LOUISIANA DOWNS 2021 THOROUGHBRED LIVE RACING SEASON TO GET UNDERWAY ON SATURDAY, MAY 1

The 84-Day Meet Will Run Through September 22

 

Bossier City, LA – The 2021 Thoroughbred racing season at Louisiana Downs will commence on Saturday, May 1. The dates were approved by  Louisiana State Racing Commission (LSRC).

 

The stable area opened on April 8 for horsemen who have been allocated stalls for the 2021Thoroughbred season.  Ship in hours will be from 11:00 am–5:00 pm and trainers must contact Natalie Moses at (318) 820-8324 prior to shipping. The 2021 Quarter Horse live racing season concluded on April 7 with those conditioners continuing to ship to Delta Downs or other upcoming Quarter Horse meets.

 

“Our Quarter Horse meet recently wrapped up and we are happy to return to our previous Thoroughbred schedule, which was delayed last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said David Heitzmann, Director of Racing. “We look forward to welcoming our Thoroughbred trainers for a successful racing season.”

 

The first condition book for May 1-24 is available on Equibase. Further information on the Thoroughbred stakes schedule will be forthcoming, but officials have confirmed that the Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby will not be contested in 2021.

 

The 84-day meet will continue through Wednesday, September 22 with live racing to run Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday at 2:45 pm (Central).  There will also be one Sunday race card on  July 4. For details on simulcasting and special events, visit Louisiana Downs racing.com.

 

About Louisiana Downs

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

HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS 2020 THOROUGHBRED LIVE RACING SEASON TO GET UNDERWAY ON SATURDAY, JUNE 6

 

The 64-Day Meet Will Run Through Wednesday, September 23

 

Bossier City, LA – The 2020 Thoroughbred racing season at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, which was originally scheduled to begin on Saturday, May 2, will commence on Saturday, June 6. An emergency meeting of the Louisiana State Racing Commission took place on May 5 and unanimous approval for the revised opening date was granted.

Due to state mandates regarding COVID-19, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs concluded its 2020 Quarter Horse meet on Monday, March 16, two days ahead of the scheduled final date. Thoroughbreds have been training here since Monday, April 13 when a judge ruling allowed horsemen to be permitted on the grounds.

The stable area will open on May 6 for horsemen who have been allocated stalls for the 2020 Thoroughbred season.  Ship in hours will be from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm and trainers must contact Natalie Moses at (318) 820-8324 prior to shipping. No exceptions will be permitted.

“We appreciate the patience of all of our horsemen and wish them a safe transition in shipping their runners to Harrah’s Louisiana Downs,” said David Heitzmann, Director of Racing. “This has been an incredibly difficult time for our industry, and we will all be grateful to see the return of live racing here next month.”

The meet will be run spectator-free, until further notice, in accordance with sanctions by Governor John Bel Edwards.  Harrah’s Louisiana Downs is in constant communication with the Louisiana Department of Health on procedures and protocols to ensure the safety of horses, horsemen and essential employees.

The first condition book will be available on Equibase in the near future. Further information on the Thoroughbred stakes schedule will be forthcoming, but officials have confirmed that the Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby will not be contested in 2020.

The 64-day meet will continue through Wednesday, September 23 with live racing to run Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday at 3:15 pm (Central).