Category: Quarter Horse

Into Mischief and Mitole Available to Quarter Horses

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Breeding will be via artificial insemination handled by Robicheaux Ranch.

 

Spendthrift Farm has partnered with Robicheaux Ranch and will offer the opportunity for Quarter Horse mares to breed with leading Thoroughbred stallion Into Mischief  and recent Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) winner Mitole  for the 2020 breeding season, it was announced Nov. 20. Quarter Horse mares will be bred via artificial insemination.

Between Spendthrift Farm owner B. Wayne Hughes looking for creative ideas and Ryan Robicheaux, manager of Robicheaux Ranch in Breaux Bridge, La., looking for an outcross, the venture interested both sides of the deal.

 

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CARLOS LOZADA, JOEY FOSTER AND END ZONE ATHLETICS, INC TOP THE STANDINGS FOR THE 2019 THOROUGHBRED MEET AT HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS

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Bossier City, LA – The 2019 Thoroughbred racing season at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, which got underway on May 4, concluded on Wednesday, September 25. The meet leaders, Carlos Lozada, Joey Foster and End Zone Athletics, Inc., were honored for their accomplishments on the final afternoon of the 84-day meet.

Both major racing events, Louisiana Cup Day on August 3 and Super Derby Day, which took place September 7, featured excellent fields. For the second year in a row, Hall of Fame conditioner Steve Asmussen won the richest race of the season, the Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby with Rotation. The son of Tapit, bred and owned by Winchell Thoroughbreds, LLC, rallied strongly for his first graded stakes score under jockey Richard Eramia.

One of the most memorable events of the season was the creation of the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Racing Hall of Fame. The ceremony took place on Saturday, July 13 with  John Franks; Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr.;  Frank L. Brothers; C.W. Walker; Ronald Ardoin, Larry Snyder; Sunday Silence andFree Spirits Joy inducted into the inaugural class.

Voting for one additional Hall of Fame member in several categories was offered to the fans and they elected trainer Bobby Barnett, jockey Calvin Borel; former general manager Tom Sweeney as well as the incomparable Alysheba as additional inductees.

Officials also introduced a new wager, Super Tuesday Pick 4, on Tuesday, June 25.  The wager teamed two Caesar’s Entertainment racetracks: Harrah’s Louisiana Downs and Indiana Grand Racing and Casino, which both offer Tuesday matinee racing programs. Two races each Tuesday from both racetracks were selected and offered to fans at a reduced takeout of 15%.

“We were thrilled to induct honor such outstanding horses and trailblazers into our Racing Hall of Fame,”said Eric Halstrom, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs vice president of operations.  “The fan vote was very well-received and we will certainly offer that again in 2020. It was also a great beginning for the Super Tuesday Pick 4, which gave us an opportunity to attract new fans as we teamed with the talented and innovative team at Indiana Grand.”

 

Carlos Lozada Wins His First Leading Rider Title

Carlos Lozada was dominant throughout the meet, topping a very competitive jockey colony to claim his first ever leading rider title. The 34-year-old native of Puerto Rico finished the meet with a record of 428 starts, 95 wins, 70 seconds and 52 thirds and purses of $1,076,410.

He began riding in the United States in 2007 after attending Puerto Rico’s Escuela Vocational Hipica, the famed jockey school with a noted list of riders, including Irad Ortiz, Jr, Jose Ortiz as well as 2018 Harrah’s Louisiana Downs top-ranked rider, Emanuel Nieves.

The soft-spoken rider was the 17th-ranked rider in 2018 at Louisiana Downs, but united with former jockey and highly successful agent, Ronald Ardoin, this year.

“There is no doubt that Ronald made a big difference for me,” said Lozada. “He works hard in the mornings and got me a lot of mounts. He won so many races in his career and was very helpful when I asked for advice.”

One of the biggest wins of the meet came on Super Derby Day when Lozada guided Sugarland Thoroughbreds LLC’s homebred Eskenformore to victory in the $60,000 River Cities at odds  of 30-1.  He had ridden the 6-year-old mare, trained by James Hodges, and explained his change of tactics in winning the turf feature.

“I rode her like I knew her,” stated Lozada. “I felt she needed to be closer to the lead and knew she had plenty left for the finish.”

Winning leading rider honors at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs meant a great deal to the devoted family man, supported by his wife, Eileen Quinones and their three sons: Anthony, Jean Carlos and Jandriel.

“I was a little nervous toward the end,” he acknowledged. “Providing for my family is most important to me, but I want to thank every owner and trainer who believed in me and gave me the opportunity to win my first title!”

Lozada will head to Delta Downs for their upcoming Thoroughbred meet, which gets underway on Tuesday, October 8.

It was also a very successful season for Joel Dominguez, who finished second with 91 trips to the winner’s circle, edging Lozada in purses, with mounts earning $1,091,671. Dominguez, who was third in the standings last year, is represented by retired rider Don Simington. Jockey Aubrie Green finished third with 54 victories; a solid step up from her seventh-place finish here in 2018.  Richard Eramia and Hector Del-Cid tied for fourth with 47 trips to the winner’s circle.

 

 

Joey Foster Wins His Third Louisiana Downs Leading Trainer

Benton, Louisiana horseman Joey Foster picked up his third leading trainer title at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, winning 54 races from 218 starters to top his fellow conditioners this meet.

The very popular trainer won his first title here in 2016, repeating the feat in 2017 and finishing second to Karl Broberg last year. He saddled a mix of claiming and allowance horses throughout the meet, with standouts including Mizztic Tale, who won three of his four starts this meet for owners Brett Day and Kevin Spretz. Also, Play on Becky picked up her third victory of the season on Wednesday, September 25 for her breeder and owner Jim Horton.

“I want to thank each of my owners for their support,” said Foster. “They are the ones that put the show on; training horses is the easy part, but keeping great owners is key.”

Foster also acknowledged his wife, Cheryl, who he refers to as “the backbone” of the barn, and the hard work of assistant trainer, Amaniel Ortiz, affectionately known as “Shorty”.

The Foster trainees will head to Delta Downs as well as Fair Grounds. Foster cited Our Lost Love, a 2-year-old filly Louisiana-bred daughter of Half Ours, as one of his runners to watch. Bred and owned by Tri-Star Racing LLC, she broke her maiden impressively here on September 14.

“She ran a great race and earned an 83 Beyer (speed figure),” said Foster. “We will run her on Louisiana Champions Day (December 14) at Fair Grounds.”

Last year’s leading conditioner, Karl Broberg, finished second with 45 wins. Beverly Burress, who saddled 18 winners last year, finished the meet with 28 victories, including a stakes score with Run Rocket in the $60,000 A. L. (Red) Erwin on the Super Derby card. Steve Asmussen and Jorge Lara tied for fourth with 20 winners each.

 

Leading Owner Title Goes to End Zone Athletics, Inc.

End Zone Athletics, Inc. repeated as owner of the meet, and unlike last year, when the title went down to the final day, the national leader held a comfortable lead throughout the meet.  The highly successful partnership of Karl Broberg and Matt Johanson won 25 races this meet to earn leading owner honors.

“I want to thank Darwin Quevado, my assistant at Louisiana Downs for all he has done,” said Broberg.  “We used quite a few riders, but I was pleasantly surprised by Aubrie Green.”

Broberg confirmed that he will send a string to Delta Downs for their upcoming Thoroughbred meet and will also have a barn at Fair Grounds when their season gets underway.

Dream Walkin Farms, Inc. was second in the standings with 14 wins and horses owned by Ronnie P. Ward made 11 trips to the winner’s circle. Indian Creek Thoroughbred Farms, LLC and Penny Scarberry tied for fourth with ten wins in the 2019 Thoroughbred meet.

 

Harrah’s Louisiana Downs to Offer Training and Stall Space to Horsemen

Harrah’s Louisiana Downs is pleased to offer horsemen an opportunity to train and stable their Thoroughbreds during the months of October, November and December.

When the Evangeline Training Center closed in 2018, officials acknowledged that many Louisiana Thoroughbred trainers were in need of a facility to stable and train their racehorses.  The Bossier City-Shreveport metroplex offers convenient proximity for shipping to Delta Downs in Vinton, Louisiana; Fair Grounds in New Orleans; Remington Park in Oklahoma as well as upcoming live meets at Sam Houston Race Park and Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Space and availability for Thoroughbreds is limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Horsemen are encouraged to contact David Heitzmann, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Director of Racing at (318) 741-2511 or (318) 741-2512 for rates and information.

 

Quarter Horse Racing Returns to Harrah’s Louisiana Downs on January 4

The 2020 Quarter Horse dates for Harrah’s Louisiana Downs have been approved. The 46-day meet will commence on  Saturday, January 4 and continue through Wednesday, March 18.

 

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.

PURSE INCREASES ANNOUNCED FOR THE FINAL FOURTEEN DAYS OF THE 2019 HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS QUARTER HORSE RACING SEASON

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Bossier City, LA – Harrah’s Louisiana Downs is pleased to announce that overnight purses have been increased by $1,200 for the remainder of the 2019 Quarter Horse meet. The adjustment was implemented on Saturday, March 2 and will continue through the conclusion of the racing season on Wednesday, March 20.

The next two weeks of the annual Quarter Horse meet are filled with premium racing events. On Saturday, March 16, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs will present the final of the $305,296 Mardi Gras Futurity (RG2) and the $120,782 Mardi Gras Derby for accredited Louisiana-breds. The third stakes of the card will be the $15,000 Leverne Perry Memorial, named in honor of the esteemed breeder and Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association (LQHBA) Executive Director Emeritus. On Wednesday, March 20, the ten top qualifiers will compete in the $254,070 Harrah’s Entertainment Futurity (G3).

“We are pleased to reward our local horsemen for their support throughout the 2019 live racing season,” said David Heitzmann, Director of Racing at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs. “Our entire staff and management team have been encouraged by the interest from local fans and Quarter Horse players across the country. Judging from the quality of the 2-year-olds competing in trials for both the Mardi Gras and Harrah’s Entertainment Futurities, both finals will be extremely competitive and exciting to watch.”

The Quarter Horse season, which got underway on January 5, will continue Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday with a 1:00 pm (Central) post time. In addition, racing will be conducted on Wednesday, March 13 and March 20, also at 1:00 pm. 

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 QUARTER HORSE MEET GETS UNDERWAY ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 5

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$15,000 Harrah’s Dash Highlights Opening Day Card

 

Bossier City, LA – The 2019 Quarter Horse racing season at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs will commence on Saturday, January 5. The 46-day meet runs through March 20 with live action set for  Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday with a 1:00 p.m. (Central) post time.

 

Jockey Luis Vivanco Finishes out the Year as the Top Jockey in the Country by Wins

 

Jockey Luis Vivanco returns to Louisiana Downs off a record year that began here last January. Riding full-time on the Louisiana circuit proved to be a perfect fit for the 36-year-old who was born in Veracruz, Mexico and began riding in the United States in 2007. He won 127 races to finish the year as the top North American Quarter Horse jockey in wins and will likely be a finalist for 2018 AQHA Champion Jockey, along with Raul Ramirez, Jr.; Ricky Ramirez and Cody Jensen.

 

With support of many horsemen he had ridden for in Texas and the established Louisiana connections of agent Cynthia Menard, Vivanco began 2018 at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, finishing ranked fifth with 12 wins and a respectable 48% in the money statistic.

 

Vivanco rode several horses for trainer Miguel Rodriguez at Louisiana Downs, running second in the $294,942 Mardi Gras Futurity (RG2)  aboard TDZ Louisiana Toast.

 

“He’s very dedicated and down to earth,” stated Rodriguez. “Luis is willing to do whatever is asked. It’s no surprise to me that he is having the success in Louisiana. He’s very hard working; a family man and nice person.”

Vivanco faced an ultra-competitive jockey colony at Delta Downs with hopes of finishing in the top ten in the standings. He surpassed that goal significantly, challenging perennial leader John Hamilton to the wire, finishing the 46-day meet with a record of 40 wins from 216 starters, just four behind Hamilton.

Next came Fair Grounds, where Vivanco won 11 races in the ten-day season, again, finishing one win behind Hamilton.

However, he soared to his highest level at Evangeline Downs, winning the LQHBA Louisiana Million aboard Larry Boudreaux’s Mpshinning. He concluded the meet with 35 victories and tied Hamilton for leading rider honors.

“Luis is very professional,” explained trainer Josue Huitron, trainer of Mpshinning. “He works hard for us in the morning and always tries his best to win each race. We work well together.”

 

Vivanco and his wife, Elizabeth, have two children, Lorena, 6, and four-year-old Jesus. Home is in San Antonio, which requires a lot of time on the road as he commutes back and forth to Louisiana. His love for his wife and children provide the incentive on those long hours behind the wheel.

 

“It is hard on my family, but I never thought at the beginning of the year that I would find this kind of success here in Louisiana,” said Vivanco. “It’s been a dream come true and I am very grateful.”

It was also an exceptional year for Huitron, who won the Lassie and Lee Berwick Futurities at Delta Downs in addition to the LQHBA Louisiana Million at Evangeline Downs.  The 26-year-old horseman has 35 horses at Louisiana Downs.

Stake Winner Globito Tops Full Field in the $15,000 Harrah’s Dash

A field of ten quality sprinters will compete in Saturday’s $15,000 Harrah’s Dash, the first stakes of the live racing season.

Isabel Huitron’s Globito is the 9-5 morning line choice in the 250-yard feature. Trained by Josue Huitron, the 4-year-old son of Pappasito has won 8 of his 12 career efforts, including a victory in the $20,000 Evangeline Downs Dash on October 5. His most recent win came at Zia Park on December 19 when he set a new track record for the distance of 100 yards, crossing the wire in a blazing :6.446 seconds. The Texas-bred drew the rail post and will be ridden by Luis Vivanco.

“He always breaks well; that’s why he runs so well at short distances, said Huitron. “The post doesn’t make a difference; he runs hard and has beaten some very good horses.”

The high-earner in the field is Three Bar Cartel who has banked $227,910 in his 12 starts for owner Ruben Garcia Montemayor. The 4-year-old, sired by Capo de Capi, won the 2017 Dash For Cash Futurity at Lone Star Park and had a strong 3-year-old season, capturing the Retama Park Derby and running third in the Evangeline Downs Derby on December 15. Jockey Jesse Lee Levario has the call for trainer Josue Ponce, and will break from post position eight.

 

Kas Tempting, runner-up in the 2018 Sam Houston Derby for owner Garza Laurel Partnership LLC and trainer Bobby Martinez, is another notable entrant. Sired by Tempting Dash, the 4-year-old Texas-bred will be ridden by Damian Martinez. Rogelio Marquez Jr.’s The Golden Bowl drew the far outside post and will be guided by Antonio Alberto. The 7-year-old son of Mr Eye Opener was victorious in the 2016 Develop a Plan Stakes (G3) and had several stakes placings in 2018. Oklahoma-bred One Sweet Merlot will shorten to 250-yards for the first time for owners David Jones and Mark C. Cowen. Trainer James Lackey will saddle the multiple-stakes winner and give a let up to rider Cesar Esqueda.

Here is the field for the Harrah’s Dash, in post position order including jockey assignments and morning-line odds:

  1. Globito (Luis Vivanco), 9-5
  2. One Sweet Merlot (Cesar Esqueda), 10-1
  3. Kas Tempting (Damian Martinez), 10-1
  4. Tdz Fast Dasher (Noe Castaneda), 10-1
  5. Dm La Jolla (Rolando Cabrera), 8-1
  6. Fast N Famous Eagle (Everardo Rodriguez), 12-1
  7. Perrys Dynasty (Eddi Martinez), 20-1
  8. Three Bar Cartel (Jesse Levario), 5-1
  9. Lil Bro Streak (Luciano Duenez), 15-1
  10. The Golden Bowl (Antonio Alberto), 9-2

The Harrah’s Dash will be run as race six with an approximate post time of 3:00 pm.

Louisiana Downs 2019 Quarter Horse Stakes Schedule

 

The Louisiana Downs live Quarter Horse racing season includes 12 stakes highlighted by the first official championship for 2-year-olds, the $100,000-added Mardi Gras Futurity.

January 5         $15,000 Harrah’s Dash                       4 YO & Up                            250 yards

January 12       $15,000 Marathon Stakes                   4 YO & Up                            870 yards

January 19       $25,000 Billy Montgomery                3 YO LA-Bred                       350 yards

January 26       $15,000 Swift Stakes                          4 YO & Up                            350 yards

January 26       $25,000 Party Girl Stakes                   4 YO & Up F&M LA-Bred   350 yards

 

February 2       $25,000 Magnolia Stakes                   3 YO & Up LA-Bred             870 yards

February 9       $15,000-added LAD Maiden Stake   3,4 &5 YO LA-Bred               350 yards

February 16     $25,000 Mr Jess Perry                       4 YO & Up LA-Bred             330 yards

 

March 16         $100,000-added Mardi Gras Futurity 2 YO LA-Bred                       300 yards

March 16         $50,000-added Mardi Gras Derby      3 YO LA-Bred                       400 yards

March 16         $15,000 Leverne Perry Memorial       3 YO & Up                            400 yards

 

March 20         $75,000-added Harrah’s Futurity       2 YO                                      300 yards

 

To see a complete list of race dates and post times, 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 s

GONE CARTEL KEEPS HIS WIN STREAK ALIVE WITH A VICTORY IN THE $25,000 MR JESS PERRY AT HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS

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Bossier City, LA – Harrah’s Louisiana Downs hosted an action packed day of racing on Saturday, February 24. Despite inclement weather, a nice crowd was on hand to enjoy the racing action and Family Fun Day activities.

A field of ten accredited Louisiana-breds kicked off the card in the  $25,000 Mr Jess Perry Stakes, and Gone Cartel came flying to win his fourth race in a row. Trained by leading Louisiana Downs conditioner Vann Haywood, the 5-year-old son of Coronas Leaving You is owned by Tommy E. Rhodes. Regular pilot Damian Martinez guided his charge to the wire of the 350-yard feature in :17.517 seconds, outdueling Im All Out by a nose. Tf Racee Runaway closed solidly from his far outside post to clinch third under Everardo Rodriguez. Each earned a speed index of 101.

“He had been training so well, I really felt he could step up today,” said Haywood. “He didn’t break as sharp as he could have, but left good enough and came home strong.”

Haywood has been a fan of Gone Cartel since he first saw him in training as a 2-year-old.

“I tried to buy him from Doug Weeks three years ago and was finally able to get it done last October,” said Haywood.  “Doug calls me after each win and is really happy that the horse is doing so well.”

Bred by Chad Hart, Gone Cartel ($11.20) has now won eight of his 21 starts and shown his affinity for a muddy track with a record of four wins from six tries on the off going. With today’s winner’s check for $15,000, his career bankroll stands at $143,082.

Im All Out owned by Girl Goes Racing and ridden by David Alvarez earned $5,000 for his runner-up finish. The 5-year-old son of Heza Fast Dash was one of two entrants trained by Kenneth Roberts, Sr. Mps Shake Em in Style completed the superfecta, followed by Icanonlyemagine, Ww Showtime, Ldn Jessasaltydog, Scoopies Leaving You, One Hot Flame and Coronaoro.

The stakes is named in honor of Mr Jess Perry, the acclaimed racehorse and stallion who passed away last November at the age of 25. Honored as AQHA Racing Champion 2-Year-Old and Champion 2-Year-Old Colt in 1994, he won 12 of his 21 career starts before setting new standards as a stallion. Mr Jess Perry sired 138 stakes winners and 156 stakes placed horses, including nine running champions. He remains one of only three Quarter Horse stallions to sire the racing earners of more than $52 million.

 

Kenneth L. Roberts Sr. Honored As LQHBA and AQHA Champion Trainer

A presentation took place in the Louisiana Downs winner’s circle today following the third race to honor Kenneth L. Roberts, Sr., 2017 LQHBA and AQHA Racing Champion Trainer.  The popular horseman finished the year as the leading Quarter Horse trainer in North America with 116 wins and was ranked fourth in earnings with $2,847,909.

This was the first time Roberts was named AQHA Champion trainer and his stakes wins in Louisiana were pivotal to  his award.  He capped the year with an impressive victory by You Drive I Fly in the LQHBA Louisiana Million on December 16.

Tony Patterson, executive director of the LQHBA, is grateful to Roberts for his dedication to the state’s racing program and annual yearling sale.

“Kenny is an extremely talented and dedicated horseman who is a tremendous ambassador for Louisiana Quarter Horse racing,” said Patterson. “Several board members were on hand to congratulate Kenny and thank him for his continued support of our association and our efforts to run the top state-bred racing program in the country.”

 

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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

COMPETITIVE TRAINER AND JOCKEY BATTLES UNDERWAY IN THE HARRAH’S LOUISANA DOWNS QUARTER HORSE MEET

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The 46-day Live Racing Season Continues Through March 21

 

Bossier City, LA – The 2018 Quarter Horse racing season at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs is continuing at a rapid pace with trials for the Mardi Gras Futurity set for Saturday, February 24.

Since the meet began on January 6, the competition has been fierce in both the trainer and jockey standings. It’s a safe bet that both titles will go down to the wire until the meet concludes on Wednesday, March 21.

Vann Haywood Tops the Trainer Leaderboard

The current top horseman is Vann Haywood, who leads his fellow conditioners with 14 wins from 45 starts. His top horse so far is Kris Locklear’s homebred Beyondthcos, a 3-year-old son of Tee Cos, who won his third race of the Louisiana Downs meet on Tuesday afternoon.

The North Carolina native has been training for 20 years and is a fixture on the Louisiana circuit. He’s won three Louisiana Downs leading trainer titles and is pleased with the way 2018 is progressing.

“We’re having success entering our horses in the right spots,” stated Haywood. “It’s great to be able to run in a state year-round. I used to run horses and then go home for six months.”

He also appreciates having futurity opportunities at each of the four meets in Louisiana and has three paid into the Mardi Gras Futurity with options to hold off until Delta Downs.

Kenneth Roberts, Sr., who was honored as 2017 AQHA Champion Trainer, is second in the standings with 11 wins and Carlos Saldivar, who won the 2015 training title here, is also having a solid meet. He has saddled ten winners and is tied with 2017 leading trainer Orlando Orozco and Josue Huitron.

“It’s going to be a close race,” acknowledged Saldivar. “We’re doing well so far for our owners and this is the closest track to my home in Dallas. Of course, Kenny’s got some big horses. He’s amazing and we are all proud of him being named AQHA champion trainer.”

Another horseman to watch is Javier Contreras who is the only trainer to have won two stakes races this meet. Jw Who Dat, the 6-year-old Louisiana-bred is making a name for himself as a distance horse, winning both the $15,000 Marathon Stakes on January 13as well as the $25,000 Magnolia Stakes three weeks later.

 

Leading Rider Everardo Rodriguez Posting Solid Stats

Louisiana Downs boasts a highly competitive jockey colony and Everardo Rodriguez, the current leader, knows that winning the title will be simple feat.

The 28-year-old was born in San Luis Potosí, a city in central Mexico, and began riding professionally in 2013.  He won his first title last December at Evangeline Downs and with 19 wins so far at Louisiana Downs, holds a narrow lead over 2017 champion DamianMartinez and David Alvarez. They are tied for second in the standings with 17 wins each.

“The competition is very tough and winning the title will not be easy,” stated Rodriguez. “We all get along well, and I wish my fellow riders the best, but I will try to beat them!”

He rides for many trainers and the consensus from horsemen and his agent, Gerald Thomas, is that Rodriguez is a hard worker who always gives 100%, on the racetrack and in morning works.

“Working for Everardo is a pleasure,” stated Thomas. “No one says a single bad word about him; he reminds me of a young Gilbert Ortiz, who will help anyone in need.”

Martinez, 24, returns to Louisiana Downs off a record year that began with the title here last March.  He won 37 races at Louisiana Downs and kept his momentum going throughout 2017, winning 124 races to finish the year as the top North American Quarter Horse jockey in wins.

Martinez shipped his tack to Louisiana in 2016 and rode the entire meet at Delta Downs, finishing second to David Alvarez.  He was not sure how the transition from Texas would go, but was welcomed with open arms by the members of the Delta Downs jockey colony.

“It’s a whole different atmosphere in Louisiana,” stated Martinez. “Everyone was helpful and encouraging.  You don’t find that everywhere!”

Born in Vera Cruz, Mexico, Alvarez, 38, is the younger brother of jockey Jose Amador Alvarez. Although Texas is home, the Louisiana circuit has fueled his career; he has won leading rider titles at Louisiana Downs, Delta Downs, Fair Grounds and Evangeline Downs. Alvarez is a man of faith and credits his success in the saddle to his belief in God and his work ethic.

“Every morning, I put myself in God’s hands and appreciate every opportunity I am given,” said Alvarez.

 

Trials for the Mardi Gras Futurity Will be Contested Saturday, February 24

The draw for trials for the Mardi Gras Futurity will take place on Saturday, February 17. The interest is solid for the first official futurity of the year with 185 Louisiana-bred 2-year-olds eligible to compete in the 300-yard trials.  Racing officials are projecting 14 heats and will announce a revised post time following Saturday’s draw.

In addition to the Mardi Gras Futurity trials on Saturday, February 24, Louisiana Downs will offer entertainment for fans of all ages, beginning at 11:00 am! There will be a FREE children’s area with bounce houses, games and face painting and culinary delights from the most popular food trucks in Shreveport-Bossier City.

Louisiana Downs Dates and Post Times

The 2018 Quarter Horse racing season at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs got underway on Saturday, January 6. The 46-day meet includes 12 stakes highlighted by the first official championship for 2-year-olds, the $100,000-added Mardi Gras Futurity on March 17. Live racing will take place Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday with a 1:00 p.m. (Central) post time and will continue through March 21. To see a complete list of the stakes schedule, including trial dates, click here             

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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

SCOOPIES LEAVING YOU CAPTURES HIS SECOND EDITION OF THE ​ $15,000 HARRAH’S DASH AT LOUISIANA DOWNS

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Bossier City, LA – Harrah’s Louisiana Downs kicked off its 2018 American Quarter Horse season on Saturday afternoon. The seven-race program included the first stakes of the meet, the $15,000 Harrah’s Dash.

Joel Galindo’s Scoopies Leaving You, who won the 2016 edition of this feature and holds the track record at 250 yards, topped his nine rivals. Breaking from the rail under regular rider Donald Watson, Scoopies Leaving You broke well and held off a solid charge by Fast N Famous Eagle to win by a neck. He covered 250 yards at :13.579 seconds into a 10-mph head wind over a fast track, earning an 85 speed index.

Bred in Louisiana by Gerald D. Libersat, Scoopies Leaving You is by Coronas Leaving You, out of the Toast to Dash mare Ms Scoopies Toast. Today’s win marked his 17th victory from 43 starts. He has bankrolled $318,433 since making his debut at Louisiana Downs in trials for the 2013 Mardi Gras Futurity. Kevin Broussard trains the multiple graded stakes winner and continues to marvel at his longevity and competitive spirit.

“He’s 7-years-old, has run 43 races and is as sound as a dollar,” said Broussard. “He’s still a stallion, but you would never know it.”

The far inside post was no problem for Scoopies Leaving You, according to his conditioner.

“He likes the rail,” added Broussard. “He’ll lug in sometimes, so that’s the gate we really like.”

Sent to the gate as the 5-2 favorite. Scoopies Leaving You paid $7.60 for the win. to show. Fast N Famous Eagle, ran second at odds of 20-1 under Rolando Pina, followed by Barefoot Beach and Msm Runaway Dash.  The remainder of the field included Tf Jess a Leader, Fancy Mamacita, Vicious Woman, Rbd Jessaswingin. Kut the Rope and Di Maria, who stumbled out of the gate and finished last.

Live racing continues Sunday, Monday and Tuesday at 1:00 pm. The 2018 Quarter Horse meet runs through March 21.

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 QUARTER HORSE MEET GETS UNDERWAY ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 6

louisianathoroughbred

 Twelve Stakes Set for the 46-day Live Racing Season 

Bossier City, LA – The 2018 Quarter Horse racing season at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs will commence on Saturday, January 6. The 46-day meet includes 12 stakes highlighted by the first official championship for 2-year-olds, the $100,000-added Mardi Gras Futurity on March 17. Live racing will take place Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday with a 1:00 p.m. (Central) post time and will continue through March 21.

Leading Rider Damian Martinez Finishes out the Year as the Top Jockey by Wins 

Jockey Damian Martinez returns to Louisiana Downs off a record year that began with the title here last March. He won 37 races and kept his momentum going throughout 2017, winning 124 races to finish the year as the top North American Quarter Horse jockey in wins.

The 24-year-old was born in Coahuila, Mexico and began riding professionally in 2012. His career got a huge boost when Texas horseman Brian Stroud saw his potential and the two embarked on a prolific association with Jrc Callas First. Under Martinez, the versatile Texas-bred won ten stakes and was honored as 2014 AQHA World Racing Champion. There are many jockeys that ride their entire life without riding a Grade 1 winner, let alone a world champion, but Martinez has that on his resume’ already.

Martinez shipped his tack to Louisiana in 2016 and rode the entire meet at Delta Downs, finishing second to David Alvarez. He was not sure how the transition from Texas would go, but was welcomed with open arms by the members of the Delta Downs jockey colony.

“It’s a whole different atmosphere in Louisiana,” stated Martinez. “Everyone was helpful and encouraging. You don’t find that everywhere!”

In 2016, Martinez won 102 races; finishing second in AQHA standings by wins, to David Alvarez. The two Louisiana leaders were two of only four Quarter Horse jockeys in the country to eclipse 100 wins for the year.

But Martinez took it to another level in 2017, winning 124 races and purses of $1.8 million and will certainly be on the ballot for AQHA champion jockey with voters having to make a very tough choice in that category. Rodrigo Vallejo completed the year as the leading money-earning rider with $3.5 million and 2015 AQHA champion jockey Ricky Ramirez had a strong year as well.

“It feels great,” Martinez said his 2017 record. “I could not have done it without the support of so many trainers and owners.”

Trainer Bobby Martinez (no relation) has known Damian for many years and will give him a let up on Tf Jess a Leader in the Harrah’s Dash on Saturday.

“Damian is very patient on a horse and has become one heck of a rider,” said Martinez.

A devoted family man, Damian and his wife, Bianca are proud parents of daughter, Daila, and are awaiting the birth of their second child in July.

“It would be nice to be honored as champion jockey,” added Martinez. “If its meant to be, it will be great. But for now, I am looking forward to the Louisiana Downs meet and just taking life as it comes.”

Scoopies Leaving You Leads a Full Field in the $15,000 Harrah’s Dash 

A field of ten Louisiana-bred sprinters will compete in Saturday’s $15,000 Harrah’s Dash, the first stakes of the live racing season.

Joel Galindo’s Scoopies Leaving You is the 3-1 morning line choice in the 250-yard feature. The 7-year-old son of Coronas Leaving You has won 16 of his 42 career efforts, bankrolling $318,433 to date. His most recent stakes win came at Delta Downs on April 21, when he rallied to victory in the $20,000 Delta Dash in a swift :12.964 seconds. The multiple-graded stakes winner drew the rail post and will be ridden by his regular pilot, Donald Watson.

Di Maria begins her 4-year-old season under jockey Everardo Rodriguez, who recently won the riding title at Evangeline Downs. The bay daughter of Tee Cos ran a game third in the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Quarter Horse Derby (G3) on December 9 at Fair Grounds. Owned by Jose O. Barron, Di Maria is conditioned by Carlos Saldivar, who finished second in the trainer standings in last year’s Louisiana Downs Quarter Horse meet.

Tf Jess a Leader makes his first start in Louisiana for owner Jose M. Chavez and trainer Bobby Martinez. Sired by Mr Jess Perry, the sorrel gelding raced at Indiana Grand for the past two years, winning the $130,360 QHRA Indiana Derby on October 22, 2016. He will be seeking his fourth career win Saturday afternoon with Damian Martinez in the saddle. Martinez won the 2017 edition of the Harrah’s Dash aboard Mr. Big, edging Scoopies Leaving You at the wire.

Here is the field for the Harrah’s Dash (Race 6), in post position order including jockey assignments and morning-line odds:

1. Scoopies Leaving You (Donald Watson), 3-1

2. Fast N Famous Eagle (Rolando Pina), 8-1

3. Vicious Woman (David Alvarez), 12-1

4. Di Maria (Everardo Rodriguez), 5-1

5. Msm Runaway Dash (Luis Vivanco), 15-1

6. Barefoot Beach (Randy Edison), 9-2

7. Kut the Rope (Antonio Alberto), 20-1

8. Fancy Mamacita (Nestor Duran), 15-1

9. Tf Jess a Leader (Damian Martinez), 7-2

10. Rbd Jessaswingin Alfonso Lujan), 12-1

Louisiana Downs 2018 Quarter Horse Stakes Schedule 

The following stakes will be contested during the 2018 Quarter Horse racing season:

January 6 $15,000 Harrah’s Dash 4 YO & Up 250 yards

January 13 $15,000 Marathon Stakes 4 YO & Up 870 yards

January 20 $25,000 Billy Montgomery 3 YO LA-Bred 350 yards

January 27 $15,000 Swift Stakes 4 YO & Up 350 yards

January 27 $25,000 Party Girl Stakes 4 YO & Up F&M LA-Bred 350 yards

February 3 $25,000 Magnolia Stakes 3 YO & Up LA-Bred 870 yards

February 10 $15,000-added LAD Maiden Stake 3,4 &5 YO LA-Bred 350 yards

February 24 $25,000 Mr Jess Perry 4 YO & Up LA-Bred 350 yards

March 17 $100,000-added Mardi Gras Futurity 2 YO LA-Bred 300 yards

March 17 $50,000-added Mardi Gras Derby 3 YO LA-Bred 400 yards

March 17 $15,000 Streakin La Jolla 2 YO & Up 400 yards

March 21 $75,000-added Harrah’s Futurity 2 YO 300 yards

To see a complete list of the stakes schedule, including trial dates, 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