Category: Louisiana-Bred

CAJUN GUMBOW ZIPS TO VICTORY IN THE $60,000 D.S. ‘SHINE’ YOUNG FUTURITY

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STAKES VICTORY AMONG THREE WINNERS FOR JOCKEY C.J. MCMAHON

 

Cajun Gumbow wins the 2022 Filly Division of the D.S. Shine Young Futurity at Evangeline Downs. Coady Photography.

OPELOUSAS, LA –Cajun Gumbow delivered a tasty performance with a front-running score in the $60,000 D.S. ‘Shine’ Young Futurity at Evangeline Downs on Friday night.  The filly division of the futurity for Louisiana-bred runners was contested over the distance of 5-1/2 furlongs.

Breaking sharply under jockey C.J. McMahon, Cajun Gumbow was quickly in front for the run down the backstretch with Copper Moon and wagering favorite Janet is Ready in close attendance.  The Thompson Racing LLC (Stephen Thompson) runner sped through an opening quarter-mile in 22.13 seconds with a length advantage over the trio of Janet is Ready, who appeared to take a couple of awkward steps moving into the turn, as Lady Flurry moved outside of Copper Moon into a contending position.

Cajun Gumbow, a Jayde Gelner trainee, maintained the one-length lead into the stretch, as Janet is Ready moved off the rail to make a bid.  The leader covered the half-mile in 46.46 seconds and slowly drew away in the final 100 yards.  The winning margin for Cajun Gumbow was 2-1/2 lengths over Janet is Ready, with late running For Harper another 2-1/2 lengths back in the show position.  The winning time was 1:05.48 seconds over a track rendered muddy by afternoon rains.

Cajun Gumbow earned $36,000 for the victory, increasing her career earnings to $70,680.  The win is her second from three career starts.

The 2-year-old was bred in Louisiana by the partnership of Blanton & Perry LLC, Donny Burton, Angela Burton & Joey Burton.  The bay filly was sired by Oxbow and is out of the Indian Charlie mare Tattlesheet.

Off as the third-choice in the wagering, Cajun Gumbow returned $9.80 to win, $3.60 to place and $3.20 to show.  Janet is Ready paid $2.40 to place and $2.20 to show, with longshot For Harper returning $6.20 to show.

THRILLING FINISHES FOR EACH OF THE LOUISIANA CUP DAY STAKES AT LOUISIANA DOWNS

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Trainer Chasey Deville Pomier Wins Two of the Six Features

 

Bossier City, LA – It was another outstanding edition of  Louisiana Cup Day on Saturday, August 6  at Louisiana Downs. The quality of the Louisiana Thoroughbred breeding industry shone brightly in each of the six stakes on the program.

Despite temperatures in the high 90’s, tremendous performances were noted throughout the afternoon with glory to several experienced runners as well as the younger horses testing stakes level competition!  Here is a recap of the six Louisiana Cup stakes.

 

Bisping Triumphs in the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile

Stakes action got underway in the second race with the running of the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile for Louisiana-bred 2-year-old colts and geldings. A field of eight competed at five and one-half furlongs on the main track.

The winner was Anna Guillot’s Bisping, a son of El Deal, bred by Adcock’s Red River Farm LLC & J. Adcock.  He reunited with jockey Devin Magnon this afternoon, who guided him from his inside post, taking command at the 3/8thpole and drawing clear. He prevailed by a margin of 3 ¾ lengths over Ranch Water in a final time of 1.05.90.

“Before he ever ran, I knew he was special,” said Magnon. “We have a bond, and he does everything you ask of him very professionally.”

Trained by Ricky Courville, the dark bay gelding broke his maiden on May 19 at Evangeline Downs prior to running sixth in the $150,000 Tremont Stakes at Belmont Park.

“I had a race in him and took a shot,” said Courville. “We faced big horses in New York.”

World War IV Racing’s Ranch Water ran second for trainer Allen Landry followed by Norman Racing Stables LLC’s Easy Chance. Post time favorite King’s Lute completed the superfecta for owner Claiming Cajuns LLC.

Sent off as the second choice in the wagering, Bisping paid $9.60 for the win, which was his second in three starts. With today’s winner’s share of $40,200, his earnings stand at $58,050. Courville said that Bisping will be pointed to the D.S. “Shine” Young Futurity at Evangeline Downs.

 

Cheapskate Diva Thrills Her Connections in the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff

The first turf stakes of the card, the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff, drew nine fillies and mares who traveled a mile and one-sixteenth over the firm Franks Turf Course.

Cheapskate Diva was in fine form as she made her stakes debut for breeder/owner Keith Plaisance The 4-year-old filly by Animal Kingdom last ran here on July 3, drawing off in a $25,000 turf allowance by 10 lengths under Carlos Marquez. Confidently handled today, she was forwardly placed through early fractions of :23.77 and 48.39 before taking the lead at the top of the stretch and drawing clear by 1 ½ lengths. The final time, over the firm turf course was 1.41.92.

This was the first stakes win for the filly and her trainer Joseph “Bobby” Felks.

“I give all the credit to Bobby,” said Marquez. “She used to be more hyper, but Bobby has worked with her, and she did it easy for me today.”

Plaisance also praised Felks in the post-race interview.

“It was his idea to enter her in this,” said Plaisance. “Bobby felt she deserved a shot and to win over tough mares like Net a Bear and Fort Polk was amazing. My hat’s off to Bobby!”

Fort Polk, a 6-year-old daughter of Behindatthebar, trained by Pat Mouton for owners Steve and Pat Roe completed the exacta. She won her last two turf races at Louisiana Downs, with a total of nine victories in 35 starts. Juan Vargas had the call. Alliaceous closed for third under rider Vicente Del-Cid and longshot Eve’s Delight rounded out the top four.

Defending champion Net a Bear finished seventh and trainer Allen Landry felt the heat might have taken its toll on his multiple-stakes winner.

“She was sweating when we hauled in this morning,” said Landry. “We will give her some time off and see how she does.”

Cheapskate Diva has now won four of her ten efforts with earnings of $101,740. Her connections were undecided on her next start.

 

Free Like a Girl Sensational in the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint

The $67,000 Louisiana Filly and Mare Sprint showcased a field of 11 exceptional Louisiana-bred fillies and mares going six furlongs on the fast main track.

Free Like a Girl returned to Louisiana Downs on Cup Day as the 3-1 morning-line favorite in  the six-furlong sprint.Bred by retired jockey Kim Renee Stover and her sister, Lisa Osborne, the daughter of Flashy Prize, sired by El Deal, had won seven of her 14 starts for owners Gerald Bruno, Jr; Carl J, Deville; Chasey Deville Pomier and Jerry Caroom. She was honored as 2021 Louisiana Thoroughbred  Breeders Association (LTBA) Champion 2-year-old filly and continues to progress through her 3-year-old campaign.

She was back in state bred company today following starts in the Grade 3, $300,000 Honeybee at Oaklawn Park February 26 against the much heralded Secret Oath and her most recent race, a  credible third in the $225,000 Iowa Oaks (G3) on July 9 at Prairie Meadows.

Quite simply, today she was exceptional! Jockey Pedro Cotto, Jr. was content to let her break from her far inside post, track the front-running Drop Dead Sexy, and confidently circle the field. She drew clear at the eighth pole and crossed the wire by a margin of 6 ½ lengths in 1.10.69.

“She likes being on the outside and having something to run at,” explained Pomier. “We were facing older horses and were not sure how it would pan out, but she’s shown time and time again how much she loves her job!”

The connections remain loyal to Cotto, who has piloted Free Like a Girl in each of her Louisiana races.

“He rode for my dad when I was a kid and worked this filly as a baby,” Pomier added. “Pedro fits her and tells us that all he ever wants is to ride our filly!”

Drop Dead Sexy held on for second for current leading trainer Shane Wilson and
2021 Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint champion, Snowball completed the trifecta, followed by Spirited Beauty and Canada’s Customs.

Free Like a Girl ($4.20) has now won eight of her fifteen career starts, boosting her earnings to $464,073.

 

City Park Springs the Upset in the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic

The $67,000 Louisiana Turf Cup Classic attracted eleven runners going a mile and one-sixteenth over the Franks Turf Course.

City Park, a 5-year-old son of Temple City, bred by Warren Harang, returned to the winner’s circle for the first time in 2022, under very confident handling by rider Joel Dominguez. Breaking from the rail, he was eighth after the half-mile, before advancing four-wide and drawing clear in 1:40.79 over the firm turf course.

Owned by MAT Investments, LLC, City Park exited a seventh-place finish in the John Henry at Evangeline Downs last month.

“You can always make it happen when you are on the right horse and I had the right horse today,” said Dominguez. “The race set up well. I knew if they went fast up front, he would come running and that’s what happened.”

Charlie G rallied for second under rider Joe Stokes, followed by Big Chopper and Jaci’s Royalty. Defending champion Carlea’s Dream, sent off as the favorite, ran fifth under Iram Diego.

City Park was bet down from his 12-1 morning line and rewarded his backers with a $12.80 win payout. Trained by Eduardo Ramirez, this was the first stakes victory for the bay gelding who has won six of his career efforts, increasing his earning to $210,484 this afternoon.

 

Janet is Ready Lived up to her Name in the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies

Nine accredited 2-year-old Louisiana-bred fillies competed in one of the best fields ever for the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies.  Several first-time winners faced off in the five and one-half main track sprint.

Saddling her second winner on the Cup Day card was Chasey Deville Pomier as Janet is Ready notched the win in gate-to-wire fashion under rider Vicente Del-Cid. This was the third victory for the daughter of Custom for Carlos, who made her debut on May 13 in a $98,000 maiden special weight at Churchill Downs. After running second in Kentucky, she broke her maiden at Evangeline Downs and won the $100,000 Prairie Gold Lassie on July 8 in Iowa, at odds of 21-1.

She drifted out as she approached the wire today, but still prevailed by one-length in 1:05.65, over Guitar Woman, Lady Flurry, the heavy post time favorite and Nodah.

Owner Gerry Bruno was on hand for the race and talked about the team behind the filly, who was bred by Bentley T. Early.

“We bought her at the LTBA Yearling Sale ($5,500),” said Bruno. “She was impressive today, despite drifting at the end! No one knows that I was Carl Deville’s assistant at Monmouth Park when Chasey was seven, so we’ve been around for a long time ”

Flurry Racing Stable LLC’s homebred Lady Flurry turned heads at Louisiana Downs with a riveting nine-length maiden score on June 20. Owner Staton Flurry, who won the 201- Super Derby (on turf) with Mr Misunderstood, bred the daughter of Lord Nelson out of the Storm and a Half mare Patchofbadweather.

Janet Is Ready ($13.20)  has now won $121,100 and may be pointed to the D.S. “Shine” Young Futurity Filly Division at Evangeline Downs.

 

Front-Running Score by Takes Two to Tango in the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Sprint

The $67,000 Louisiana Turf Cup Sprint closed out the Louisiana Cup Day card with eleven talented Louisiana-breds traveling six furlongs on the main track.

Takes Two to Tango, a 6-year-old son of Half Ours, added his sixth career victory for breeder/owner Melissa Cantacuzene. Jockey Luis Quinonez guided the bay gelding to the wire in 1:10.89 in front-running fashion over the fast track. He spoke about his improvement following his third-place finish in the Louisiana Legends Sprint at Evangeline Downs.

“He broke very well today,” said Quinonez.  “Was very alert and when I called on him, he finished well. I thank the owner for this opportunity.”

Trained by J. Luis Garcia, Takes Two to Tango, has won five of his seven outs at Louisiana Downs.

“He never holds back,” said Cantacuzene. “He always gives 100%.”

Black Sword ran second under Vicente Del-Cid, followed by Brian’s Iron Mike and Creole Charlie.

Takes Two to Tango broke his maiden at first asking here on May 6, 2019 and has increased his career bankroll to $164,190 in 16 starts.

Equibase Chart:  https://www.equibase.com/static/chart/pdf/LAD080622USA.pdf

Photos courtesy Hodges Photography

Louisiana Downs Thoroughbred Meet Continues Through September 27

Live racing at Louisiana Downs continues Sunday, August 7 with Thoroughbred action each Saturday, Sunday, Mondayand Tuesday through September 27. For further information on upcoming events, visit ladowns.com.

 

About Louisiana Downs

Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and is now owned by Rubico Acquisition Corporation. With annual Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing seasons, the track is committed to presenting the highest quality racing programs paired with its 150,000 square foot entertainment complex offering casino gambling, dining and plasma screen televisions for sports and simulcast racing.

FULL FIELDS ON THE MAIN TRACK AND FRANKS TURF COURSE FOR THE SIX LOUISIANA CUP DAY STAKES ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 6

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 Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA) Will Draw for Two Scholarships

 

Bossier City, LA – The annual Louisiana Cup Day at Louisiana Downs will take place  Saturday, August 6.  First post is 1:45 pm (Central)for the seven-race card which will feature six stakes for accredited Louisiana-breds with purses of $67,000 each.

The stakes action, which gets underway in the second race of the card, features a mix of multiple-stakes winning Louisiana champions and as well as a showcase for the rising stars of the Pelican state.  Here is a preview of the exciting six Louisiana Cup stakes.

King’s Lute Takes on Eight Rivals in the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile

Stakes action gets underway in the second race with the running of the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile for Louisiana-bred 2-year-old colts and geldings. A field of eight will compete at five and one-half furlongs on the main track.

Four entrants make their stakes debuts off  maiden-breaking efforts with morning line favoritism going to the partnership of Claiming Cajuns LLC (Donald King, et al)  King Lute. Retired jockey Carl Woodley trains the son of Midnight Lute out of the Songandaprayer mare Sarahcarolu.

“He’s a big, gangly horse; one of those who may never get into stride quickly, but once he found his rhythm (in his debut victory on June 26), he drew off by six lengths,” explained Woodley.

Joel Dominguez will reunite with the dark bay gelding and Woodley is hoping he will notch his first stakes win.

“I have been fortunate to train for owner Donald Clark, but have never won a stakes for him,” added Woodley. “He has ALS and the ownership group is committed to fundraising efforts for the debilitating disease.”

World War IV Racing’s Ranch Water may be another contender poised for a good effort in the Louisiana Cup Juvenile. Trainer Allen Landry feels the gelded son of Palace, bred by  Love Partnership Interests, L. P., will give a good account of himself.

“He won his first time out, despite breaking in the air and getting shuffled back” Landry explained.  “When he circled the field and came running, we thought he had something special.”

Bisping, owned by Anna Guillot, broke his maiden on May 19 at Evangeline Downs and made his second start at Belmont Park in the $150,000 Tremont. Ricky Courville trains the gelding by El Deal with Devin Magnon breaking from post two.

Whispering Hill Farms homebred Kit Kat Kid also broke his maiden at first asking on June 4. The gelded son of Closing Argument prepped for this with a five furlong drill on July 13 for  trainer Steve Flint. Rider Tim Thornton has the return call at odds of 5-1.

The field also includes Easy Chance, who improved in his second start, winning a $24,000 maiden special weight last month at Evangeline Downs. Sired by Klimt, he is owned by Norman Stables, LLC and trained by Lonnie Briley.

Defending Champion Net a Bear Returns in the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff

The first turf  stakes of the card, the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff, drew nine fillies and mares who will travel a mile and one-sixteenth over the Franks Turf Course.

Bred by Lora Pitre and Elaine Carroll, Net a Bear is owned by Maximo Lamarche and Federico Deltoro and trained by Allen Landry. Since she began her career in 2018, the bay mare, versatile on turf or dirt, has won 12 of her 33 lifetime starts and following the victory at Evangeline Downs, upped her earnings to $615,970.  Her first stakes win came at Louisiana Downs when she captured the 2019 Elge Rasberry and she was a convincing winning last year in the Louisiana Cup Distaff.

She exits a score at Evangeline Downs last month as the favorite in the $75,000 Turf  Distaff.  With Tim Thornton aboard, the 6-year-old daughter of Awesome Bet made her usual late run and drew off tin the one-mile turf stakes, winning by 1 ¼ lengths.

Remarkably, Net a Bear has been a stakes winner at each of the four Louisiana racetracks and

will defend her title in the Louisiana Cup Distaff.

“She’s tough as hell,” said Landry. “Even when she gets in trouble, she gets clear and gives it her all. She just has an incredible turn of foot!”

Thornton will guide Net a Bear from post position two as the 8-5 choice. Landry gave her a final work at Evangeline on July 29 and plans on sending her to Bossier City on Saturday morning.

“We just gave her an easy work,” added Landry. “Didn’t want to ask for much in this heat.”

The high earner in the field will have to hold off eight rivals , including Fort Polk, a 6-year-old daughter of Behindatthebar, trained by Pat Mouton for owners Steve and Pat Roe. She won her last two turf races at Louisiana Downs, with a total of nine victories in 35 starts. Juan Vargas will ride from the eight hole. Cheapskate Diva makes her stakes debut for owner Keith Plaisance off a three-race win streak. The 4-year-old filly by Animal Kingdom last ran here on July 3, drawing off in a $25,000 turf allowance by 10 lengths under Carlos Marquez.

 The Louisiana Cup Distaff will run as the third race on the card.

Free Like a Girl Headlines the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint

The $67,000 Louisiana Filly and Mare Sprint boasts a field of eleven exceptional Louisiana-bred fillies and mares.

Free Like a Girl will return to Louisiana Downs on Cup Day as the 3-1 morning-line favorite in  the six-furlong sprint. Bred by retired jockey Kim Renee Stover and her sister, Lisa Osborne, the daughter of Flashy Prize, sired by El Deal, has won seven of her 14 starts for owners Gerald Bruno, Jr; Carl J, Deville; Chasey Deville Pomier and Jerry Caroom. She was honored as 2021 Louisiana Thoroughbred  Breeders Association (LTBA) Champion 2-year-old filly and continues to progress through her 3-year-old campaign.

Free Like a Girl won the $100,000 Starlet by four lengths at Delta Downs before running fourth in the Grade 3, $300,000 Honeybee at Oaklawn Park February 26 to the much heralded Secret Oath. After winning the $75,000 Louisiana Legends Soiree at Evangeline Downs, Free Like a Girl ran a credible third in the $225,000 Iowa Oaks (G3) on July 9 at Prairie Meadows.

The bay filly has already banked $423,873 and drew the far inside post under jockey Pedro Cotto.

“She has made us proud stepping up in two tough grade 3 stakes and ran her butt off at Prairie Meadows,” said trainer Chasey Pomier. “I’m alright with her breaking from the rail and we all have faith in Pedro. He rode for my dad when I was a kid and worked this filly as a baby. He has always done such a good job for our barn.”

Hall of Fame conditioner Steve Asmussen has entered Canada’s Custom for longtime owners Spendthrift Farm LLC and Corinne and William Heiligbrodt. The 3-year-old daughter of Custom for Carlos won two allowance races here in May prior to shipping to Lone Star Park. Joel Dominguez has the call on the chestnut filly at odds of 4-1.

Trainer Ron Faucheux will saddle three entrants in the Filly and Mare Sprint. Fame Feather a 7-year-old mare, sired by Lion Tamer, sprang the upset in the $75,000 Louisiana Legends Mademoiselle on June 4 at Evangeline Downs for Picard Thoroughbreds Racing Stable LLC. Strong Beauty a 5-year-old daughter of Overanalyze, owned by Golden Rock Thoroughbreds, ran fourth in that feature and Daniel Dartin’s G’s Squeezesteps up to stakes company after back-to-back allowance scores at Evangeline Downs.

2021 Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint champion, Snowball returns for her third time. Owned by Tin Roof Farms LLC and trained by Sam Breaux, the striking gray daughter of Apriority has made 40 career starts. The multiple-stakes winner has $373,850 and will break from post  four under rider Vicente Del-Cid.

Defending Champion Carlea’s Dream Prepped and Ready for the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic

The $67,000 Louisiana Turf Cup Classic attracted eleven runners going a mile and one-sixteenth over the Franks Turf Course. Several proven turf stakes winners are entered with defending champion Carlea’s Dream, installed as the 5-2 morning line choice. Owned by Carl Moore Management,  the 5-year-old son of Lea is out of the Corinthian mare Beat The Street. Lea banked over $2.3 million in his racing career for Hall of Fame conditioner Bill Mott.

Last year, Carlea’s Dream ran a formful race, splitting rivals and surging to the wire in 1.44.57.

“He’s matured a bunch since last year and is much better in the gate,” she said. “He loves the turf, like all horses sired by Lea.  Lindey Wade had two days off from Canterbury Park last year and was great, but Iram has been working him and we feel very good about Saturday.”

Diego was in the irons for his impressive turf win here on June 21.

“We know he loves this turf course, so just felt better having him here,”
added Jacks.

Other notables include Allen Cassedy’s  Mangelsen, who ran third in last year’s Turf Classic for trainer Ron Faucheux and jockey Carlos Lozada.   The 6-year-old gelding by Big Band Sound won the $60,000 Edward J. Johnston Memorial at Fair Grounds in March and prepped for this with a gate-to-wire turf victory at Louisiana Downs on July 9. Behemeh Star makes his Louisiana Downs debut for his breeder and owner, Evelyn Benoit. Trained by Jose Camejo, the 4-year-old son of Star Guitar captured the $75,000 Star Guitar last March at Fair Grounds and will be ridden by Cristian Torres as the 3-1 second choice.

Also, Kendall Standlee’s Big Chopper, who recently won the one-mile Louisiana Legends Cheval at Evangeline Downs, will make his second turf start for trainer Scott Gelner. The 3-year-old colt by Shackleford will be ridden by C. J. McMahon. Gelner and owner Kendel Standlee won the 2018 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic with In the Navy.

“His mama (Miss Well Molded) was a turf runner, so we thought this would be a good test for him,” said Gelner. “He came home to the farm for a freshening and worked well for this.”

The Louisiana Cup Turf Classic will run as the fifth race on the program, with an approximate post time of 3:37 pm.

 

Highly Competitive Edition of the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies

Nine accredited 2-year-old Louisiana-bred fillies will compete in what appears to be one of the best fields ever for the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies Several first-time winners will face off in the five and one-half main track sprint.

Flurry Racing Stable LLC’s homebred Lady Flurry turned heads at  Louisiana Downs with a riveting nine-length maiden score on June 20. Owner Staton Flurry, who won the 201- Super Derby (on turf) with Mr Misunderstood, bred the daughter of Lord Nelson out of the Storm and a Half mare Patchofbadweather. Trained by Karl Broberg, Lady Flurry has been installed as the 7-5 morning-line choice.

“She has been training here and exploded in her debut, which might give us an advantage,” offered Flurry.” I bought her dam for $1,000 as a yearling. She won a few races, but this filly has a ton of speed. She was 3/1000ths off the track record here on June 20 and hopefully will move forward. Emanuel is injured, so I’m happy to give Cristian Torres the call. He’s a good, young rider who has done well for us at Oaklawn.”

Flurry has fond memories of winning the 2017 Super Derby with Mr Misunderstood. It was the only turf running on the esteemed championship and following the victory, the gelded son of Archarcharch won seven additional stakes. Trained by Brad Cox, Mr Misunderstood retired with earnings of $967,926 in 2020.

Flurry will not be at Louisiana Downs this Saturday as his proven graded stakes winning mare Shedaresthedevil will defend her title in Saturday’s Grade 1, Clement Hirsch at Del Mar,

I’ve had some great horses in partnerships, but Mr Misunderstood will always be my favorite,” added Flurry. “He’s the one that set the foundation and put me there.”

Making her Louisiana debut will be Hoffman Family Racing LLC’s What Can I Say. The filly by Mo Tom won at first asking on July 4 at Horseshoe Indianapolis for trainer Tom Amoss.

“She was an impressive winner, even though she didn’t have the best break,” said Amoss. “She’s facing a nice field, but I like the fact that she has tactical speed, but can also rate.”

Amoss, who is currently six wins away from his 4,000th career milestone, will ship the bay filly to Louisiana Downs on Thursday.

“You always have concerns when  horse travels for a race,” he added of his entrant, who will break from post eight under top Louisiana jockey Tim Thornton.

 

Janet is Ready will attempt to win her third in a row for conditioner Chasey Deville Pomier. The daughter of Custom for Carlos made her debut on May 13 in a $98,000 maiden special weight at Churchill Downs. After running second in Kentucky, she broke her maiden at Evangeline Downs and won the $100,000 Prairie Gold Lassie on July 8 in Iowa, at odds of 21-1.

“She came out of that race very well,” said Pomier. “It’s a tough field, but she’s a game filly.”

 

Dorgenois, who just broke her maiden on July 15 at Evangeline Downs, for trainer Ron Faucheux, is also entered. Jim and Natalie Montgomery,prominent in Louisiana Quarter Horse racing, bred the daughter of Gormley to the Fusaichi Pegasus mare Money Peg. She showed improvement in her second start and could very well outrun her 30-1 morning line.

Full Field in the Competitive $67,000 Louisiana Cup Sprint

The $67,000 Louisiana Turf Cup Sprint will close out the program with eleven talented Louisiana-breds traveling six furlongs on the main track.

Creole Charlie owned and trained by Howard Alonzo, has won seven of his 20 career starts and will break from post position two as the 3-1 choice. Claimed for $20,000 in February, the 4-year-old gelding by My Pal Charlie, was the runner-up in the Louisiana Legends Sprint at Evangeline Downs on June 4. He prepped for this with a victory one month later and will be ridden by Tim Thornton.

Set-Hut LLC’s X Clown makes his 23rd career start for trainer Jerry Delhomme off an allowance victory here on July 12. Joel Dominguez guided the 5-year-old son of Jimmy Creed, who drew post six at odds of 7-2.

Trainer Allen Landry, who won last year’s edition of this feature with Chu Chu’s Legacy, will saddle Brian’s Iron Mike and Double Barrel Man.  Brian’s Iron Mike, a son of Iron Fist is owned by Buck Boys,  LLC and makes his Louisiana Downs debut under jockey Joe Stokes.

“He’s a really good 3-year-old,” stated Landry. “Stakes-placed and ran a game second last out.”

Landry claimed the 9-year-old Double Barrel Man, who has an impressive career record of 14 wins and $533,912 earned in 68 starts. Calvin Borel has the call.

The Louisiana Cup Sprint runs as the seventh and final race on the card, with an expected post of 4:32 pm.

Trainer Michael C. Fetters Passes

Longtime Louisiana Thoroughbred trainer Michael C. Fetters passed away on July 24, 2022. Beginning in 1983, Fetters galloped, broke and trained horses at Louisiana Downs, Evangeline Downs and Delta Downs, with many multiple winners including Michal’s Answer, a mare by Hoist the Flag, named after his daughter Michal. He passed his love of horses to his family, including 11-year-old grandson, Asher. Survived by his wife, Betty, daughter Michal and grandson Asher, no funeral services have been announced.

“Mike was a natural horseman and was a tremendous supporter of Louisiana racing,” said trainer Joey Foster. “We send our condolences to Betty and his family. He was a good friend and will be missed.”

Louisiana Cup Day Festivities

Racing fans of all ages are invited to enjoy the festivities offered on August 6 at Louisiana Downs.

Family-friendly activities on the trackside apron include live music, inflatable bounce houses and water slides, face painting, and much more! Also, enjoy tasty bites from the city’s best food trucks. And don’t forget to claim your FREE $5 wager while you are there!

Handicapping Preview Show Begins at Noon on Cup Day

Louisiana Downs track announcer John McGary and regional racing publicist Martha Claussen will team up for a pre-race handicapping preview at 12:00 pm in the Inside Rail, located on the first floor of the grandstand. They will offer analysis and their selections for each of the races on the Louisiana Cup Day card. The seminar is free and open to all racing fans.

Scholarship Drawings Set for Louisiana Cup Day

The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA) will award two (2) scholarships, each valued at $1,000, during the event.

The drawings will take place after the fifth race. The races begin at 1:45 p.m. and the student must be there to register between 12:45 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. at the designated registration booth. The requirements for the scholarship are as follows:

Must be a college student enrolled full-time for Fall 2022.

Must be in good standing with the college or university.

Must be present at the drawing location to win.

Must have university ID number or Social Security number.

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.

About Louisiana Downs

Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and is now owned by Rubico Acquisition Corporation. With annual Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing seasons, the track is committed to presenting the highest quality racing programs paired with its 150,000 square foot entertainment complex offering casino gambling, dining and plasma screen televisions for sports and simulcast racing.

Two Scholarships to be Awarded at Louisiana Cup Day

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Registration On Site at Louisiana Downs August 6
(BOSSIER CITY, La.) – Louisiana Downs will host Louisiana Cup Day Saturday, August 5, with a post time of 1:45 p.m. CT. Plenty of activities are planned for the day that salutes Louisiana Thoroughbreds. Seven races will be contested including six stakes, all with purses of $67,000. The draw for the six features on Louisiana Cup Day will take place Saturday.
The stakes are as follows:
$67,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile                  2 YO LA-Bred                     5 ½ furlongs
$67,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies        2 YO Fillies LA-Bred           5 ½ furlongs
$67,000 Louisiana Cup Filly & Mare Sprint  3 YO & Up F&M, LA-Bred  Six furlongs
$67,000 Louisiana Cup Sprint                      3 YO & Up LA-Bred            Six furlongs
$67,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic            3 YO & Up LA-Bred             1 1/16 miles (T)
$67,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff                     3 YO & Up F & M LA-Bred  1 1/16 miles (T)
In addition on Louisiana Cup Day, the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA) will award two scholarships, each valued at $1,000, to college students.
“We invite registrants to sign up at Louisiana Downs and enjoy the races,” said Roger Heitzmann, secretary/treasurer for the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association. “Students, families and friends are invited to Louisiana Cup Day racing that is a great day of championship racing for Louisiana bred thoroughbreds.”
Requirements for the scholarship are as follows:
  • Must be a college student enrolled full-time in an Accredited College, University or Community College for Fall 2022
  • 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 Louisiana Cup Day:
  • Registration: 12:45 p,m. – 1:45 p.m. at the designated booth
  • Races begin: 1:45 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.
“The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association is paying it forward as it continues to make an investment in the future of our state by investing in our students and the education process,” said Roger Heitzmann, secretary/treasurer for the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association. “This type of investment is for our future, the state, as well as the organization. These scholarships encourage the younger generation to be engaged with LTBA so that our organization stays as one of the top breeding incentive program in the United States.”
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.
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THE DRAW FOR LOUISIANA CUP DAY WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY, JULY 30

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Solid Nominations for the Six Stakes for Louisiana Thoroughbreds

 

Bossier City, LA – The momentum is building for Louisiana Cup Day on Saturday, August 6 at Louisiana Downs with post time set for 1:45 pm (Central). Plenty of activities are planned for the day that salutes Louisiana Thoroughbreds. Seven races will be contested including six stakes, all with purses of $67,000. The draw for the six features on Louisiana Cup Day will take place on Saturday, July 30. The stakes are as follows:

$67,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile                    2 YO LA-Bred                        5 ½ furlongs

$67,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies          2 YO Fillies LA-Bred             5 ½ furlongs

$67,000 Louisiana Cup Filly & Mare Sprint  3 YO & Up F&M, LA-Bred  Six furlongs

$67,000 Louisiana Cup Sprint                        3 YO & Up LA-Bred              Six furlongs

$67,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic              3 YO & Up LA-Bred              1 1/16 miles (T)

$67,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff                      3 YO & Up F & M LA-Bred  1 1/16 miles (T)

Trainer Allen Landry Pointing Five Including Net a Bear to Cup Day

Each of the Louisiana racetracks host  a stakes day saluting Louisiana Thoroughbreds. Last Saturday, was Louisiana Legends Night at Evangeline Downs. One very familiar Louisiana-bred mare, Net a Bear did not disappoint as the favorite in the $75,000 Turf Distaff.  With Tim Thornton aboard, the 6-year-old daughter of Awesome Bet made her usual late run and drew off tin the one-mile turf stakes, winning by 1 ¼ lengths.

Bred by Lora Pitre and Elaine Carroll, Net a Bear is owned by Maximo Lamarche and Federico Deltoro and trained by Allen Landry.Since she began her career in 2018, the bay mare, versatile on turf or dirt, has won 12 of her 33 lifetime starts and following the victory at Evangeline Downs, upped her earnings to $615,970.  Her first stakes win came at Louisiana Downs when she captured the 2019 Elge Rasberry and she was a convincing winning last year in the Louisiana Cup Distaff.  Remarkably, Net a Bear has been a stakes winner at each of the four Louisiana racetracks and will defend her title in the Louisiana Cup Day Distaff.

“She’s tough as hell,” said Landry. “Even when she gets in trouble, she gets clear and gives it her all. She just has an incredible turn of foot!”

He likes his chances with Vodka Gimlet for owner Ellen Epstein in the Louisiana Cup Turf Classic and feels that World War IV Racing’s Ranch Water is poised for a good effort in the Louisiana Cup Juvenile.

“He won his first time out, despite breaking in the air and getting shuffled back” explained Landry. “When he circled the field and came running, we thought he had something special.”

Landry has been prominent on Louisiana Cup, with victories by Chu Chu’s Legacy in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile and Rodney Verret’s Laughingsaintssong who won the Louisiana Cup Day Sprint in 2019 and 2020.

“We just ran him for a tag on July 25,” said Landry. “He’s getting older, but ran a game third.”

But no chance of Landry dropping Net a Bear anytime in her racing career.

“We plan on running her through the end of the year and then she will be pointed to her second career as a broodmare,” he stated.

 

Free Like a Girl to Return in the Louisiana Cup Filly & Mare Sprint

2021 Louisiana Thoroughbred  Breeders Association (LTBA) Champion 2-year-old filly Free Like a Girl will return to Louisiana Downs on Cup Day to run in the six-furlong Louisiana Cup Filly & Mare Sprint.

Her unique story began when she was in foal to a mare named Flashy Prize. Retired jockey Kim Renee Stover and her sister, Lisa Osborne  were able to purchase the mare for just $500. She foaled at Stover’s farm in Starks, Louisiana on February 24, 2019.

Free Like a Girl was sent to Carl Deville and his daughter, Chasey Deville Pomier and began her racing career for owner Gerald Bruno, Jr., running second in open company at Lone Star Park.

On July 9 at Evangeline Downs, Free Like a Girl notched her first win. Pedro Cotto, Jr. had the call and has remained her rider to date. Despite a poor break in the $50,000 Louisiana Juvenile Fillies on August 21 at Louisiana Downs, in which she spotted her rivals by ten lengths,  she rallied for third. Free Like a Girl sparkled in the  $60,000 D.S. Shine Young Futurity on September 21 at Evangeline Downs and won back-to back stakes at Delta Downs. She dominated nine rivals in the $100,000 Louisiana Jewel on October 22 and scored another impressive victory one month later in the $100,000 My Trusty Cat Stakes.

Her final two starts of 2021 came at Fair Grounds where she ran second in the $100,000 Louisiana Lassie on Champions Day. But she left no doubt as to who was best 2-year-old filly the $109,600 Louisiana Futurity. The bay filly quickly took command, extending her lead andcrossing the wire of the six furlong feature by 6 ¼ lengths in a final time of 1:11.11.

Free Like a Girl began her 3-year-old campaign on February 5 with a gate-to-wire romp on Louisiana Premier Day at Delta Downs, winning the $100,000 Starlet by four lengths. Her connections sent her to Oaklawn Park where she ran fourth in the Grade 3, $300,000 Honeybee on February 26 to the much heralded Secret Oath.

“There were people who disagreed with her running outside of Louisiana, but she deserved a chance,” said Stover. “We were not embarrassed.”

After winning the $75,000 Louisiana Legends Soiree at Evangeline Downs, Free Like a Girl ran a credible third in the $225,000 Iowa Oaks (G3) on July 9 at Prairie Meadows.

Free Like a Girl has won seven of her 14 starts and has already banked $423,873 for owners  Gerald Bruno, Jr; Carl J, Deville; Chasey Deville Pomier and Jerry Caroom.

“She came out of the race well and we are looking forward to running her at Louisiana Downs,” said Stover.

 

Louisiana Cup Day Festivities

Racing fans of all ages are invited to enjoy the festivities offered on August 6 at Louisiana Downs.

Family-friendly activities on the trackside apron include live music, inflatable bounce houses and water slides, face painting, and much more! Also, enjoy tasty bites from the city’s best food trucks. And don’t forget to claim your FREE $5 wager while you are there!

Handicapping Preview Show Begins at Noon on Cup Day

Louisiana Downs track announcer John McGary and regional racing publicist Martha Claussen will team up for a pre-race handicapping preview at 12:00 pm in the Inside Rail, located on the first floor of the grandstand. They will offer analysis and their selections for each of the races on the Louisiana Cup Day card. The seminar is free and open to all racing fans.

Scholarship Drawings Set for Louisiana Cup Day

The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA) will award two (2) scholarships, each valued at $1,000, during the event.

The drawings will take place after the fifth race. The races begin at 1:45 p.m. and the student must be there to register between 12:45 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. at the designated registration booth. The requirements for the scholarship are as follows:

Must be a college student enrolled full-time for Fall 2022.

Must be in good standing with the college or university.

Must be present at the drawing location to win.

Must have university ID number or Social Security number.

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.

Trainer, Jockey and Owner Leaderboard

As of July 27, Shane Wilson, who was honored as 2021 Louisiana Down leading trainer, continues to top his fellow conditioners with 35wins and an impressive 64% in the money stat. Joey Foster and Greg Tracy have both saddled 20 winners with Hall of Fame conditioner Steve Asmussen in fourth place with 15 wins.

Last year’s leading jockey Carlos Lozada moved into a tie for first place in the jockey standings with Jose Guerrero. Both riders have won 55 wins since the meet began on May 7. Joel Dominguez and Alexander Castillo are tied for third with 21 wins each. Vincente Del-Cid follows with 19 wins.

Emanuel Nieves was injured two weeks ago and underwent successful surgery on July 25 to repair his broken right arm. He was in third place with 29 victories prior to the spill. We wish him a speedy recovery!

Wayne T. Davis is the leading owner with 13 wins to date. Greg Tracy is second with 10 top finishes and End Zone Athletics, Inc. Asmussen and Elite Thoroughbred Racing LLC are tied for third with six wins each.

The 2022 Thoroughbred meet at Louisiana Downs began on May 7 with live racing each Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. The 84-day live racing season will conclude  on September 27.

About Louisiana Downs

Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and is now owned by Rubico Acquisition Corporation. With annual Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing seasons, the track is committed to presenting the highest quality racing programs paired with its 150,000 square foot entertainment complex offering casino gambling, dining and plasma screen televisions for sports and simulcast racing.

LOUISIANA CUP DAY SET FOR SATURDAY, AUGUST 6 WITH PURSES OF $67,000 FOR EACH OF THE SIX STAKES

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Nominations Will Close Saturday, July 23

 

Bossier City, LA – The highly anticipated Louisiana Cup Day will take place on Saturday, August 6 at Louisiana Downs. Nominations will close for the six stakes for Louisiana-breds on Saturday, July 23 with strong interest from horsemen for the features, each valued at $67,000.

The annual stakes day is always special for breeders, owners, trainers and jockeys as the entire card shines the spotlight on Louisiana-breds. The options are plentiful with stakes written for juveniles, sprints and turf routes.

Trainer Ron Faucheux plans on sending several runners to Bossier City for Cup Day.

 

Fame Feather and Strong Beauty are in consideration for the Filly and Mare Sprint. Fame Feather, a 7-year-old mare, sired by Lion Tamer, sprang the upset in the $75,000 Louisiana Legends Mademoiselle on June 4 at Evangeline Downs for Picard Thoroughbreds Racing Stable LLC. Strong Beauty, a 5-year-old daughter of Overanalyze, owned by Golden Rock Thoroughbreds, ran fourth in that feature.

Bertie’s Galaxy has run in two editions of the Louisiana Cup Day sprint and exits a victory in the

$75,000 Louisiana Legends Sprint on June 4 at Evangeline Downs. After conferring with owner  Allen Cassedy, Faucheux is planning on giving the 6-year-old son of Greeley’s Galaxy a few months off.

However, he is considering testing Dorgenois, who just broke her maiden on July 15 at Evangeline Downs. Jim and Natalie Montgomery, prominent in Louisiana Quarter Horse racing, bred the daughter of Gormley to the Fusaichi Pegasus mare Money Peg.

“We love coming to Louisiana Downs for the big day,” said Faucheux.

Faucheux has many memories of his Louisiana-breds winning their Cup Day races, including millionaire Sunbean, who captured the 2016 Louisiana Turf Classic. One of his most popular competitors was the brilliant Monte Man.

The son of Custom For Carlos, bred by Val Murrell, was claimed for just $5,000 by Ivery Sisters Racing in 2017 at Belmont Park. He made his first start in Louisiana on December 17, 2017, winning an allowance at Fair Grounds, prior to reeling off seven consecutive wins, including a victory in the 2018 Louisiana Cup Sprint at Louisiana Downs. The bay gelding earned $794,233 in 50 career starts, competing at each of the four Louisiana racetracks. He concluded his remarkable run in the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Sprint on December 11, 2021.

Murrell had always assured Faucheux and Brian Ivery that once Monte Man was ready to retire, he would have his own pasture at Clear Creek Stud in Folsom, Louisiana. Faucheux has made several trips to visit the popular gelding.

“He’s doing great,” reported Faucheux. “They are taking great care of Monte Man and he still looks racy! He was such a barn favorite, and we all miss him, but we always believe in doing right by our horses.”

The draw for the six features on Louisiana Cup Day will take place on Saturday, July 30. The stakes are as follows:

$67,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile                    2 YO LA-Bred                        5 ½ furlongs

$67,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies          2 YO Fillies LA-Bred             5 ½ furlongs

$67,000 Louisiana Cup Filly & Mare Sprint  3 YO & Up F&M, LA-Bred  Six furlongs

$67,000 Louisiana Cup Sprint                        3 YO & Up LA-Bred              Six furlongs

$67,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic              3 YO & Up LA-Bred              1 1/16 miles (T)

$67,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff                      3 YO & Up F & M LA-Bred  1 1/16 miles (T)

Louisiana Cup Day Festivities

Racing fans of all ages are invited to enjoy the festivities offered on August 6 at Louisiana Downs.

Family-friendly activities on the trackside apron include live music, inflatable bounce houses and water slides, face painting, and much more! Also, enjoy tasty bites from the city’s best food trucks. And don’t forget to claim your FREE $5 wager while you are there!

Handicapping Preview Show Begins at Noon on Cup Day

Louisiana Downs track announcer John McGary and regional racing publicist Martha Claussen will team up for a pre-race handicapping preview at 12:00 pm in the Inside Rail, located on the first floor of the grandstand. They will offer analysis and their selections for each of the races on the Louisiana Cup Day card. The seminar is free and open to all racing fans.

Scholarship Drawings Set for Louisiana Cup Day

The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA) will award two (2) scholarships, each valued at $1,000, during the event.

The drawings will take place after the fifth race. The races begin at 1:45 p.m. and the student must be there to register between 12:45 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. at the designated registration booth.The requirements for the scholarship are as follows:

Must be a college student enrolled full-time for Fall 2022.

Must be in good standing with the college or university.

Must be present at the drawing location to win.

Must have university ID number or Social Security number.

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 Post Times Update

Louisiana Downs announced that post times for the duration of the 2022 Thoroughbred season will get underway at 3:05 pm (Central Time).  The lone exception will be on Louisiana Cup Day, when post time will be 1:45 pm on Saturday, August 6.

The 2022 Thoroughbred meet at Louisiana Downs began on May 7 with live racing eachSaturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. The 84-day live racing season will conclude  on September 27.

For further information on live racing, simulcasting and promotions, visit LAD.com.

About Louisiana Downs

Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and is now owned by Rubico Acquisition Corporation. With annual Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing seasons, the track is committed to presenting the highest quality racing programs paired with its 150,000 square foot entertainment complex offering casino gambling, dining and plasma screen televisions for sports and simulcast racing.

NET A BEAR RALLIES IN FINAL YARDS TO WIN THE $60,000 OPELOUSAS STAKES

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ALLEN LANDRY TRAINEE PICKS UP SECOND STAKES VICTORY OF THE SEASON

 

Net A Bear edges Lady Valentine to take the Opelousas Stakes. Coady Photography.

 

OPELOUSAS, LA –Racegoers enjoying the Family Night activities at Evangeline Downs witnessed Net a Bear pick up another stakes victory in the $60,000 Opelousas Stakes on Friday night.  The Allen Landry trainee was a winner of the Louisiana Legends Turf Distaff in her most recent start.  The one-mile race for fillies and mares 3-years-old and up, originally scheduled for the turf, was contested over a main track rendered sloppy by persistent afternoon rains.

Lady Valentine was away sharpest from her inside post and set out to an early lead, with Splenda Gail and favored Quin Ella in close pursuit.  Net a Bear and jockey Tim Thornton were away in good order and settled into stride towards the back of the field of seven runners.  Lady Valentine was allowed to set comfortable fractions of an opening quarter-mile in 24.07 and a half-mile in 47.81.  Moving into the far turn Quinn Ella edged forward past Splenda Gail to put some pressure on Lady Valentine, while Net a Bear was steadily gaining on the leaders while saving ground with an inside trip.

Through six furlongs in 1:12.92, Quinn Ella moved to the lead at the top of the lane outside of Lady Valentine.  Net a Bear was angled out from the rail to the middle of the track to commence her stretch winning drive.  In the final sixteenth of a mile, Lady Valentine had battled back to retake the lead from Quinn Ella but was not able to hold off Net a Bear in the final yards.  Net a Bear’s winning margin was a neck over Lady Valentine, with Quinn Ella another 1-1/2 lengths back in third.  The running time for the mile was 1:39.52.

Owned by Maximo Lamarche and Federico Deltoro, Net a Bear earned $36,000 for the victory.  The win is the 13th from 35 career starts and increased her lifetime earnings to $651,970.

The 6-year-old mare was bred in Louisiana by Lora Pitre and Elaine Carroll.  Sired by Awesome Bet, the bay mare is out of the Eddington mare Edacious Reality.

Net a Bear returned $6.10 as the slight second-choice in the wagering to win, $3.80 to place and $2.20 to show.  Lady Valentine was worth $8.20 to place and $3.40 to show.  Quinn Ella paid $2.60 to show.

Live racing resumes on Saturday with a 5:30pm first post.  The featured event is the $60,000 John Henry Stakes.  The Evangeline Downs Thoroughbred season runs on a Wednesday thru Saturday schedule until August 27.

ENJOY THE BELMONT STAKES, LIVE RACING AND FAMILY FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES AT LOUISIANA DOWNS ON SATURDAY, JUNE 11

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First Live Thoroughbred Race Begins at 1:45 pm (Central)

 

Bossier City, LA – Louisiana Downs has the distinction of being the only Thoroughbred racetrack in the Pelican State to run live racing on each of the three Triple Crown Stakes. Opening day was Saturday, May 7, with an enthusiastic crowd on hand to enjoy the first day of the season and the Kentucky Derby. Three weeks ago, a nice crowd enjoyed an afternoon of festivities and the running of the second jewel in the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes.

This Saturday horseplayers will be able to enjoy live racing and the running of the 154th Belmont Stakes. Louisiana Downs will simulcast each of the races from Belmont Park. Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike will take on a field to include  Mo Donegal , We the People and Barber Road  Family fun events including Bounce Houses, Face Painting. Jockey t-shirt toss and more! Fans can enjoy live music from Jimmy Wooten and  delicacies from  several of the top Food Trucks in the Metroplex. Additionally, there will be a  $5 Free Bet promotion at the Racing Promotional kiosks beginning at 11am.

Mitch Dennison, Louisiana Downs General Manager of Racing, looks forward to making Saturday, June 11 a very enjoyable day for racing fans of all ages.

“We are committed to building attendance and making sure that everyone enjoys our live racing, dining and activities,” said Dennison. “Our Clubhouse buffet will be open with a “Cajun style spread” for those fans who prefer air-conditioned comfort with great views of the racetrack. We are delighted to see the number of families who enjoy the festivities on the trackside apron and believe that that a good time can be had by all at Louisiana Downs!”

Multiple- Stakes Winner Net a Bear Continues to Thrill Her Connections

Each of the Louisiana racetracks host  a stakes day saluting Louisiana Thoroughbreds. Last Saturday, was Louisiana Legends Night at Evangeline Downs. One very familiar Louisiana-bred mare, Net a Bear did not disappoint as the favorite in the $75,000 Turf Distaff.  With Tim Thornton aboard, the 6-year-old daughter of Awesome Bet made her usual late run and drew off tin the one-mile turf stakes, winning by 1 ¼ lengths.

Bred by Lora Pitre and Elaine Carroll, Net a Bear is owned by Maximo Lamarche and Federico Deltoro and trained by Allen Landry. Since she began her career in 2018, the bay mare, versatile on turf or dirt, has won 12 of her 33 lifetime starts and following the victory at Evangeline Downs, upped her earnings to $615,970.  Her first stakes win came at Louisiana Downs when she captured the 2019 Elge Rasberry and she was a convincing winning last year in the Louisiana Cup Distaff.  Remarkably, Net a Bear has been a stakes winner at each of the four Louisiana racetracks and continues to delight her connections.

“She’s unbelievable,” stated Landry. “She can win on dirt, but really runs well on the turf. In the Turf Distaff (on June 4 at EVD), she was next to last, got into a little trouble, but got clear and just took off! She just has an incredible turn of foot.”

Landry was asked if she would make a return to Louisiana Downs on August 6 for this year’s Louisiana Cup Day.

“Absolutely!” he said.  “That’s our plan.”

Nominations for  Louisiana Cup Day will close on July 23. The stakes are as follows:

$50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile                    2 YO LA-Bred                        5 ½ furlongs

$50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies          2 YO Fillies LA-Bred             5 ½ furlongs

$50,000 Louisiana Cup Filly & Mare Sprint  3 YO & Up F&M, LA-Bred  Six furlongs

$50,000 Louisiana Cup Sprint                        3 YO & Up LA-Bred              Six furlongs

$50,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic              3 YO & Up LA-Bred              1 1/16 miles (T)

$50,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff                      3 YO & Up F & M LA-Bred  1 1/16 miles (T)

Trainer and  Jockey Standings Through June 6

Shane Wilson, who was honored as 2021 Louisiana Down leading trainer, continues to top his fellow conditioners with 20 wins. Joey Foster has saddled 13 winners to move into second place.   Hall of Fame conditioner Steve Asmussenfollows with 10 victories and Greg Tracy is now fourth with nine wins.

Jose Guerrero continues to be the leader in the rider standings with 25 wins since the meet began on May 7. Last year’s leading jockey Carlos Lozada is second with 19 trips to the winner’s circle, followed by Emanuel Nieves, who has won 15 races, including four winners on the June 6 card. Nieves was the track’s leading rider in 2018, but missed the majority of the 2019 season recovering from an injury. Alexander Castillo rounds out the top four with 12 wins.

Registration Open for the Annual Charity Golf Tournament

Louisiana Downs will host its annual Charity Golf Tournament at Northwood Hills Golf Club in Shreveport, Louisiana on Wednesday August 31.The event will benefit The Winner’s Circle Church and Chaplain Jimmy Sistrunk for his many programs to assist the Louisiana Downs racing community and backstretch workers.

Sign in for the event’s Four Person Scramble kicks off at 10:00 a.m. with tee off at 10:30 a.m.  The fee is $80 per person or $320 for a four-person team.  The fee includes green fees, golf cart, lunch, and t-shirt/cap. Trophies will be presented to the first, second and third-place teams.

The deadline to enter is Wednesday, August 24. Attendees can register in person in the Louisiana Downs Racing office, or by mail. Checks should be payable to The Backside Benevolence Fund and mailed to:  Jennifer Sokol, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, 8000 East Texas Street, Bossier City, Louisiana, 71111.  For further information, please contact Jennifer Sokol at (318) 741-2512 or (318) 573-5830.

Louisiana Downs Racing Dates and Post Time

The 2022 Thoroughbred meet at Louisiana Downs got underway on Saturday, May 7. The 84-day live racing season will run Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday through September 27. Post time on Saturday and Sunday is 1:45 pm (Central) and 3:05 pm on Monday and Tuesday. For details on simulcasting and special events, visit ladowns.com.

About Louisiana Downs

Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and is now owned by Rubico Acquisition Corporation. With annual Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing seasons, the track is committed to presenting the highest quality racing programs paired with its 150,000 square foot entertainment complex offering casino gambling, dining and plasma screen televisions for sports and simulcast racing.

EVANGELINE DOWNS WELCOMES LARGE CROWD FOR LOUISIANA LEGENDS NIGHT

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TRAINER RON FAUCHEUX AND JOCKEY JARETH LOVEBERRY TEAM UP FOR TWO STAKES VICTORIES

 

OPELOUSAS, LA –Evangeline Downs hosted the annual celebration of the Louisiana-bred Thoroughbreds with an exciting Louisiana Legends Night card on Saturday.  A large crowd was on hand for the night of stakes action that included six stakes races each worth $75,000 for state-bred runners.  Pleasant weather greeted race goers and the races were contested over tracks rated fast and firm.

Maga Man takes the Louisiana Legends Turf Stakes. Coady Photography.

Maga Man displayed a new dimension by sitting off the early speed and rallying to a thrilling victory in the $75,000 Turf.  Normally a runner found battling for the lead, jockey Joe Stokes was able to get Maga Man to settle off the hot early pace being fought by Forestdungone, Mangelsen and Behemah Star through snappy fractions of 23.21, 47.28 and 1:11.63.  Maga Man was ready to launch a four-wide rally at the top of the lane and engaged the leaders as they reached the furlong marker.  While Behemah Star continued to battle on as the only survivor of the early pace, Jaci’s Royalty and City Park were closing from the back of the pack.  Trained by Norman Miller, III, Maga Man was able to dig in and prevailed in a finish that saw the first four finishers separated by less than a combined length.

Maga Man stopped the clock in 1:43.33 over the 1-1/16 mile distance with the official winning margin of ½-length over Jaci’s Royalty.  It was a head back to third place finisher Behemah Star and a nose to City Park in fourth.  Maga Man defends his title in the Legends Turf, although last year’s running was contested over a sloppy main track.

Owned by Norman Miller IV, Maga Man returned $17.20 to his backers, $9.20 to place and $5.60 to show.  Jaci’s Royalty paid $8.20 and $6, with Behemah Star paying $4.60 to show.  The winning purse pushed the career totals for Maga Man to 10 victories in 39 career starts and $369,880 in earnings.

Bred by Steven Renshaw, Maga Man is a 7-year-old gelded gray/roan son of Musket Man, out of the Pulling Punches mare Lew’s Gray.

 

Free Like A Girl adds the Louisiana Legends Soiree to her list of stakes victories. Coady Photography.

Free Like a Girl ran like a solid favorite is expected to do in her victory over 3-year-old fillies in the $75,000 Soiree.  After breaking a little awkwardly, jockey Pedro Cotto, Jr. was able to get Free Like a Girl into a comfortable position just off the early leader Beleout.  Trained by Chasey Deville Pomier, Free Like a Girl ranged up to challenge the leader moving past the quarter-mile pole and opened up a comfortable margin moving past the furlong pole.  Wholelottamo was steadily gaining ground in a runner-up effort but could not threaten the winner.  The winning margin for Free Like a Girl was 1-1/4 lengths, with another 7-3/4 lengths to the third-place finisher First I’ve Seen.  The winner covered the mile distance in a time of 1:39.41

Sired by El Deal, the bay filly is out of the Flashy Bull mare Flashy Prize and was bred by Kim Renee Stover and Lisa Osborne.  The victory was her seventh from 13 career starts and the winning purse pushed her career total to $401,473.

Owned by Gerald Bruno Jr., Carl J. Deville, Chasey Deville Pomier and Jerry Caroom, Free Like a Girl returned $3 to win, $2.20 to place and $2.10 to show.  Wholelottamo paid $3 to place, $2.20 to show and First I’ve Seen paid $2.20 to show.

 

 

Big Chopper holds off Vodka Gimlet to win the Louisiana Legends Coeval Stakes. Coady Photography.

Kendel Standlee’s Big Chopper was hustled to the front and never looked back in his victory in the $75,000 Cheval.  Jockey C.J. McMahon had his mount away alertly from the gate and settled into stride setting fractions of 24.01, 47.83 and 1:11.93 before stopping the clock in 1:37.71 for the mile distance.  Vodka Gimlet was in range throughout but could not get past the determined winner.  Favored Touchuponastar, off a very impressive maiden victory, was chasing the eventual victor from the outset and faded to third.  Trained by Scott Gelner, Big Chopper’s winning margin was ½-length, with another length separating the second and third finishers.

Bred by the owner, the 3-year-old is by Shackleford and is out of the Unusual Heat mare Miss Well Molded.  The winning purse pushed his career total to $130,480 with his third victory from eight career starts.

Big Chopper returned $13.80 to his backers for a win ticket, $6.20 to place and $3.80 to show.  Vodka Gimlet returned $4.60 to place and $2.60 to show, with Touchuponastar paying $2.80 to show.

 

 

Net A Bear moves into the lead to take the Louisiana Legends Turf Distaff. Coady Photography.

Maximo Lamarche and Federico Deltoro’s Net a Bear returned to her winning ways on the grass with an impressive victory in the $75,000 Turf Distaff.  Jockey Tim Thornton and Net a Bear were unhurried early sitting in fifth position early as longshot Sumitup raced away to an open lengths lead.  World War and Great in Red were the first to collar the leader moving into the far turn as the leader gave way after fractions of 23.63 and 48.15.  Through six furlongs in 1:12.26, Net a Bear was shuffled back in some traffic and had to wait for some running room.  As the field straightened away in the lane, the Allen Landry trainee found clear running room and rushed past the leaders to win by 1-1/4 lengths.  World War fought on to finish second a head in front of Great in Red.  The winner stopped the timer in 1:36.91.

Bred by Lora Pitre and Elaine Carroll, Net a Bear was sired by Awesome Bet and is out of the Eddington mare Edacious Reality.  Winning for the twelfth time in 33 career starts, the $45,000 winning purse pushed her career earnings to $615,970.

The favorite in the wagering, Net a Bear paid $3.40 to win, $2.10 to place and $2.10 to show.  World War paid $2.80 to place and $2.40 to show.  Great in Red returned $2.80 to show.

 

 

Trainer Ron Faucheux and jockey Jareth Loveberry teamed up for their first of two stakes victories as Fame Feather won the $75,000 Mademoiselle.  Winning for the first time over the main track, Fame Feather rallied from off the pace to win the 5-1/2 furlong sprint.  Settling off swift early fractions of 21.90 and 45.58 seconds set by Lady Hopper, the Picard Thoroughbreds Racing Stable LLC (Dawn and Jeffrey Picard) runner commenced a rally two wide on the turn and rallied to pull away for a one length victory over Spirited Beauty, a half-length ahead of Snowball who rallied late for a third-place finish.  The winner stopped the timer in 1:04.49.

Bred by Ramona Pierce, Fame Feather is a 7-year-old chestnut mare sired by Lion Tamer, out of the Indian Charlie mare Pretty Indian.  Winning for the seventh time in 25 career starts, the winner’s share increased her career bankroll to $274,330.

Fame Feather returned a welcome $21.20 to win for her backers, $7.80 to place and $5 to show.  Spirited Beauty paid $4.80 to place and $2.80 to show.  Snowball returned $3 to show.

 

Bertie’s Galaxy wins the Louisiana Legends Sprint Stakes. Coady Photography.

Faucheux and Loveberry found the winner’s circle again as Bertie’s Galaxy defended his title in the $75,000 Sprint.  Sharp away from the gate, Bertie’s Galaxy was quickly in charge leading by a length through an opening quarter in 21.86 seconds with Black Sword and Yankee Seven chasing their familiar rival.  Turning for home in a half-mile in 44.63 seconds, the Allen Cassedy runner extended the lead to two lengths and was clear at the wire.  The winning margin was 2-1/4 lengths over a late closing Creole Charlie and it was another 1-1/2 lengths back to Takes Two to Tango in third.  Bertie’s Galaxy stopped the clock in 1:03.52 for the 5-1/2 furlong distance.

Bertie’s Galaxy was bred by Margie Averett and the 6-year-old chestnut gelding is by Greeley’s Galaxy out of the Wild Rush mare Wild Bertie.

Off as the favorite, Bertie’s Galaxy returned $6.60 as a popular victor, $4.60 to place and $4 to show.  Creole Charlie was worth $12.60 to place and $8 to show.  Takes Two to Tango returned $5.60 to show.  The winning share pushed the career bankroll of Bertie’s Galaxy to $442,850.  The victory was the eleventh from 25 career starts.

For more information on racing at Evangeline Downs, visit the track’s website at www.evdracing.comand on Twitter @evdracing.  Live racing resumes Wednesday with a 5:30pm Central first post.  The racing calendar for 2022 is a Wednesday through Saturday schedule until the end of the meet on August 27.

Two Scholarships to be Awarded at Louisiana Legends Night

louisianathoroughbred

Two Scholarships to be Awarded
at Louisiana Legends Night

Registration and Awards at
Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino

OPELOUSAS, La. – Louisiana Legends Night will take place at Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel in Opelousas, La. The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association will award a total of two scholarships, each valued at $1,000, during the event.

The featured night of the thoroughbred racing season will take place June 4 with the Louisiana Legends Night. The exciting card will include six stakes races for horses bred in the Bayou State, each with a purse of $75,000. A new star emerged last year as Cilla  took the Louisiana Legends Mademoiselle Stakes and later scored a graded stakes win in the Prioress Stakes (G2) at Saratoga Race Course in September.

Requirements for the scholarship are as follows:

  • Must be a college student enrolled full-time in an Accredited College, University or Community College for Fall 2022
  • 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 Louisiana 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.

“The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association continues to make an investment in the future of our state by investing in our students and the education process,” said Roger Heitzmann, secretary/treasurer for the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association. “This type of investment is for our future, the state, as well as the organization. Our hope is that these scholarships get the younger generations invested in LTBA so that our organization stays the top breeding incentive program in the United States.”

Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association manages one of the best incentive programs for breeding thoroughbreds in the United States. Since the organization formed in 1963, this 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.

Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino is the first “Racino” built in this country from the ground up. We feature a state-of-the-art facility with a new one mile oval. The entire property consists of nearly 750 acres. The track houses nearly 1,000 stalls on the backside. There is a pond in the infield, but no alligators (that we know of). We now have a 7/8-mile turf track with a 1 1/8-mile chute.

For more information about Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association visit louisianabred.com or call (504) 947-4676.