Category: Louisiana Cup Day

LTBA To Boost Louisiana Cup Purses

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July 19, 2018

The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association announced today that they are adding $10,000 to the purse of each Louisiana Cup Stakes race boosting the total purse money of each of the six stakes from $50,000 to $60,000. The Louisiana Cup stakes races for accredited Louisiana Breds will be run Saturday, August 4th at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs in Bossier City. Nominations close this Saturday, July 21st.

$60,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile                    2 YO LA-Bred                        Six furlongs

$60,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies          2 YO Fillies LA-Bred             Six furlongs

$60,000 Louisiana Cup Filly & Mare Sprint  3 YO & Up F&M, LA-Bred  Six furlongs

$60,000 Louisiana Cup Sprint                        3 YO & Up LA-Bred              Six furlongs

$60,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic              3 YO & Up LA-Bred              1 1/16 miles (T)

$60,000 Louisiana Distaff                              3 YO & Up F & M LA-Bred  1 1/16 miles (T)

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

The drawings will be between the fifth and sixth races. The races begin at 3:15 p.m. and the student must be there to register between 2:15 p.m. and 3:15 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 2018.
  • 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.

“The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association is pleased to continue making an investment in the future of our state by investing in the education process,” said Roger Heitzmann, secretary/treasurer for the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association.

NOMINATIONS FOR LOUISIANA CUP DAY AT HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS CLOSE SATURDAY, JULY 21

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Bossier City, LA – The Louisiana Downs racing office is busy this week taking nominations for Louisiana Cup Day on Saturday, August 4. Nominations for the seven stakes will close this Saturday, July 21.

Trainer H. B. Johnson has three runners pointed to Louisiana Cup Day, including Berniestrike, who pulled the upset in last year’s$50,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic. Bred and owned by James Boyd,  the son of Wilburn out of the Unusual Heat mare Unusual Strike wore down his rivals under rider Eguard Tejera.

 Sent off at 22-1, Berniestrike, who ran third in the 2016 edition of this stakes, paid $46.20 for the victory. He won off an eight-month layoff last year and will be making his first stakes in six months,as his last race was the Dixie Poker Ace on March 3 at Fair Grounds.

“He ran in New Orleans and got hurt, so we had to give him some time off,” said Johnson. “I think he’ll do well again; turf is his best surface.”

The 5-year-old gelding has won four of his 19 starts, earning $169,470 to date.

His half-brother Jimi’s a Star, also owned and bred by Boyd, will make his stakes debut in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile. Sired by Star Guitar out of Unusual Strike, he ran a game second to Liaisons Halo in a $23,000 maiden special weight here on July 9. Jockey Emanuel Nieves had the call.

“He’s a pretty nice horse,” said Johnson. “In his debut, he was a little erratic, but came running late. I think he’ll improve in his second start.”

Johnson’s third runner is Smokin’ Truth, who is slated to run in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Sprint. The 3-year-old son of Yes Its True is co-owned by Johnson and Drop 23, LLC. He ran third in the 2017 Louisiana Cup Juvenile and eighth in the Sunday Silence here on Super Derby Day.

Another veteran trainer Robert Schultz has nominated Double Star for the $60,000 Prelude. Owned by Four Star Racing, the son of Star Guitar out of the Stormy Atlantic mare Bond Queen, has won four of his 12 career efforts, including two stakes earlier this year at Evangeline Downs. Schultz shipped the bay colt to Louisiana Downs and ran him in a turf allowance on July 6, where he finished sixth.

“Either he didn’t like the turf or facing that company, it wasn’t his best race,” stated Schultz. “Sometimes 3-year-olds get funny when they are up against older horses.”

Schultz looks for a good performance from Double Star, who will be ridden by Jose Guerrero.

“He’s been on him all but once,” he added. “Jose is a good, young rider.”

 

Mary Rampellini of the Daily Racing Form broke the news that Analyze This Jet is being pointed to the Prelude by his trainer, Terry Eoff.  The stakes winner has been gelded since running fourth in the $65,000 Prairie Mile at Prairie Meadows June 8.

The Prelude serves as a prep for the Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby which will be run on Sunday, September 2.

 

Louisiana Cup Day nominations for the following stakes close on July 21.

$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 Distaff                              3 YO & Up F & M LA-Bred  1 1/16 miles (T)

$60,000 Super Derby Prelude                         3 Y0                                        1 1/16 miles

 

Super Derby Charity Golf Tournament Set for August 23

The Super Derby Charity Golf Tournament will be held on Thursday, August 23, at Querbes Golf Course in Shreveport, Louisiana.

The event will benefit Chaplain Jimmy Sistrunk & The Winner’s Circle Church, which provides assistance to the Louisiana racing community and backstretch workers. It serves as one of the special events saluting the annual Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby, the marquee race of the Louisiana Downs Thoroughbred season, set for Sunday, September 2.

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.

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.

The deadline for registration is August 16. Hole sponsorships for $100, including a sign, are available, but must be purchased by August 1.

For further information, please contact Jennifer Sokol, Louisiana Downs Racing Office Manager at (318) 741-2512.

 

Post Times and Stakes Schedule

Live racing will be conducted Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and Saturday with a 3:15 p.m. (Central) post time through September 27. The 84-day meet will include 14 stakes highlighted by two major events, Louisiana Cup Day on Saturday, August 4and Super Derby Day on Sunday, September 2. As previously announced one major change for the upcoming season is that the Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby will return to the main track at a distance of a mile and one-sixteenth on Sunday, September 2.

 

About Harrah’s 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.

 

JOCKEY GERARDO MORA BACK ON TOP AT ​ HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS

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Bossier City, LA –  Gerardo Mora, who was the leading rider last year at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, is now in the lead with 35 trips to the winner’s circle. He won five races on the June 27th card, sending the message that a repeat of his title is certainly on his mind.

“My meet started a little slow, but I did not think about it too much,” said Mora. “I am just focused on winning races.”

Born in Palestine, Texas, Mora, 26, has ridden in Texas and Louisiana since 2011. He rode as an apprentice at Retama Park near San Antonio, and won the riding title at Sam Houston Race Park in 2013 and 2014.   He has ridden 4,877 Thoroughbreds with a record of 623 wins, 689 seconds, 629 thirds and earnings of $9.2 million.

Mora is riding for a number of horsemen at Louisiana Downs, including Danny Pish, Ralph Irwin, Jamie Pasto, Patrick Moutonand last year’s leading conditioner, Joey Foster. He credits his agent, former top Louisiana jockey, Ronald Ardoin for building his business.

“I’ve got a great agent,” added Mora. “He sees the races better than anyone and is always there to help me.”

Mora added another three wins on the Monday, July 9th card, including a victory for Liaison Halo for Pish and owner Dennis Foster.

“He was making his second start and improved off his experience in his first race,” said Mora. “He relaxed as we made the trip between horses and handled the rail very well.”

Several jockeys are riding very well this meet Mora knows the race for the title could go down to the wire. Emanuel Nieves is second in the standings with 34 wins. Joel Dominguez took command of the June 23rd card, winning six of the seven races. He has won 32 races to date.  Richard Eramia, who has locked up leading rider honors already at Lone Star Park, has 25 wins to his credit at Louisiana Downs.  He will be a threat once Lone Star concludes on July 15.

 

Louisiana Cup Day News

Harrah’s Louisiana Downs will present Louisiana Cup Day on Saturday, August 4 featuring seven stakes for Louisiana-breds.

Trainer Danny Pish may nominate Liaison Halo for the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile, a six-furlong stakes he won last year with Scott Brown’s Ace Guitar.

“He’s a definite maybe,” said Pish. “He ran a very professional effort on Monday, so we will just have to see if mentally and physically, he is ready to take the next step up.”

 

Mary Rampellini of the Daily Racing Form broke the news that Autumn Warrior, who ran his record to 2-for-2 in the recent Lafayette Stakes at Evangeline Downs, is under consideration for the $60,000 Prelude Stakes. Trainer Al Stall, Jr. has the mile and one-sixteenth mile main track race in mind for the son of Orb, bred and owned by Autumn Hill Farms Racing Stables, Inc. The Prelude serves as a prep for the Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby which will be run on Sunday, September 2.

 

Louisiana Cup Day nominations for the following stakes close on July 21.

 

$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 Distaff                              3 YO & Up F & M LA-Bred  1 1/16 miles (T)

$60,000 Super Derby Prelude                         3 Y0                                        1 1/16 miles

 

Al Stall, Jr. and Danny Pish Tied for Leading Trainer

As of July 10, Al Stall, Jr. and Danny Pish are tied for the lead in the trainer standings with 13 wins each. Joe O. Duhon is second with 12 victories and Karl Broberg and Henry E. Uriegas have each saddled ten winners to share third place. Eric Nelson, Jr. and Beverly Burress follow closely with nine wins each.

Dream Walkin Farms, Inc. tops the owner standings with nine wins with End Zone Athletics, Inc. in second place with eight winners.  Jorge Gomez is third with six wins, one more than Patti Turner. 

 

Post Times and Stakes Schedule

Live racing will be conducted Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and Saturday with a 3:15 p.m. (Central) post time through September 27. The 84-day meet will include 14 stakes highlighted by two major events, Louisiana Cup Day on Saturday, August 4and Super Derby Day on Sunday, September 2. As previously announced one major change for the upcoming season is that the Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby will return to the main track at a distance of a mile and one-sixteenth on Sunday, September 2.

 

About Harrah’s 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.

 

HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS ANNOUNCES PURSE INCREASES FOR THE 2018 THOROUGHBRED MEET

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Bossier City, LA – Harrah’s Louisiana Downs has announced an increase in overnight race purses for the 2018 Thoroughbred season, effective June 30.  All overnight races, up to and including $12,500, will be increased by $1,500. All other purses will be raised by $1,000.

The 84-day live racing season began on May 5 and the cards on Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdayafternoons have been well-received on-track as well as by simulcast players throughout the country. With two major stakes days, Louisiana Cup Day on August 4 and
Super Derby Day on September 2, the purse increases will bolster the daily race cards for the meet which continues through Wednesday, September 26.

“We are pleased to announce this purse increase,” said David Heitzmann, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Racing Secretary. “While our Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby remains the richest race of the meet, we have a loyal core of horsemen who work hard to fill races throughout the season. We are hopeful that this increase will benefit both our horsemen and horseplayers.”

The annual Louisiana Cup Day on August 4 will feature six divisional stakes for horses bred in Louisiana, with four six-furlong main track stakes as well as the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic and the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff to be contested at a mile and one-sixteenth on the turf. The program also includes the $60,000 Prelude, a 1 1/16-mile race on the turf for 3-year-olds that serves as the local prep race for the Super Derby. Purses for the Louisiana Cup Day stakes will total $360,000.  In addition to the Super Derby, six additional stakes will be contested on Sunday, September 2 with total purses for the holiday card totaling $660,000.

 

Big Saturday for Jockey Joel Dominguez and Agent Don Simington

Saturday, June 23 was a memorable day for both jockey Joel Dominguez and his agent, Don Simington. Dominguez won six of seven races on the card at Louisiana Downs, finishing third in the sixth race. Hector Del-Cid, who also is represented by Simington, guided Bitsy’s Half to victory, “spoiling” the sweep by Dominguez.

Dominguez began his day winning the first five races, beginning with Gardner’s Song; Phat and Fast; N.D. Free; Sunshine Tutie and Vinyl. He returned to the winner’s circle in the finale aboard Beautiful Gi Gi.

“The day set up perfectly for me,” admitted Dominguez. “I told my wife that I was named on a lot of horses that had a shot. But I never thought I could win six races!

As previously been reported in weekly notes, the 28-year-old rider ended his apprentice status on May 23.  He was confident that he would make the transition to journeyman status with the support of many trainers, including Al Stall, Jr., Joe Duhon, Dana Whited, Ronnie Ward, Ralph Irwin and Al Cates.

After losing his bug, Dominguez stated that one of his goals was to finish in the top three in the rider standings. He has won 27 races and is currently tied with Emanuel Nieves for the lead. Last year as an apprentice, Dominguez finished as the tenth-leading rider with 31 victories.

Born in Durango, Mexico, Dominguez credits his hard-working agent, Simington for his success so far as well as his record-setting Saturday.

“Don has me riding for many different barns,” he said.  “He’s doing a great job!”

Simington, hung up his tack in 2015 after winning over 3,400 races. He won five races on a card at Louisiana Downs several years ago, but had no issue with Dominguez breaking his record!

 

“It was an exciting day for Joel and nice day for me, winning seven races with my riders,” said Simington.

 

Camel and Ostrich Racing Set for July 4

Harrah’s Louisiana Downs is hosting Exotic Animal Races on Wednesday, July 4th. Fans of all ages will enjoy Ostriches and Camels racing on the main track in between live Thoroughbred races. Post time is 3:15 pm and activities for families on the Kid’s Zone apron will get underway at noon.  The popular Food Trucks will make a return appearance and The Harrah’s Club is offering an All you can eat, All day Buffet for $29.99.

 

Wednesday and Saturday Race Day Promotions

Louisiana Downs offers value for racing fans each Wednesday with Dollar Day. They will be able to enjoy $1 hot dogs, $1 beer at the Paddock as well as $1 programs. Saturday’s weekly promotion is the Family Four Packfeaturing four hot dogs, four sodas, a program, and a box seat for four at the affordable price of just $16.

 

The Total Rewards program is free for horseplayers. With the swipe of their card each Saturday, members will receive valuable incentives.  These include:

  • Play $250 or more to receive a 5X multiplier
  • Play $1,000 or more to receive a 7X multiplier
  • Play $5,000 or more to receive a 10X multiplier

Participant’s multiplier cannot exceed a total balance of more than one hundred thousand (100,000) Reward Credits during one promotional day after the multiplier is applied.

 

Post Times and Stakes Schedule

Live racing will be conducted Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and Saturday with a 3:15 p.m. (Central) post time through September 27.

 

The 84-day meet will include 14 stakes highlighted by two major events, Louisiana Cup Day on Saturday, August 4 and Super Derby Day on Sunday, September 2. As previously announced one major change for the upcoming season is that the Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby will return to the main track at a distance of a mile and one-sixteenth on Sunday, September 2.

About Harrah’s 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.

SEVERAL LOUISIANA LEGENDS STAKES WINNERS ON TARGET FOR LOUISIANA CUP DAY AT HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS

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Bossier City, LA – Evangeline Downs hosted its richest night of the Thoroughbred season on Saturday, May 26 with eight stakes races for Louisiana-breds. Several of the Louisiana Legends Night champions are on target to compete at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs on Saturday, August 4 as part of Louisiana Cup Day.

 

Trust Factor, a 5-year-old horse owned by Scrivener Stables, captured his first career stakes last July at Louisiana Downs with a ground saving trip in the $100,000 Louisiana Legends Turf. The son of Paddy O Prado was bred in Louisiana and defeated five rivals in the mile and one-sixteenth turf stakes with jockey Colby Hernandez in the irons.   He added a turf victory at Fair Grounds in the $60,000 Dixie Ace Poker Stakes on March 3 and returned to the winner’s circle last Saturday in the $75,000 Louisiana Legends Turf at Evangeline Downs.

 

Trainer Mike Maker said Trust Factor will likely make his next start on August 4 at Louisiana Downs in the Louisiana Cup Turf Classic.

 

“It’s the most logical spot,” said Maker. “He’s a cool horse and fits well in state-bred company. He has been fortunate that each of the Louisiana turf stakes wins were on firm turf courses. That’s what he likes.”

 

Mary Rampellini of the Daily Racing Form reported that Double Star, winner of the $75,000 Equine Sales Derby is under consideration for the $60,000 Prelude, a mile and one-sixteenth main track race for 3-year-olds, which will also run on August 4. The son of Star Guitar is trained by Robert Schultz for Four Star Racing. His victory last weekend at Evangeline Downs was his fourth win in 11 starts.

 

Rampellini also spoke with conditioner Ron Faucheux about Monte Man, winner of the $75,000 Louisiana Legends Sprinton Louisiana Legends Night. Sired by Custom For Carlos, Monte Man’s victory on Saturday night was his fifth in a row. Owned by Ivery Sisters Racing, Faucheux told Rampellini that his sprinter is a candidate for the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Sprint.

 

Much more on Louisiana Cup Day which will take place on Saturday, August 4 in the weeks to come. Nominations for the seven stakes close July 21.

 

Belmont Stakes Simulcast on June 9

Harrah’s Louisiana Downs invites fans of all ages to enjoy live racing and the simulcast of the 150th Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 9. The undefeated Justify will be the favorite as he competes in the third leg of the Triple Crown facing rivals including Hofburg, Bravazo, Vino Rosso, Tenfold, Blended Citizen, Noble Indy, Free Drop Billy and Gronkowski. Should he win, he would become just the 13th Thoroughbred in the history of the sport to win the Triple Crown.  Live Thoroughbred horse racing gets underway at 3:15 pm with the Belmont Stakes to run at 5:37 pm (Central).

 

In addition to the racing, Louisiana Downs will host a family fun kid zone featuring bounce houses, water slide, and face painting. The popular Food Trucks will return, or for fans that prefer the air conditioned comfort of the grandstand, the Harrah’s Club Buffet is open from 12pm – 6pm at $39.99 per person. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made by calling 800-551-7223 or 318-752-6367.

 

Trainer, Jockey and Owner Standings

As of May 30, Joe O. Duhon and Karl Broberg top the trainer standings with six wins each.  Jorge Lara, Dana Whited and Henry E. Uriegas have each saddled five winners.  Danny Pish, Al Stall, Jr. and Tyron Benoit follow closely with four wins.

 

Joel Dominguez, who lost his bug on May 24, did not lose a beat transitioning to the journeyman ranks. He added four victories to remain in the lead of the jockey standings with 14 wins. Richard Eramia is second with 13 trips to the winner’s circle and last year’s leading jockey Gerardo Mora is third with 11 wins. Kevin Smith, Hector Del-Cid and Aubrie Green have each won eight races.

 

Dream Walkin Farms, Inc has won five races to maintain the lead in the owner standings. End Zone Athletics, Inc. is next with four wins and Brittlyn Stable Inc, P and D Racing Stables and Jorge Gomez follow with three wins each.

 

Wednesday and Saturday Race Day Promotions

Louisiana Downs offers value for racing fans each Wednesday with Dollar Day. They will be able to enjoy $1 hot dogs, $1 beer at the Paddock as well as $1 programs. Saturday’s weekly promotion is the Family Four Packfeaturing four hot dogs, four sodas, a program, and a box seat for four at the affordable price of just $16.

 

The Total Rewards program is free for horseplayers. With the swipe of their card each Saturday, members will receive valuable incentives.  These include:

  • Play $250 or more to receive a 5X multiplier
  • Play $1,000 or more to receive a 7X multiplier
  • Play $5,000 or more to receive a 10X multiplier

Participant’s multiplier cannot exceed a total balance of more than one hundred thousand (100,000) Reward Credits during one promotional day after the multiplier is applied.

About Harrah’s 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.

For further information, please contact:

Trent McIntosh  |  Assistant General Manager
O 318-752-6980
8000 East Texas Street | Bossier City, LA 71111
www.caesars.com

LIVE THOROUGHBRED RACING AT HARRAH’S LOUISANA DOWNS GETS UNDERWAY ON SATURDAY, MAY 5

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Opening Day Features the Simulcast of the 144th Kentucky Derby

 

Bossier City, LA – The 2018 Thoroughbred racing season at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs commences on Saturday, May 5. Opening day will include eight races beginning at 3:15 pm (Central) and the simulcast of the 144th Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs.

 

Opening day will feature plenty of action for racing fans and an entertaining day for families as well. Beginning at 11:00 am along the track apron, there will be a children’s area with free bounce houses, water slides, face painting and culinary delights from the most popular food trucks in Shreveport-Bossier City.

 

The 84-day meet will include 14 stakes highlighted by two major stakes programs, Louisiana Cup Day on Saturday, August 4 and Super Derby Day on Sunday, September 2.

 

“We look forward to welcoming racing fans to Louisiana Downs this Saturday,” said Trent McIntosh, Louisiana Downs assistant general manager. “Opening day is always very exciting with live racing, the simulcast of the Kentucky Derby and a festival atmosphere suited for fans of all ages. The interest from horsemen has been strong and our goal is to offer quality racing to our horseplayers throughout the 2018 Thoroughbred meet.”

 

Super Derby Update and Fond Memories for Owner Staton Flurry

Louisiana Downs will present 14 stakes highlighted by two major events, Louisiana Cup Day on Saturday, August 4 and Super Derby Day on Sunday, September 2. As previously announced one major change for the upcoming season is that the Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby will return to the main track at a distance of mile and one-sixteenth on Sunday, September 2.

 

In 2017, the Super Derby was contested on the Franks Turf Course and Flurry Racing Stable LLC’s Mr. Misunderstood scored a definitive victory in the richest race of the season. Trained by Brad Cox, the gelded son of Archarcharch, shipped to Bossier City for the $60,000 Prelude, won that easily to earn a berth to the Super Derby, the meet’s richest stakes.

 

Staton Flurry, 27, is a young owner with a keen eye for racing prospects. He purchased Mr. Misunderstood for $130,000 at the 2016 Ocala Breeders’ Two-Year-Old in Training Sale and sent him to Cox, who is emerging as one of the country’s most respected conditioners.

 

After Mr. Misunderstood finished a disappointing seventh in the 2017 Illinois Derby, Cox urged Flurry to consider a switch to grass for the dark bay gelding.

 

“Brad suggested we run Mr. Misunderstood on the turf,” Flurry explained. “He has a knack for listening to the horse and the horse really liked it.”

 

Make that really, really liked it!  Flurry’s pride and joy who was entered in a $30,000 claiming race at Fair Grounds at the end of 2016, went on to win seven consecutive turf races last year, culminating with a victory in the Grade 3, Commonwealth Turf Stakes at Churchill Downs.

 

Flurry has 15 horses in training with Cox, Kevin Martin and Karl Broberg and was not overly disappointed hearing the news that the Super Derby would revert to the main track.

 

“The way that I see it, we got a little piece of history,” he said. “I loved the experience and we enjoyed running at Louisiana Downs. I bought a Louisiana-bred at the TTA Sale last month; he had one of the top five works. If all goes well, we’re hoping to get him in a prep this meet and aim for the Prelude.”

 

Flurry makes his living in the family-owned parking lot business in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He has ties to Midget Car Racing but admits that horseracing is his passion.

 

“It gets in your blood,” admits Flurry. “I’m part owner of (the undefeated 3-year-old trained by Cox) Exclamation Point, who is pointed to the Sir Barton at Pimlico. I love studying bloodlines, attending the sales and watching my horses train. Of course, winning never gets old!”

Trainers and Jockeys To Watch

Joey Foster of Vinton, Louisiana, who has won the last two training titles at Louisiana Downs, returns with a full barn. He saddled 68 winners last year to top H. B. Johnson, Karl Broberg, James Hodges, Sarah Delany, Pat Mouton, Dana Whited and Danny Pish, all of whom return with runners on the opening day card.

 

Last year’s leading rider, Gerardo Mora, will be back, along with Richard Eramia, Aubrie Green, Filimon Rodriguez, Eguard Tejera Hector Del-Cid, Jose Guerrero, and Kevin Smith.

 

Post Times and Stakes Schedule

Live racing will be conducted Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and Saturday with a 3:15 p.m. (Central) post time through September 27.

 

The 84-day meet will include 14 stakes highlighted by two major events, Louisiana Cup Day on Saturday, August 4 and Super Derby Day on Sunday, September 2. As previously announced one major change for the upcoming season is that the Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby will return to the main track at a distance of mile and one-sixteenth on Sunday, September 2.

 

Saturday, August 4                           Louisiana Cup Day               Noms close July 21

$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 Distaff                              3 YO & Up F & M LA-Bred  1 1/16 miles (T)

$60,000 Super Derby Prelude                         3 Y0                                        1 1/16 miles

 

Sunday, September 2                        Super Derby Day                  Noms close August 18

$60,000 Unbridled                                          3 YO & Up                             1 1/16 miles (T)

$60,000 River Cities                                       3 YO & Up F&M                    1 1/16 miles (T)

$60,000 Happy Ticket                                    2 YO Fillies                             One Mile (T)

$60,000 Sunday Silence                                 2 YO                                       One Mile (T)

$300,000 SUPER DERBY (G3)

​               ​

3 YO

​

1 1/16 miles

$60,000 A. L. (Red) Erwin                             3 YO LA-Bred                        One Mile (T)

$60,000 Elge Rasberry                                   3 YO Fillies, LA-Bred            One Mile (T)

 

Race Day Promotions

The Total Rewards program at Louisiana Downs is free for horseplayers. With the swipe of their card each Saturday, members will receive valuable incentives, beginning May 5.  These include:

  • Play $250 or more to receive a 5X multiplier
  • Play $1,000 or more to receive a 7X multiplier
  • Play $5,000 or more to receive a 10X multiplier

Participant’s multiplier cannot exceed a total balance of more than one hundred thousand (100,000) Reward Credits during one promotional day after the multiplier is applied.

 

Also, fans in attendance on Saturday, May 5 will receive a $5.00 FREE BET which can be redeemed on Saturday, May 19.  Louisiana Downs offers value for racing fans each Wednesday with Dollar Day. They will be able to enjoy $1 hot dogs, $1 beer at the Paddock as well as $1 programs. Saturday’s weekly promotion is the Family Four Pack featuring four hot dogs, four sodas, a program, and a box seat for four at the affordable price of just $16.

 

For more information on the upcoming racing season and special events, click here.

About Harrah’s 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.

For further information, please contact:

Trent McIntosh  |  Assistant General Manager
O 318-752-6980
8000 East Texas Street | Bossier City, LA 71111
www.caesars.com

HARRAH’S LOUISANA DOWNS ANNOUNCES ITS 2018 THOROUGHBRED STAKES SCHEDULE

louisianathoroughbred

Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby Set for Sunday, September 2

 

Bossier City, LA – The 2018 Thoroughbred racing season will get underway at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs on Saturday, May 5. The 84-day meet will include 14 stakes featured in two premier events, Louisiana Cup Day on Saturday, August 4 and Super Derby Day on Sunday, September 2.

The live racing season will be highlighted by the running of the Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby, which will be run at the distance of a mile and one-sixteenth. Contested on the Frank’s Turf Course in 2017, the Super Derby will revert to a main track feature and has been awarded Grade 3 status by the American Graded Stakes Committee.

The Super Derby, which had its first running in 1980, had a noted history as a graded stake run at nine furlongs on the dirt.  The nationally acclaimed racing event produced a distinguished list of past champions, including four Kentucky Derby winners, four Preakness Stakes winners, five Belmont Stakes winners and seven Travers Stakes winners. Six previous Super Derby entrants have won the prestigious Breeders’ Cup Classic and three Super Derby winners, Tiznow, Sunday Silence and Alysheba have been voted the Eclipse Award as Horse of the Year, the industry’s highest award

“The Super Derby will always be a race with tremendous historic significance for Louisiana Downs,” said Trent McIntosh, Louisiana Downs assistant general manager. “Horsemen will have a solid prep race on August 4 in the Super Derby Prelude with the winner earning a berth to the $300,000 Super Derby on September 2. We appreciate the consideration from the American Graded Stakes Committee in granting graded stakes status to the Super Derby and look forward to presenting a quality field of 3-year-olds on September 2.”

In addition to the Super Derby, six additional stakes will be contested on Sunday, September 2 with total purses for the holiday card totaling $660,000. Officials felt that the move to Sunday of Labor Day weekend would be positive for both handle and local racing fans and families.

“There are few major stakes on Sunday,” added McIntosh. “Most are run on Saturday or on Labor Day. We feel that the move to Sunday will create strong interest from horseplayers, here and on a national level. In addition, we will offer many family-friendly promotions to attract local fans looking for an enjoyable holiday outing.”

The annual Louisiana Cup will feature six divisional stakes for horses bred in Louisiana, with four six-furlong main track stakes as well as the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic and the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff to be contested at a mile and one-sixteenth on the turf. The program also includes the $60,000 Prelude, a 1 1/16-mile race on the turf for 3-year-olds that serves as the local prep race for the Super Derby. Purses for the Louisiana Cup Day stakes will total $360,000.

Live racing will be conducted Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and Saturday with a 3:15 p.m. (Central) post time through September 26. For more information on the upcoming racing season and special events, visit https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-louisiana-downs/racing.

Louisiana Downs 2018 Stakes Schedule

 

Saturday, August 4                           Louisiana Cup Day               Noms close July 21

$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 Distaff                              3 YO & Up F & M LA-Bred  1 1/16 miles (T)

$60,000 Super Derby Prelude                         3 Y0                                        1 1/16 miles

Sunday, September 2                        Super Derby Day                  Noms close August 18

$60,000 Unbridled                                          3 YO & Up                             1 1/16 miles (T)

$60,000 River Cities                                       3 YO & Up F&M                    1 1/16 miles (T)

$60,000 Happy Ticket                                    2 YO Fillies                             One Mile (T)

$60,000 Sunday Silence                                 2 YO                                       One Mile (T)

$300,000 SUPER DERBY (G3)

​     ​

3 YO                                       1 1/16 miles (T)

$60,000 A. L. (Red) Erwin                             3 YO LA-Bred                        One Mile (T)

$60,000 Elge Rasberry                                   3 YO Fillies, LA-Bred            One Mile (T)​​

About Harrah’s 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.

For further information, please contact:

Trent McIntosh  |  Assistant General Manager
O 318-752-6980
8000 East Texas Street | Bossier City, LA 71111
www.caesars.com

Berniestrike Pulls the Upset in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic

louisianathoroughbred
Berniestrike-F_8-5-2017
Berniestrike with Eguard Tejera aboard wins the 33rd running of the Louisiana Cup Turf Classic from Louisiana Downs. Hodges Photography / Ann Switalski

 

Louisiana Cup Turf Classic
Louisiana Downs, 8-5-17, One mile and one sixteenth, turf
Louisiana Bred 3YO and Upwards, Purse $50,000

BERNIESTRIKE
Wilburn–Unusual Strike, by Unusual Heat
Breeder: James A. Boyd
Owner: James A. Boyd
Trainer: Henry B. Johnson, Jr.
Jockey: Eguard A. Tejera

2nd
Trust Factor
Paddy O’Prado–Mainsail, by Mizzen Mast
Breeder: J. Adcock & Hume Wornall
Owner: Scrivener Stables
Trainer: Michael J. Maker
Jockey: Colby J. Hernandez

3rd
Fort Pulaski
Any Given Saturday–Jazznwithcandy, by Jambalaya Jazz
Breeder: Tigertail Ranch
Owner: Tigertail Ranch
Trainer: Danny Pish
Jockey: Steve J. Bourque

 

The $50,000 Louisiana Turf Cup Classic attracted a solid field including the winner of the $100,000 Louisiana Legends Turf run here on July 17. Berniestrike, bred and owned by James Boyd, scored the upset, under rider Eguard Tejera. 

Trained by H. B. Johnson, the 5-year-old Louisiana-bred had not run since December 16, but gamely wore down his rivals. He won by a neck, crossing the wire of the mile and one-sixteenth turf stakes in 1.41.16. Louisiana Legends Turf winner Trust Factor was second with Colby Hernandez up, followed by Fort Pulaski and Sir Genghis. 

Sent off at 22-1, Berniestrike, who ran third in the 2016 edition of this stakes, paid $46.20 for the victory.

Speedy Jockamo’s Song Takes the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Sprint

louisianathoroughbred
Jockamo's Song-Turn
Jockomo’s Song with Gerard Melancon aboard turns for home and goes on to win the Louisiana Cup Sprint at Louisiana Downs. Hodges Photography / Sam Switalski

 

Louisiana Cup Sprint
Louisiana Downs, 8-5-17, 6 furlongs, dirt
Louisiana Bred 3YO and Upward, Purse $50,000

JOCKAMO’S SONG
Half Ours–Miss Clairnette, by Trophy Hunter
Breeder: Debbie Allen & David Allen
Owner: Dare to Dream Stable LLC (Michael Faber)
Trainer: Michael Stidham
Jockey: Gerard Melancon

2nd
Nubin Ridge
Gold Tribute–So Sorry, by The Prime Minister
Breeder: Neal McFadden & Mary McFadden
Owner: Circle H Farms
Trainer: Alan Klanfer
Jockey: Ashley Broussard

3rd
Icy Gentleman
Yankee Gentleman–Icy Day, by Five Star Day
Breeder: Ironwater Farms Joint Venture
Owner: Ironwater Farms Joint Venture
Trainer: Henry B. Johnson, Jr.
Jockey: Diego Saenz

 

The $50,000 Louisiana Cup Sprint, a six-furlong main track dash, attracted a full field, but none could match the prowess of Jockamo’s Song (5.20). Owned by Dare to Dream Racing Stable LLC, the son of Half Ours entered this race off a win in the $100,000 Louisiana Legends Sprint at Evangeline Downs. Gerard Melancon was the winning jockey, covering six furlongs in 1:10.83 for trainer Michael Stidham.

Nubin Ridge ran second under Ashley Broussard, followed by Icy Gentleman and Sea Vow.

Emily’s Lollipop Scores in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies

louisianathoroughbred
Emily's Lollipop-F_8-5-2017
Emily’s Lollipop with Diego Saenz aboard wins the 7th running of the Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies at Louisiana Downs. Hodges Photography / Ann Switalski

 

Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies
Louisiana Downs, 8-5-17, 6 furlongs, dirt
Louisiana Bred 2YO Fillies, Purse $50,000

EMILY’S LOLLIPOP
Tiz the One–Changing Vista, by Changeintheweather
Breeder: J. Adcock & Hume Wornall
Owner: Anton Kubacak
Trainer: Scott Gelner
Jockey: Diego Saenz

2nd
Sarah’s Holy Belle
El Corredor–My Holy Belle, by Holy Bull
Breeder: Perform Stables Inc.
Owner: Perform Stables Inc.
Trainer: Ricky Courville
Jockey: Ashley Broussard

3rd
Feisty Embrace
Brethren–Appalachianna, by Langfuhr
Breeder: Matalona Thoroughbreds, LLC
Owner: Matalona Thoroughbreds, LLC
Trainer: Albert M. Stall, Jr.
Jockey: Colby J. Hernandez

 

Another full field of 2-year-old accredited Louisiana-bred fillies set the stage for an exciting edition of the six-furlong $50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies.

Making just the second start of her career, Anton Kobacak’s Emily’s Lollipop became a stakes winner for trainer Scott Gelner. Returning off her maiden race at Prairie Meadows, she took the lead under Diego Saenz, drawing off by a margin of five lengths over longshot Sarah’s Holy Belle. Feisty Embrace ran third and recent stakes winner Janae held for fourth.

Emily’s Lollipop rewarded her supporters with a win payout of $18.40.