking care of what I asked him to look into. We will miss him!”
The memories are plentiful for Warren for both breeds. Each year, Delta Downs concludes its Quarter Horse meet with the running of the Lee Berwick Memorial Futurity. Named in honor of the late Louisiana horseman who developed the Vinton racetrack and served as its first president. Warren extends an invitation to the entire Berwick family to watch the ten juveniles compete for the championship. Berwick’s widow, Betty, attends and is escorted to the very crowded winner’s circle by Warren.
“The race is always exciting and it’s nice to spend a few minutes with Betty,” acknowledged Warren. “I will miss her a lot.”
The $1,000,000 Delta Downs Jackpot was held for 15 years, and Warren enjoyed the high profile Thoroughbred event, which served as a springboard to the Kentucky Derby. A total of 16 Delta Jackpot participants made it to the starting gate on the first Saturday of May at Churchill Downs.
“It was cool to follow our Jackpot winners on the Triple Crown trail,” said Warren. “We welcomed many high profile trainers and saw some really great horses including Exaggerator, Goldencents and 2010 Eclipse Award Sprint winner Big Drama.”
Steve Kuypers, Vice President and General Manager of Delta Downs praised Warren for his commitment and years of service to the Vinton, Louisiana racetrack.
“Chris’s dedication and intense passion for the sport had a tremendous impact on Delta Downs, as well as horse racing across the state of Louisiana,” said Kuypers. “His contributions helped make Delta Downs the #1 racetrack in the United States in USA Today’s Reader’s Choice poll earlier this year. Chris is a great colleague and friend, and he leaves behind an incredible legacy at Delta Downs. We will all miss him greatly and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”
Smooth Transition to Come
John Simon, currently the racing secretary at Delta Downs, will serve as Director of Racing at the Vinton racetrack and Tracey Coonce takes on the same role at Evangeline Downs.
“They have done a great job and get along well with their staff,” said Warren.
Don Stevens, the popular announcer at Delta Downs, also worked closely with Warren.
“I have worked with Chris for over 20 years at Delta Downs,” said Stevens. “His extensive experience in the racing industry, along with his ability to look at things from a unique perspective, have been an asset to Boyd Gaming and he will be sorely missed.”
Warren will return to his home in Ruidoso to the delight of his wife of 40 years, Patricia, and their feline family. He has no plans for retirement and hopes to remain in the racing industry in a smaller capacity.
“I’m looking forward to regrouping, enjoying the holidays and playing some golf when it gets warmer,” stated Warren. “Right now, I have no interest in working full time, but hope to do something to help pay the cat food bill!”
OPELOUSAS, LA –Vicente Del-Cid pulled away in the final weeks to repeat as the top jockey at the recently concluded Evangeline Downs Thoroughbred meet. Bolstered by a 4-win night with a week to go, Del-Cid finished the season with 76 wins from 380 mounts. Add in 41 runner-up finishes and another 63 shows, his mounts won at a 20% rate and hit the board in 47% of his chances, while earning $1,513,675. The champion jockey led a trio of riders to eclipse the million-dollar mark in purses. Tim Thornton was second with $1,409,235 and apprentice Elio Barrera was third with his mounts earning $1,312,420.
The complete top 10 jockeys for the 2023 season were: Vicente Del-Cid (76 wins), Elio Barrera (64), Tim Thornton (55), Juan Vargas (42), C.J. McMahon (41), Jose Luis Rodriguez (29), Joel Dominguez (25), Joe Stokes (23) and a tie for ninth between Thomas Pompell and Casey Fusilier with 21.
Trainer Lee Thomas emerged as the leading trainer in a tight battle that came down to the final night of the season. Thomas trainees were victorious in 24 trips to the post from 98 starters. His runners hit the board at a solid 48% rate and topped the list with $540,055 in purses, just ahead of the Allen Landry barn with $506,425.
The complete top 10 in the trainer standings: Lee Thomas (24 wins), Eduardo Ramirez (22), Sam Breaux (22), Juan Larrosa (21), Allen Landry (20), Karl Broberg (18), Sturges Ducoing (15), Edith Mojica (15), Keith Bourgeios (15), and Jayde Gelner (13).
Elite Thoroughbred Racing, LLC (Michele Rodriguez) topped the owner standings with 17 wins from 76 starters. With nine places and 10 shows, Elite Thoroughbred runners hit the board 47% and earned a meet leading $310,925. Other owners to surpass the quarter-million mark in earnings included End Zone Athletics ($260,945), Set-Hut LLC ($237,520), Whispering Oaks Farm LLC ($237,390), and Norman Stables ($226,290). Owner Sandy Badeaux runners won at a 32% strike rate, best among the top 10.
The complete top 10 in the owner standings were: Elite Thoroughbred Racing, LLC (17 wins), End Zone Athletics (14), Sandy Badeaux (12), Norman Stables, LLC (9), Whispering Oaks Farm, LLC (7), Mojica Stables, Inc. (7), Jason Grudzien (7), Tres Portillos Ranch Inc. (7), and L and G Racing Stables and Set-Hut LLC with 6 wins apiece.
Evangeline Downs will be dark for a few weeks. Live racing resumes with the start of the American Quarter Horse meet on Friday, September 29. Post time for the 46-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.
Mangum holds off Free Like A Girl to win the inaugural Louisiana Stallion Stakes at EVD. Coady Photography.
OPELOUSAS, LA –Mangum outdueled Free Like a Girl to capture the $100,000 Louisiana Stallion Stakes presented by Coteau Grove Farms. The race was contested over a track rated as fast for the evening.
Breaking sharply from post three, Mangum went to the front with Free Like a Girl tracking his every move from her outside post. The early tempo was controlled with fractions of 25.42 seconds for the opening quarter mile and a tepid 49.77 seconds for the half-mile split. Double on the Red and Behemah Star were traveling just behind the leaders as the field made their way into the far turn.
Mangum was under pressure as Free Like a Girl moved to challenge as they traveled six furlongs in 1:14.50. In the sprint to the finish, Mangum would not let Free Like a Girl get by and held on for the victory by a head. It was a gap of eight lengths back to third place finisher Behemah Star. The winner stropped the timer in 1:39.44.
Trained by Jeff Delhomme, Mangum wins for the third time from eight career starts and earns $63,600 in the victory. His career bankroll now stands at $159,960.
Owned by Set-Hut LLC (Jake Delhomme), Mangum is a 3-year-old bay gelding sired by Mo Tom and out of the Graeme Hall mare Bovell Road. He was bred by Adcock’s Red River Farm, LLC & J. Adcock.
Mangum returned $10 to win, $3 to place and $2.10 to show. Favored Free Like a Girl paid $2.10 to place, $2.10 to show and Behemah Star paid $2.10 to show.
El Dinero upsets colt and gelding division of the D.S. Shine Young Futurity at EVD. Coady Photography
OPELOUSAS, LA –El Dinero blew up the toteboard with a 39-1 shocker in the $70,000 D.S. ‘Shine’ Young Futurity at Evangeline Downs contested over a track rated as fast on Saturday night.
Sonofaship and Cunimbus were among the first runners away from the gate in the futurity, with El Dinero away awkwardly near the back of the pack. As the field zipped through an opening quarter-mile in 22.17 seconds, Sonofaship had edged forward to gain control with Cunimbus, Deal With It Daddy and Sounds Like Power the closest pursuers. El Dinero and jockey Juan Vargas were in midpack and had moved to the middle of the track as they began to gain ground on the leaders.
As the field turned into the lane, El Dinero made a sweeping five-wide bid to challenge for the lead. Striking the front inside the final furlong, the Patrick Devereux, Jr. trainee began to clear off from his rivals and was 2-1/2 lengths in front at the wire. Deal With It Daddy held well to finish second, just a neck better than a late closing Good and Stout. Heavily favored Sonofaship, off at odds of 6/5, faded to fourth. The running time for the 5-1/2 furlongs was 1:06.54.
Owned by TAV Enterprises, LLC (John Tavormina and Leslie Rohre), El Dinero earned $42,000 in winning for the first time in his second career start. His bankroll jumps to $45,740 with the stake victory.
The 2-year-old was bred in Louisiana by the partnership of J. Adcock and Hume Wornall. The dark bay, or brown, gelding was sired by El Deal and is out of the Forestry mare Money for Makeup.
El Dinero paid a whopping $80.80 for the $2 win price, $27 to place and $14 to show. Deal With It Daddy returned $7.60 to place, $4.80 to show and Good and Stout paid $8 to show.
Running Argument wins the filly division of the D.S. Shine Young Futurity for 2YOs at EVD. Coady Photography.
OPELOUSAS, LA –Running Argument stated her case with a strong performance in the $70,000 D.S. ‘Shine’ Young Futurity at Evangeline Downs on Friday night. The filly division of the futurity for Louisiana-bred 2-year-old runners was contested over a fast track at the distance of 5-1/2 furlongs.
Longshots Jaydan Cat, Custom Sunshine and Astrology Girl were away quickly to set a fast early pace, with Running Argument and jockey Elio Barrera settling into stride in mid-pack. The trio sped through an opening quarter-mile in 22.23 seconds, with Running Argument commencing a four-wide bid from fifth position.
As the field turned into the stretch, the Hance Robbins, Jr. trainee swept to the front to lead by a length after a half-mile in 47.17 seconds. Girl Likes Bling had parlayed a ground saving trip into a contending position, with Emily’s Bullet and Bohemian Jiggles running on late for minor awards. Running Argument slowly extended the lead in the final yards, with the winning margin 1-3/4 lengths. Girl Likes Bling was second with Emily’s Bullet a half-length away in third and Bohemian Jiggles finishing fourth. The final time for the winner was 1:07.61.
Owned and trained by Hance Robbins, Jr., Running Argument earned $42,000 in the second victory from two career starts. Her bankroll increases to $62,400.
The winner was bred in Louisiana by Hance Ray Robbins, Jr. The dark bay, or brown, filly was sired by Closing Argument and is out of the Cherokee Run mare Run Jamaican’s Run.
Running Argument returned $4 to win as the favorite, $2.60 to place and $2.20 to show. Girl Likes Bling paid $10.60 to place, $6.60 to show and Emily’s Bullet paid $5.60 to show.
Get your tickets now. It’s going to be fun night for everyone.
Music. Dancing. Racing. REAP Benefit.
Saturday • July 8 • Mojo’s
Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino
We are presenting the Louisiana Stallion Stakes at Evangeline Downs and hosting a fundraiser for the Racing Employees Assistance Program (REAP). The Coteau Grove Project is a band that provides tight, lively music, great vocals and mesmerizing harmonies and is unique in its mission of supporting nonprofit organizations.
The Mission of REAP (Racing Employees Assistance Program) is to provide relief to those of the licensed member of the Evangeline Downs Racing Community and member of their families. Such relief will include, but not be limited to, financial assistance for medical care, food, housing, clothing and education, and services, such as counseling, care, emergency transportation, recreational activities and job placement and training. We also support the Great Works of our Chaplain Dwight Brown.
We invite you to participate again with us in servicing those in our industry that need our help. We also ask that you help us spread the news of this REAP event. The July 8 event is at Mojo’s at Evangeline Downs.
We have one level of Signature Sponsorships for $1,000 and individual tickets for $25. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
Coteau Grove Farms was founded in 2008 by Keith and Ginger Myers. The Myers have a love of horses and established their thoroughbred breeding operation when they purchased eight broodmares in November of 2008. Their objective is to become a top quality breeder of Louisiana bred racehorses to compete in Louisiana and nationally.
From the beginning, the Myers plan was to build their brand through racing while selectively culling and acquiring mares to build a high quality broodmare brand. A decade after its inception, the Myers’ enthusiasm with Coteau Grove Farms remains as strong as ever.
Coteau Grove Farms is staffed with top personnel that breed, foal, and raise our young horses. When you visit, you will notice that each one of the horses has been handled professionally and that they each have their own personalities. The mares, foals and youngsters have individual care and are given all that they need to stay in maximum condition.
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.
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