Category: Louisiana Cup Day

LOUISIANA DOWNS TO WELCOME LEGISLATORS FOR LOUISIANA CUP DAY ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 6

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State Officials to Make Trophy Presentation After Race 3

 

Bossier City, LA – Kevin Preston, the president and owner of Louisiana Downs looks forward to welcoming Louisiana horsemen, fans and key lawmakers this Saturday, August 6 for Louisiana Cup Day, the marquee racing event of the annual Thoroughbred racing season.

Since the 2022 Louisiana live racing season kicked off in January, Preston has worked tirelessly to bring the Bossier City racetrack and casino back to prominence. Facility updates and the addition of a Sports Wagering Hub have been well-received by fans and horsemen.  One of his other goals is to ensure that Louisiana lawmakers understand the economic impact of Louisiana Downs.  Preston has extended an invitation to local and state legislators to come out on Saturday, August 6 for the stakes-filled program saluting Louisiana Thoroughbreds. The card includes:

$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)

“Working with our legislators is vital to the growth of Louisiana racing and breeding,” stated Preston. “Louisiana Downs is one of four racetracks in Louisiana that support the livelihoods of many individuals in our state. We look forward to a very entertaining Cup Day on Saturday!”

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 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!

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.

August Calendar of Events from the LTBA

louisianathoroughbred
 Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association would like to share the following list of dates of interest to Louisiana horsemen and women.Brought to you by Whispering Oaks Farm,   Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association, and Breeders Sales of Louisiana. Click images to link to more information

August 1

  • Jockey Club Report of Mares Bred Due 

August 5

  • The Spotted Horse Stakes, Evangeline Downs, Opelousas, LA

August 6

  • LTBA Board of Directors meeting, 10:30 a.m., Winners Circle Church
  • Louisiana Cup Day six stakes races for Accredited Louisiana Breds, Louisiana Downs, Bossier City.
  • LTBA Scholarship Drawings; two $1,000 scholarships for current college students. (Registration between 12:45-1:45 p.m. Drawings for two scholarships will occur at the winners circle after the 5th race. Must be present at winners circle to win.)
  • Evangeline Mile Stakes, Evangeline Downs, Opelousas, LA


August 10

  • Delta Downs stall applications due for 2022-23 Thoroughbred Meet

August 12

  • Stallion Awards to be Mailed

August 26

  • D.S. Shine Young Futurity (Filly Division), Evangeline Downs, Opelousas, LA

August 27

  • D.S. Shine Young Futurity (Colt and Gelding Division), Evangeline Downs, Opelousas, LA
  • Evangeline Downs Closing Day of 2022 Thoroughbred Meet

August 29

  • Texas Summer Yearling and Mixed Sale, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie

August 31

  • Accreditation Applications Due

Reminder: 2022-23 LTBA Regular Membership Applications and Renewals Due.
$75 before Sept. 30/$85 after Sept 30.

Would you like to sponsor a newsletter? Reach @ 2,500 readers.Please contact Linda 985-386-0360, linda@louisianabred.com or Roger 504-947-4676, roger@louisianabred.com for cost and availability.

Do you have a date pertaining to Louisiana-breds that you would like included in an upcoming calendar? Please contact Linda 985-386-0360, linda@louisianabred.com or Roger 504-947-4676, roger@louisianabred.comfor consideration.

 

Any questions or need more info call

Roger A. Heitzmann III, Secretary/Treasurer

Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association

504-947-4676

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.

July Calendar of Events from the LTBA

louisianathoroughbred
 Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association would like to share the following list of dates of interest to Louisiana horsemen and women.

Brought to you by Whispering Oaks Farm,   Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association, and Breeders Sales Company. Click images to link to more information

July 1

  • Louisiana Futurity Eligibility Payments due
  • Opelousas Stakes, Evangeline Downs

July 2

  • John Henry Stakes, Evangeline Downs


July 4

  • Independence Day. LTBA Office closed for 4th of July Holiday

July 6

  • Breeders Sales of Louisiana Yearling Sale Followed by Mixed Session Consignment Deadline

July 15

July 23
Louisiana Cup Day Nominations Close 

Would you like to sponsor a newsletter? Reach @ 2,500 readers.Please contact Linda 985-386-0360, linda@louisianabred.com or Roger 504-947-4676, roger@louisianabred.com for cost and availability.

Do you have a date pertaining to Louisiana-breds that you would like included in an upcoming calendar? Please contact Linda 985-386-0360, linda@louisianabred.com or Roger 504-947-4676, roger@louisianabred.comfor consideration.

 

Any questions or need more info call

Roger A. Heitzmann III, Secretary/Treasurer

Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association

504-947-4676

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.

LOUISIANA DOWNS 2022 THOROUGHBRED LIVE RACING SEASON TO GET UNDERWAY ON SATURDAY, MAY 7

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Live Racing Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday Through September 27

 

Bossier City, LA – The 2022 Thoroughbred racing season at Louisiana Downs will commence on Saturday, May 7. The 84-day live racing season will run four continuous days with a post time of 3:05 pm (Central) through Tuesday, September 27.

The Bossier City racetrack just completed its annual Quarter Horse meet on April 6 under new ownership. Kevin Preston, who has over 30-years of experience in the casino industry is president of Louisiana Downs and is committed to integrating the racetrack and onsite and casino into one entity.

The personable and outgoing Preston has wasted no time in learning more about horse racing. He has been very active in talking with horsemen and understanding their needs. Improvements on the backside have been made, including a new toteboard, security gate, foliage and signage. Preston is highly committed to increasing purses and maintaining the safest track surfaces.

“I respect the investment that each owner has in running a horse at Louisiana Downs,” said Preston. “Trainers work extremely hard caring and training for their horses and competitive purses and quality track surfaces are extremely important.”

Entertainment and attracting attendance are also top priorities for Preston and his team. Promotions including a New Year’s Eve fireworks show, t-shirt and cap giveaways, food trucks and family-friendly activities were very well-received during the Quarter Horse meet. Several promotions are planned for opening day, which will also include the simulcast of the 148th Kentucky Derby.

“Bringing back fans to enjoy the thrill of live horse racing is important for us,” added Preston. “There is a special thrill to seeing these amazing athletes in action and cheering on the winner! Plus, it’s been great to see families spending Sunday afternoons together on the track apron.”

Louisiana Downs also opened its long awaited Sports Wagering hub in the casino recently with plans to open their permanent space within the next six months. It will be a dynamic, state-of-the-art venue comprised of a live brick and mortar sportsbook fused with a sports bar and grill.

With high definition televisions, comfortable seating, and a new restaurant, sports fans will be able to watch and wager on their favorite teams. Also, coming soon are 100 new machines as well as Historical Horse Racing betting terminals.

The first condition book for May 7-29 is available on Equibase. Louisiana Cup Day, featuring six stakes for Louisiana Thoroughbreds, will be contested on Saturday, August 6 and an announcement on the return of the Super Derby will be forthcoming.

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

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

$50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies          2 YO Fillies LA-Bred             Six 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)

The 84-day meet will feature live racing on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday through September 27. Post time will be  3:05 pm (Central). 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.

CAMEL AND OSTRICH RACES RETURN TO LOUISIANA DOWNS ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

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Solid Handle Increase Noted on Louisiana Cup Day

 

Bossier City, LA – As a result of the enthusiast response from racing fans of all ages, Louisiana Downs will once again present Camel and Ostrich Races on Sunday, September 5. The Bossier City racetrack welcomed the exotic animals on Sunday, May 30 to the delight of the crowd. The wildly popular special event, combined with live Thoroughbred racing and simulcast racing from tracks across the country, will make for a very enjoyable Labor Day weekend outing.

 

The first live Thoroughbred race runs at 2:45 pm (Central) with the 100-yard camel race to be run following the fourth race of the afternoon (approximately 4:15 pm) and the super speedy ostriches scheduled to take to the track after race six.

 

For further details on Labor Day weekend racing and festivities at Louisiana Downs, click HERE.

 

Louisiana Cup Day Handle Success

Louisiana Cup Day on Saturday, August 21 featured six $50,000 stakes for Louisiana Thoroughbreds. The annual afternoon of racing salutes the breeders, owners, trainersand jockeys who give so much to the Louisiana Thoroughbred industry. It was also an excellent day regarding handle with a total of $1,440,039 million wagered on the seven-race card.  That represented an increase from the 2020 Louisiana Cup day handle of $1,210,487 with eight races on the program.

 

Officials had requested permission from the Louisiana State Racing Commission to offer the Pick 5 wager with a mandatory payout. With the carryover of $349,000heading into August 21, the pool reached $476,970.  Plenty of handicappers put together winning tickets and were rewarded with a payout of $3,353.

 

Race 3     $50,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff                              Net a Bear                   $4.40

Race 4     $50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile                             True Deal                    $12.60

Race 5     $50,000 Louisiana Cup Sprint                                Chu Chu’s Legacy      $15.80

Race 6     $50,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic                      Carlea’s Dream           $5.80

Race 7     $50,000 Louisiana Cup Filly & Mare Sprint          Strong Beauty             $10.80

 

“We were very pleased with this year’s Louisiana Cup Day,” said David Heitzmann, Louisiana Downs Director of Racing. “We were able to run stakes on the main track as well as the turf and  our horseplayers responded very well to the Pick 5 wager which boosted our handle for the day. We thank our horsemen and fans for their support of our premier day of racing!”

 

Registration Still 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 September 1.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 Super Derby t-shirt/cap. Trophies will be presented to the first, second and third-place teams.

 

The deadline to enter is Wednesday, August 25th. 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 Trainer, Jockey and Owner Standings

Through August 24, Shane Wilson leads his fellow conditioners with 42 wins since the 2021 Thoroughbred meet began on May 1.  Joey Foster has saddled 32 winners and Joe Duhon rounds out the top three with 27 wins.

 

Joel Dominguez, who won the title last year, is currently on top of the jockey standings with 67 wins. Also having an excellent meet is 2019 leading rider Carlos Lozada with 65 victories and Emanuel Nieves with 59 trips to the winner’s circle.

 

Competition is also very tight in the battle for leader owner with Wayne T. Davis in the lead with 21 wins. End Zone Athletics Inc. follows with 18 victories and Dream Walkin Farms Inc. is in third place with 16 wins.

 

Live racing takes place Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday until the conclusion of the 2021 Thoroughbred meet on Tuesday, September 21.

 

About Louisiana Downs

Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and was purchased by Caesars Entertainment in December, 2002. With annual Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing seasons, the track is committed to presenting the highest quality racing programs paired with its 150,000 square foot entertainment complex offering casino gambling, dining and plasma screen televisions for sports and simulcast racing.