Category: Mitch Dennison

Turmoil At Louisiana Downs Includes Resignation Of Racing General Manager, Uproar Over Horsemen’s Purse Account

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Mitch Dennison has resigned as general manager of racing at Louisiana Downs and Kato Moy, recently hired as general manager of the casino side of the Bossier City track, also is no longer employed there, the Shreveport Bossier Journal reports.

In further disarray on Louisiana Downs’ front side, the BloodHorse reports that almost $2 million reserved for the horsemen’s purse account is unaccounted for and that the matter has been turned over to the state’s Attorney General and the Louisiana Racing Commission.

Read Paulick Report Article

MATT CRAWFORD NAMED RACING SECRETARY AT LOUISIANA DOWNS

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Bossier City, LA – Louisiana Downs is pleased to announce that Matt Crawford has been named Racing Secretary, effective July 18. He will oversee racing office operations for both the current Thoroughbred racing season and the 2023 Quarter Horse meet.

 

Crawford, 65, began his career in horse racing as an assistant trainer. His association with Louisiana Downs began in 1980 with one of his trainees, Big Sturgeon, named 1987 Horse of the Meet. Crawford made his transition to numerous racing office roles, beginning at Louisiana Downs, where he was employed as assistant racing secretary from 2008-2013. He has served as racing secretary at Delta Downs, Canterbury Park, Sam Houston Race Park, Ruidoso Downs, Zia Park and Hialeah Park. Most recently, Crawford was racing secretary for the Lone Star Park Fall Meet of Champions and assistant racing secretary for their 2021 and 2022 Thoroughbred live racing seasons.

 

The native Texan is looking forward to returning to the Bossier City racetrack, encouraged by the dedication to racing by new owner Kevin Preston and Mitch Dennison, Louisiana Downs General Manager of Racing.

 

“I know so many horsemen in this region who are thrilled with the direction of Louisiana Downs,” said Crawford. “As someone in the industry who began training racehorses, I share the commitment of Kevin and Mitch in creating energy and enthusiasm for our sport. They have a great racing office team in place, led by Jennifer Sokol, Racing Operations Manager and assistant Racing Secretary, Tammy Peck. I am looking forward to this opportunity.”

 

In turn, Dennison knows that Crawford’s expertise as a racing secretary coupled with his long term associations with Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas horsemen, will make for a smooth transition.

 

“Matt has a noted tenure in our industry and knows our region very well,” said Dennison. “We are fully committed to serving our horsemen at the highest level and know that Matt shares that goal. He joins an established racing office team, well-coordinated by Jennifer Sokol. There is no doubt that Matt will be a great fit as he returns to Louisiana Downs.”

 

The 2022 Thoroughbred meet at Louisiana Downs began on Saturday, May 7 with live racing each Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Louisiana Cup Day, featuring six stakes for Louisiana-breds is set for Saturday, August 6. The purse for each has been raised to $67,000 with nominations closing on July 23. The 84-day live racing season will conclude  on September 27.

 

 

Post Times Moved Up Saturday Saturday July 9 and Sunday July 10

Due to expected high temperatures this weekend, Louisiana Downs has moved up post times for both Saturday, July 9 and Sunday, July 10 live racing programs. Adjusted posts, all Central Time, are as follows:

 

Race 1             11:45 am

Race 2             12:13 pm

Race 3             12:41 pm

Race 4             1:09 pm

Race 5             1:37 pm

Race 6             2:05 pm

Race 7             2:33 pm

 

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.

Louisiana Downs to Host HISA Webinars

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Dear Louisiana Horsemen & Racing Association Members,

 

Currently, implementation of HISA (Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Act) commences on July 1, 2022, with the HISA “Safety Program”. There will be two events that Louisiana Downs will be hosting in our Sky Room, that anyone with a LSRC license is invited and encouraged to attend.

1. Monday June 13th , 2022, Q&A Webinar Presentation – -(SKY ROOM) (10:30am-11:30 cst) -A zoom/ webinar call with HISA representatives, answering questions that “covered persons” may have. Topics on this webinar will be implementation, registration, allocation of fees, and rules of HISA.

The webinar meeting will be held physically in the Sky Room. Horsemen, and Association members who will not be at our facility can call in via zoom (see attached). Louisiana Downs will send the LAHBPA, as well as the LTBA, dial in information. Our Racing Ambassador Roxanne Tanner will moderate the call.

Please submit your questions for webinar to:

 

Roxanne Tanner (RTanner@ladowns.com); 318-741-2516

Jennifer Sokol (Jsokol@ladowns.com) 318-741-2512

 

2. Friday June 17th , 2022; Registration Day -–(SKY ROOM) (10:30am -?) HISA representatives will be at Louisiana Downs assisting horsemen, and association members with registration. Anyone with a LSRC license, can come to the Sky Room, and register with HISA representatives at this event.

Our association hopes both events will help clarify questions, as well assist in registration. Members of our Racing Team will be at these events as well to assist you.

Mitch Dennison

General Manager of Racing Louisiana Downs Casino and Racetrack 8000 E Texas Street, Bossier City LA 71111 Office:318-752-6503; MDennison@ladowns.com Zoom Call / Webinar Information

Event: Louisiana Downs; Q/A Webinar Presentation with HISA Representatives

Date: Monday June 13 th ,2022

Time: 10:30 am (cst)

Location: Sky Room, Louisiana Downs or Dial in Zoom

Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84061654184?pwd=SDVTalhnUFJTUktXTFh3aXJaSkdqZz09

Dial in by phone information:

Meeting ID: 840 6165 4184 Passcode: 815033

Dial by your location

+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

Meeting ID: 840 6165 4184 Passcode: 815033

***Call is moderated by Louisiana Downs, please mute your phone or computer during the call. ****

Make sure your microphone is always on mute, only opening it when it is your turn to speak.

 

HISA Events LAD

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 AMENDS WEEKEND POST TIMES FOR THE 2022 THOROUGHBRED LIVE RACING SEASON EFFECTIVE SATURDAY, MAY 21

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First Race Will Begin on 1:45 pm(Central) Saturday and Sunday

 

Bossier City, LA – Louisiana Downs kicked off its annual Thoroughbred meet on Saturday, May 7 with perfect weather and a packed house.

New owner Kevin Preston and Mitch Dennison, Louisiana Downs General Manager of Racing, are pleased with the tremendous support from the horsemen and racing fans and look forward to another excellent turnout for Saturday’s live racing and simulcast of the 147th Preakness Stakes.

“We were thrilled with our opening day crowd here for both live racing and the simulcast of the Kentucky Derby,” said Mitch Dennison, Louisiana Downs General Manager of Racing. “From our suite level to the apron, fans were having a great time and told our team members that they would be back on a regular basis. We are committed to making  Louisiana Downs a top sports and entertainment destination, and opening day surpassed our expectations. We are excited to build on this momentum in the months to come.”

Trainer Joey Foster, who resides in nearby Benton, Louisiana, has been a very loyal supporter of  his home track and applauds the efforts of Preston, Dennison and the entire team.

“I’m 110% behind them,” said Foster. “Mitch is a horseman and is on the backside every morning making sure things are going well. We have an excellent turf course and the main track is well-managed and kind to our young horses. Kevin has big plans and with Sports wagering and Historical racing machines, there will be more revenue for the horsemen. They have the wheels in motion and we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel!”

Preakness Festivities Planned for Saturday, May 21

The 147th Preakness Stakes in Baltimore Maryland will take place on Saturday, May 21. Louisiana Downs will simulcast each of the races from Pimlico Race Course. The nine horse field will not include Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike, but Derby runner-up Epicenter as well Kentucky Oaks winner Secret Oath, are two of the quality 3-year-olds expected draw considerable attention. Louisiana Downs will celebrate the second leg of racing’s Triple Crown with live racing, and Family fun events including Bounce Houses, Face Painting as well as several of the top Food Trucks in the Metroplex. Additionally, there will be a Swipe2Win promotion at the Racing Promotional kiosks beginning at 11am. Guests can win free wagers, bonus points, and more!

Post Time to Be Moved to 1:45 PM for  Saturday and Sunday Beginning May 21

A modification to the weekend post times for the 2022 Thoroughbred meet will go into effect this Saturday. The first race will begin at 1:45 pm (Central) on Saturday and Sunday and remain at 3:05 pm for the Monday and Tuesday cards. Projected post times are as follows:

 

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY POST TIMES , FIRST POST:  1:45 PM (CST)

Race 1- 1:45 pm

Race 2- 2:13 pm

Race 3- 2:41 pm

Race 4- 3:09 pm

Race 5- 3:37 pm

Race 6- 4:05 pm

Race 7- 4:33 pm

MONDAY AND TUESDAY POST TIMES , FIRST POST:  3:05 PM (CST)

Race 1 3:05pm

Race 2 3:33pm

Race 3 4:01pm

Race 4 4:28pm

Race 5 4:55pm

Race 6 5:22 pm

Race 7 5:49pm

 

Gino Buccola Joins Louisiana Downs as Racing Analyst

Louisiana Downs is pleased to welcome Gino Buccola as their on-air analyst, joining track announcer John McGary to preview each  of the live Thoroughbred races. He will offer his pre-race selections, post-race analysis as well as  Pick 4 plays. The California native was an analyst at TVG before branching out on his own and coordinating a variety of racing and sports experts to appear on his popular and entertaining That’s What G Said Podcast.

Exotic Animal Racing Returns on Monday, May 30

Memorial Day will mark the return of the wildly popular Exotic Animal Races, featuring Ostrich, Camel and Zebra races as well as Thoroughbred races to entertain fans of all ages. Family activities on the trackside apron begin at 11:00 am with Face Painting, a Bounce House, Water Slide and more!  Some of the top Food trucks in the Shreveport/BossierCity metroplex will be onsite throughout the afternoon. For more information, visit ladowns.com.

Trainer and  Jockey Standings

Shane Wilson, who was honored as 2021 Louisiana Down leading trainer, is off to a great start with seven wins. Joey Foster and Greg Tracy are tied for second in the standings with six wins each and Hall of Fame conditioner Steve Asmussen follows with four victories to date.  Jose Guerrero has the early lead in the rider standings with nine wins since the meet began on May 7. Last year’s leading jockey Carlos Lozada is second with eight trips to the winner’s circle, followed by Emanuel Nieves (seven wins) and Joel Dominguez (five victories). Another prominent addition to the Louisiana Downs jockey colony is Calvin Borel. The Louisiana native has won 5,265 races in his 39-year career, but is most famous for his rail-skimming ride aboard Mine That Bird in the 2009 Kentucky Derby.

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.

Mitch Dennison Named General Manager of Racing at LouisIana Downs

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2022 Thoroughbred Meet Gets Underway on Saturday, May 7

 

Bossier City, LA – Louisiana Downs is pleased to announce that
has been hired as General Manager of Racing. Owner Kevin Preston created the position as part of his mission to revitalize the Bossier City racetrack and casino. Dennison will oversee racing, mutuels, facility projects and sponsorships.

Dennison, 33, grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, and learned racing from the ground up, learning from Hall of Fame conditioners D. Wayne Lukas and most recently, Steve Asmussen. He served as assist to the prolific trainer for 13 years, overseeing  the Asmussen operations at Ellis Park in Kentucky as well as Louisiana Downs. He mulled the idea of going out on his own, but was more drawn to racetrack management.

“I have been active in both Kentucky and Louisiana Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) for many years,” said Dennison. “Understanding the concerns of horsemen is very important and should be vital to racetrack management. Kevin is new to racing, but immediately recognized that. I have never been more excited about working in this industry!” 

Dennison and his staff are preparing for the annual Thoroughbred racing season, which begins on Saturday, May 7. In addition to live and simulcast racing, Louisiana Downs has on onsite casino as well as a Sports Wagering hub. The Club 74 rewards program will offer racing and casino players an array of perks and incentives and family-friendly promotions, including the popular Exotic Animal races, featuring Camels, Ostriches and Zebras on May 30.

“Mitch is extremely knowledgeable and shares my commitment to showing respect to each of the horsemen and their workers as well as ensuring the safety and integrity of our racing operation,” said Preston. “I like his energy and look forward to a very successful racing season.”

The 2022 Thoroughbred meet at Louisiana Downs will commence on Saturday, May 7. The 84-day live racing season will run 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.