SIX $100,000 STAKES FOR LOUISIANA-BREDS HIGHLIGHTS AN EXCITING PROGRAM
OPELOUSAS, LA –The marquee night of the 2023 thoroughbred season takes place Saturday with the Louisiana Legends card at Evangeline Downs. The 10-race card features six stake races for Louisiana-bred runners, with each stake worth $100,000. The 91 total entries also include a pair of 2-year-old races for potential future Legends night runners.
In addition to the excellent card that was drawn, Evangeline Downs has many other attractions for race fans. Prior to the races, jockeys will be available for pictures and autographs in a meet and greet from 4:30-5:00pm and jockeys will be tossing t-shirts from the winner’s circle after each stakes race. Family night staples including face painting and balloon animals for the kids are also planned for the evening. There will be many food vendors with specialty foods and treats in the paddock area as well.
The stakes action starts in the fifth race on the card with the Turf Distaff at the distance of one mile. A G’s Charlotte, a stake winner earlier in the meet on the main track, is the morning line favorite. Fort Polk and Wholelottamo, both recent winners, look to be a couple of the primary contenders.
The Mademoiselle looks to be a competitive affair with fan favorites Snowball and Free Like a Girl entered in the race for fillies and mares at 5-1/2 furlongs. Each of those runners has a win at the current meet. Flashy Meg captured the Creole Lady Stakes earlier in the season and could be an upset candidate. Wupkar and First I’ve Seen could also attract some attention from the wagering public.
The Cheval, for 3-year-olds at one mile, looks like a wide-open race with a field of nine. Macho Beanie defeated Allnight Moonlight earlier in the meet in the Ragin Cajun by just a neck. Five of the other runners won their previous start, including Calibrachoa Kid, Z’s Guitar and Kajun Karma.
The Soiree will test 3-year-old fillies at the distance of one mile. Star Moment was installed as the 5/2 morning line favorite off her recent win in the Cajun Miss. New Destiny and Louisiana Liberty will look to turn the tables after chasing Star Moment home in their earlier meeting. An interesting runner in the field is Sixth Anniversary, who tries the main track for the first time. Her previous 11 starts have been on either turf or synthetic surfaces.
A highly contentious field of 11 runners will square off in the Legends Turf at the distance of a mile and a sixteenth. Carlea’s Dream is the morning line favorite with his recent efforts against open company. Budro Talking and Big Chopper look to draw interest at the windows with their consistent current form. Deer Crossing and Blue Cheese are winners at the current meet and could pose outside chances in a race that could be a handicapping puzzler.
The Legends Sprint will close out the card with a loaded field traveling 5-1/2 furlongs. All nine of the entered runners have some success over the surface, as they all have been victorious over the oval. Big Chopper is the morning line favorite at 5/2, but is cross-entered in the Turf, so that could open other possibilities for favoritism. Black Sword captured the King Creole in his most recent trip and has leading rider Vicente Del-Cid aboard. Mike J, Bertie’s Galaxy and Bootsie’s Galaxy could also merit consideration.
The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association will be awarding two $1,000 scholarships during the evening. Students are encouraged to attend the races and enter the drawing, with the winners to be selected after the fifth race. First post time Saturday will be 5:30pm Central Time.
For more information on racing at Evangeline Downs, visit the track’s website at www.evdracing.com and on Twitter @evdracing. The racing calendar for 2023 season features racing Thursday through Saturday until the end of the meet on August 12.
Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features live horse racing, exciting casino action, the Fan Duel Sportsbook and fun dining experiences. Evangeline Downs is located in Opelousas, Louisiana, off I-49 on Cresswell Lane at Exit 18.
Legends. Champions Awards. REAP Benefit. Scholarships.
(VINTON, La.) – Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino will host Legends Night on Saturday, June 3, with a post time of 5:30 p.m. CT. The day will be highlighted by the Horse of the Year and Champions Awards hosted by the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA) in conjunction with the Racing Employees Assistance Program (REAP) Benefit.
The Award Ceremony and REAP event begin at 1:00 p.m. in Mojos with the races beginning at 5:30 p.m. The REAP event continues when the races start.
The stakes races are as follows with $600,000 in guaranteed purses..
“This is a big evening of championship racing featuring Louisiana bred horses,” said Roger Heitzmann, secretary/treasurer for the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association. “The Horse of the Year and Champions Awards bring owners, breeders and their families for the presentations along with our racing community that supports the industry and REAP.”
REAP was established in 2004 to provide relief to licensed members of the racing community and members of their families. The program provides relief that includes financial assistance for medical care, food, housing, clothing, education, recreational activities, counseling, job training/placement, and much more.
In addition on Legends Night, the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA) will award two scholarships, each valued at $1,000, to college students.
Requirements for the scholarship are as follows:
Must be a college student enrolled full-time in an Accredited College, University or Community College for Summer 2023 or Fall 2023
Scholarships will be awarded by random draw.
Must be in good standing with the college or university.
Must be present to win at the Winner’s Circle when the announcement is made.
Must have college ID and government-issued ID.
Must have University ID number or Social Security number.
For Legends Night:
Registration: 4:30 p,m. – 5:30 p.m. at the designated booth
Races begin: 5:30 p.m.
Drawing Time: The scholarships will be awarded after the fifth race.The scholarship will be deposited directly into the student’s account at the college or university. The student is asked to know the name and address of the college that they are attending.
Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association manages the best incentive program for breeding thoroughbreds in the United States. Since the organization formed, this has led to increased purses, better quality horses, and increased interest in racing and breeding horses. The thoroughbred racing and breeding industry generates over $1 billion and employs over 60,000 people in the state of Louisiana.
For more information about Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association visit louisianabred.com or call (504) 947-4676.
THE 61-DAY SEASON RUNS FROM APRIL 7 THROUGH AUGUST 12
OPELOUSAS, LA –The 2023 Thoroughbred season opens at Evangeline Downs on Friday, April 7. The meet will consist of 61 racing days running through August 12. First post each night will be at the new time of 5:30pm Central. The racing schedule will feature racing on Wednesday through Saturday for the first five full weeks of the meet. Beginning the week of May 18, racing will switch to a Thursday through Saturday schedule.
Vicente Del-Cid has taken the Louisiana racing scene by storm and will be the top returning rider in 2023. Del-Cid captured his first riding title at Evangeline Downs last summer and followed that up with a runaway championship at the recently concluded Delta Downs meet. C.J. McMahon, Tim Thornton, and Joe Stokes are among some of the other riders looking for a big season. Jose Luis Rodriguez joins the jockey colony and will be represented by former trainer Ron Faucheux.
Karl Broberg regained his spot at the top of the trainer standings in 2022 following a runner-up finish in 2021. The Broberg barn connected with 44 winners from 228 starters to take top honors last season. Eduardo Ramirez, the 2021 training champ, is among the trainers looking to unseat Broberg. Robertino Diodoro will bring a division of his stable to the Opelousas oval this year. Trainers Justin Jeansonne, Isai Gonzalez and Allison Escobar will also be new additions to the backside. Other notable trainers include Keith Bourgeois, Sam David, Sam Breaux, Rylee Magnon, and Allen Landry.
The popular “Exotic Animal Racing” will make a return to Evangeline Downs on April 22. The Saturday card will include a couple of non-wagering events featuring racing camels and zebras sure to delight and entertain the crowd.
The 2023 season will feature an expanded stakes schedule, starting with a pair of stakes on opening night. The $60,000 Spotted Horse and $60,000 Acadiana are the main events. The first Saturday card includes the $60,000 Lafayette and Strong Eagle will look to defend his title in the $100,000 Evangeline Mile.
Racing fans will want to make plans to attend the races the first weekend of May for simulcasting of the Kentucky Oaks on Friday and the 149th Kentucky Derby on Saturday from Churchill Downs. The EVD Classic highlights the live Derby Day card.
The marquee night of the season will take place on Saturday, June 3 with Louisiana Legends Night. The program will feature six stake races for Louisiana-bred runners, with each purse increased to $100,000 guaranteed this year. Free Like a Girl and Net a Bear were popular winners on the 2022 Legends Night.
The Friday, July 7 card features the $75,000 Louisiana Stallion Stakes presented by Coteau Grove Farms and the filly division of the $60,000 Shine Young Futurity. Saturday, July 8 will have the $60,000 Shine Young colts and gelding division, along with the $75,000 Louisiana Stallion Stakes presented by Coteau Grove Farms.
For more information on Evangeline Downs, including a full stakes schedule, visit the track’s website at www.evdracing.com. Evangeline Downs information can also be found on Twitter @EVDracing and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EvangelineDownsRacing.
Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features exciting casino action, live horse racing, the Fan Duel sportsbook and fun dining experiences. Evangeline Downs is located in Opelousas, Louisiana, off I-49 on Cresswell Lane at Exit 18.
A huge crowd convened June 4 at Evangeline Downs in Opelousas for the annual Louisiana Legends Night – a night of racing that is dedicated to the best fourlegged athletes in the Pelican State, which included six states races worth more than $450,000 in purse money. Jockey Jareth Loveberry and trainer Ron Faucheux teamed up to win two trophies while others continued to strive for greatness.
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.
SIX $75,000 STAKES FOR LOUISIANA-BREDS HIGHLIGHTS AN EXCITING PROGRAM
OPELOUSAS, LA –Full fields and plenty of fan festivities are highlights of the Louisiana Legends card at Evangeline Downs Saturday night. Six stakes races, each with a purse of $75,000 for Louisiana-bred runners, are the featured events on a nine-race program that drew a total of 88 entries. The card also includes a maiden special weight race for 2-year-old Louisiana-bred runners.
In addition to the excellent card that was drawn, Evangeline Downs has many other attractions for race fans. Prior to the races, jockeys will be available for pictures and autographs in a meet and greet from 4:30-5:00pm and jockeys will be tossing t-shirts from the winner’s circle after each stakes race. A Legends Night dance party with an 80’s theme will take place in Mojo’s after the races. There will be many food vendors with specialty foods and treats in the paddock area as well.
The stakes action kicks off with the $75,000 Soiree in the third race of the card. Multiple-stakes winner Free Like a Girl is the morning line favorite in race for 3-year-old fillies going one mile. She returns to face state-bred runners after finishing fourth behind Kentucky Oaks winner Secret Oath in her most recent start. Wholelottamo merits consideration after her runner-up finish in the Acadiana Stakes earlier in the meet.
The $75,000 Cheval, for 3-year-olds at the distance of one mile, brings together a competitive field of eight runners. Vodka Gimlet, Cosmic Train and More Memories have traded decisions in recent stakes races at Delta Downs and the Fair Grounds and all look to have big chances in the Cheval. But perhaps the most intriguing runner in the field is the recent maiden winner Touchuponastar, who was less than a second off the track record in a 21 ¼-length win at seven furlongs last out.
Net a Bear is the 2-1 morning line favorite over eight rivals in the $75,000 Turf Distaff at one mile on the turf. The Allen Landry trainee has won her last four races over turf courses and has a field topping seven career turf victories. Offspring, the defending champ of the Distaff, will be one of the runners looking to turn the tables on the favorite, as she has finished behind Net a Bear in her last four matchups.
Ova Charged has been installed as a solid 6/5 favorite over seven other runners in the $75,000 Mademoiselle over 5-1/2 furlongs for 3-year-old and up fillies and mares. A winner of four of five career starts, Ova Charged suffered her only defeat in a runner-up effort in the Grade 3 Victory Ride stakes at Belmont last summer. Strong Beauty brings a two-race winning streak into the Mademoiselle and Snowball, cross-entered in the Distaff, will be looking to upset the potential heavy favorite.
A full field of 12 runners will fill the gate for the $75,000 Sprint over the 5-1/2 furlong distance. Yankee Seven, the moderate 5/2 morning line favorite, brings a four-race winning streak into the race. Alterana, a winner of six of his last seven races, and Bertie’s Galaxy, winner of five of his last eight, are both accomplished runners that have terrific chances.
A very competitive field of 12 will line up in the $75,000 Turf over the 1-1/16 mile distance. Recent stakes winner Mangelsen has drawn the rail and is the morning line favorite at 5/2. Forestdungone and Jaci’s Royalty have both won at the track this season, while a return to the turf could help wake up Treys Midnite Moon. Jax Man and Behemah Star are among the many runners that could take the Turf.
The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association will be awarding two $1,000 scholarships during the evening. Students are encouraged to attend the races and enter the drawing, with the winners to be selected after the fifth race. First post time Saturday will be 5:30pm Central Time.
For more information on racing at Evangeline Downs, visit the track’s website atwww.evdracing.com and on Twitter @evdracing. The racing calendar for 2022 is a Wednesday through Saturday schedule until the end of the meet on August 27.
Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features exciting casino action, live horse racing and fun dining experiences. Evangeline Downs is located in Opelousas, Louisiana, off I-49 on Cresswell Lane at Exit 18.
Brought to you by Whispering Oaks Farm, Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association, and Breeders Sales Company. Click images to link to more informationJune 4
• Louisiana Legends Night – Six stakes races for Accredited Louisiana Bred Thoroughbreds worth total purses of $450,000, Evangeline Downs
June 7-9
OBS June Two-Year-Olds & Horses of Racing Age Sale, Ocala, FL
June 11
• Annual Awards Banquet in conjunction with REAP Benefit, 5:00 p.m. Mojo’s at Evangeline Downs
• LTBA Board of Directors Meeting 1:00 pm
• Belmont Stakes
June 14
Flag Day
June 19
Fathers Day
June 21
Summer Solstice
June 24
Texas Summer Yearling Sale Consignment Deadline
June 30
Louisiana Futurity payments due
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.
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.
OPELOUSAS, LA –The 2022 Thoroughbred season at Evangeline Downs will begin on Wednesday, April 6. The meet will consist of 84 days of racing, running on a Wednesday through Saturday weekly schedule and concluding on August 27. First post each night will be at the new time of 5:30pm Central time.
The stakes calendar features a couple of new additions with the Acadiana and Lafayette Stakes. Both of these races were previously contested under state-bred conditions, but are now open stakes events. The Acadiana, for 3-year-old fillies, will be run on Friday, April 15, with the Lafayette, for 3-year-olds, the following night. The May stakes action features the EVD Distaff, for 4-year-old and up Louisiana-bred fillies and mares, on May 6 and the EVD Classic, for Louisiana-bred 4-year-olds and up, on May 7.
The featured night of the Thoroughbred racing season will take place on Saturday, 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 Legends Mademoiselle Stakes and later scored a graded stakes win in the Prioress (G2) at Saratoga in September.
July will see the renewals of the Opelousas and John Henry Stakes turf races. The Opelousas, on Friday July 1, is for 3-year-old and up fillies and mares. The John Henry, to be run on Saturday, July 2, is for 3-year-olds and up.
The final month of the racing season will include a couple of stakes weekends. The Friday, August 5 card will include the Spotted Horse, a stakes for 3-year-old and up fillies and mares. The Evangeline Mile, for 3-year-olds and up, will be contested Saturday, August 6. Louisiana-bred 2-year-olds will take center stage on closing weekend with the D.S “Shine” Young Futurities. The fillies division will be run on Friday, August 26, with the colts and geldings division on the final night of the meet Saturday, August 27.
Tim Thornton, a three-time riding champion at Evangeline Downs, will be the top returning rider in 2022. Thornton, who captured his fourth consecutive riding title at Delta Downs over the winter, finished second in the standings last season with 100 wins. Gerard Melancon eclipsed the 5,000 career wins mark last summer and returns looking to add to his stellar career numbers. Apprentice Vincente Del-Cid will be a new face in the jockey colony this season. Joe Stokes, Pedro Cotto, Jr., Devin Magnon, Kevin Smith and Aubrie Green are among some of the riders looking to have a solid meet.
Eduardo Ramirez will be back to defend his 2021 leading trainer title and will face a stiff challenge from the Karl Broberg barn. The former Broberg assistant notched 44 wins and a 31% winning clip to unseat the perennial leader last year. Other regulars returning with stables to the Opelousas oval include Keith Bourgeois, Sam David, Sam Breaux, Rylee Grudzien, Ron Faucheux and Allen Landry. Ricky Courville, trainer of Kentucky Derby hopeful Un Ojo, will also return with a stable for the 2022 season.
Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features exciting casino action, live horse racing, the new Fan Duel sportsbook and fun dining experiences. Evangeline Downs is located in Opelousas, Louisiana, off I-49 on Cresswell Lane at Exit 18.
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