Category: Rob Tuel

LOUISIANA LEGENDS HONORED AT EVANGELINE DOWNS

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BIG FAMILY NIGHT CROWD ON HAND FOR MARQUEE NIGHT OF RACING

 

OPELOUSAS, LA –Evangeline Downs hosted the annual celebration of the Louisiana-bred Thoroughbreds with an exciting Louisiana Legends Night card on Saturday.  The card featured six stake races each worth $100,000 for state-bred runners and were contested over courses rated fast and firm.

Evangeline Downs honored some past Louisiana Legends throughout the evening.  Race fans were asked to nominate their own legends on Facebook.  Merrill Scherer, Ray Sibille, Ron Ardoin, Doris Hebert, Buster Leger and Harold Delahoussaye were the top nominees by the fans and were recognized during the card.

 

FREE LIKE A GIRL STAYS UNBEATEN AT EVANGELINE DOWNS IN MADEMOISELLE VICTORY

Free Like A Girl wins the Louisiana Legends Mademoiselle Stakes. Kimmy Burrow, Coady Photography.

Free Like a Girl again showed her fondness for the local racing strip in her Mademoiselle win. With Jockey Tim Thornton aboard, Free Like a Girl was in midpack running down the backstretch as Wupkar and Beleout sped through early fractions of 22.50 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and a half-mile split in 46.22.  Moved outside to produce a four-wide bid, Free Like a Girl was able to collar the leaders nearing the furlong pole and pulled forward in the final 100 yards.  The winning margin was 1-3/4 lengths at the wire, with Beleout second and First I’ve Seen another 1-1/4 lengths back in third.  The Chasey Deville Pomier trainee moves to a perfect five for five over the local strip.  The final time for the 5-1/2 furlongs was 1:05.17.

Bred by Kim Renee Stover and Lisa Osborne, the 4-year-old bay filly was sired by El Deal and is out of the Flashy Bull mare Flashy Prize.  Owned by the partnership of Gerald Bruno, Jr., Carl Deville, Chasey Deville Pomier and Jerry Caroom, she wins for the thirteenth time in 27 starts and earns $60,000.  Her career bankroll now stands at $930,378.

Free Like a Girl returned $3.80 to win as the wagering favorite, $3 to place and $2.10 to show.  Beleout paid $7.60 to place, $6 to show and First I’ve Seen paid $4.40 to show.

 

CHEAPSKATE DIVA PREVAILS IN TURF DISTAFF

Cheapskate Diva wins the Louisiana Legends Turf Distaff Stakes. Kimmy Burrow, Coady Photography.

Keith Plaisance’s Cheapskate Diva made a sharp bid for the lead turning for home and held off favored A G’s Charlotte to capture the Turf Distaff.  Away in good order under jockey Carlos Marquez, Cheapskate Diva tracked the early lead of Eve’s Delight through fractions of 24.08 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 47.43 seconds for the half-mile.  Cheapskate Diva made a move to take the lead at the top of the stretch and remained clear in the run to the wire to win by 2-1/2 lengths.  A G’s Charlotte made a mild bid without threatening the winner and won a photo for second by a nose over a late closing Wholelottamo.  The winner stopped the clock in a time of 1:35.80 for the mile distance.

The Joseph Felks trained runner is a 5-year-old bay mare sired by Animal Kingdom and is out of the Candy Ride (ARG) mare Beautiful Liar.  Bred by the owner, Cheapskate Diva wins for the fifth time from 15 career starts.  Earning $60,000 in the victory, her career bankroll increases to $176,640.

Cheapskate Diva returned $11.40 to win, $4.80 to place and $2.80 to show.  A G’s Charlotte returned $2.80 to place, $2.20 to show and Wholelottamo paid $2.40 to show.

 

ALLNIGHT MOONLIGHT GETS NECK VICTORY OVER MANGUM IN CHEVAL STAKES

Allnight Moonlight wins the Louisiana Legends Cheval Stakes. Kimmy Burrow, Coady Photography.

Roger Smith’s Allnight Moonlight dug in late to win a spirited stretch battle over Mangum in the Cheval.  With Tim Thornton in the irons, Allnight Moonlight broke smoothly but was caught with a wide trip through the clubhouse turn as Calibrachoa Kid set the pace with Macho Beanie and Clear as a Bele the closest pursuers.  Mangum made a bid to take the lead at the top of the stretch, as Allnight Moonlight ranged up while still covering extra ground.  The pair squared off and battled to the wire with Allnight Moonlight winning by a neck.  It was a big gap of ten lengths back to The Boss Soss in third.  The running time for the mile was 1:39.59.

Bred by Coteau Grove Farms LLC and trained by David Terre, the winner is a 3-year-old colt sired by Ransom the Moon and out of the Medaglia d’Oro mare Gingertini.  A winner for the fourth time from eight career starts, the $60,000 winner’s share pushes his career bankroll to $229,000.

Allnight Moonlight rewarded his backers with a $6 win price, $4.80 to place and $3.60 to show.  Mangum paid $6.80 to place, $5.20 to show and The Boss Soss returned $6 to show.

 

LOUISIANA LIBERTY TAKES SOIREE STAKES IN DRAMATIC FASHION

Louisiana Liberty wins the Louisiana Legends Soiree Stakes. Kimmy Burrow, Coady Photography.

Jockey Gerard Melancon and Louisiana Liberty sustained a wide rally in a last to first move to capture the Soiree.  The early fractions were steady as Highly Wicked set the pace with New Destiny and Sixth Anniversary close behind through an opening quarter mile in 24.08 seconds and a half-mile in 48.38 seconds.   Louisiana Liberty was wide down the backside at the tail of the field and began to make some headway with a bid entering the far turn, as favored Star Moment also moved into contention.  The duo moved in tandem to battle for the lead inside the final furlong, with Louisiana Liberty edging clear in the final yards to win by a half-length.  It was another 1-3/4 lengths back to Highly Wicked holding on for the show spot.  The final time for the mile was 1:40.79.

Bred by Coteau Grove Farms LLC and owned by Whispering Oaks Farm LLC (Carrol Castille), Louisiana Liberty is a 3-year-old filly sired by Cloud Computing.  She is out of the Pleasant Tap mare Pleasantly Blessed.  Winning for only the second time in 11 career starts, her career bankroll increases to $135,230.

Louisiana Liberty, trained by Steven Flint, paid $23.20 to win, $6.80 to place and $4 to show.  Star Moment returned $2.60 to place, $2.20 to show and Highly Wicked paid $4.60 to show.

 

WOODS N WATER VICTORIOUS IN TURF STAKES

Woods N Water wins the Louisiana Legends Turf Stakes. Kimmy Burrow, Coady Photography.

Jockey Tommy Pompell sent Woods N Water through a narrow opening on the far turn to battle for the lead and edged clear to win the Turf.  Always in close attendance to the early pace being set by Carlea’s Dream, Woods N Water was caught in some traffic as longshot Double on the Red made a bid nearest the rail entering the far turn.  As the field approached the top of the stretch, Woods N Water kicked into another gear and burst through the pack to take the lead.  The Lee Thomas trainee pulled away to win by 1-1/2 lengths in the end, with late closing Budro Talking running second and Deer Crossing another length back in third.  The running time for the mile and a sixteenth on the turf was hand timed in 1:42.28.

Owned by Richard Painter and Dewberry Farm (John Kent III), the winner was sired by Palace and is out of the First Samurai mare Said and Done.  Bred by Orange Grove Thoroughbreds, Inc. and Richard Painter, Woods N Water is a 4-year-old bay gelding.  A winner for the sixth time in 17 starts, his career bankroll increases to $186,255.

Woods N Water returned $5.80 to win, $3.20 to place and $2.60 to show.  Budro Talking paid $4.40 to place, $3.40 to show and Deer Crossing paid $3.80 to show.

 

DEL-CID PILOTS BLACK SWORD TO SPRINT VICTORY

Black Sword wins the Louisiana Legends Sprint Stakes. Kimmy Burrow, Coady Photography.

Black Sword captured his second stakes win of the season in the Sprint.  Jockey Vicente Del-Cid was able to work out a trip similar to his triumph in the King Creole last month with a sharp start.  Sitting just off the early fractions of 22.27 and 46.15 being set by Grunt, Black Sword ranged up to take the lead at the top of the stretch and pulled away to a convincing two-length margin over Big Chopper.  Grunt held on well to finish third just a nose better than Mike J.  The final time for the 5-1/2 furlongs was 1:04.84.

Trained by Ronnie Averett and owned by Treanor MD LLC (Leonard Treanor, MD), Black Sword is a 6-year-old dark bay or brown gelding.  Bred by Margie Averett, he was sired by Awesome Sword and is out of the Devil His Due mare Black Mariah.  A winner for the eighth time from 25 starts, his career bankroll increases to $274,705.

Black Sword returned $6.40 to win, $3.40 to place and $2.60 to show.  Big Chopper paid $4.80 to place, $3.40 to show and Grunt paid $6.80 to show.

For more information on racing at Evangeline Downs, visit the track’s website atwww.evdracing.com and on Twitter @evdracing.  Live racing resumes Thursday with a 5:30pm Central first post.  The racing calendar for the remainder of the 2023 season is Thursday through Saturday schedule until the end of the meet on August 12.

A G’S CHARLOTTE WINS CONVINCINGLY IN THE $60,000 SPOTTED HORSE

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The 2023 Evangeline Downs Thoroughbred season kicked off with a pair of stake races Friday night.  A G’s Charlotte picked up a stylish looking victory in the Spotted Horse, while Taylors Tap rallied in the final yards to capture the Acadiana.  The opening night card was contested over a track listed as muddy after substantial overnight rains.

A G’s Charlotte, owned by Thomas Galvin, broke alertly from her inside post position and was quickly in front as the field entered the first turn.  Sassy Beast was her closest pursuer in the early stages, with Another Hot Mess saving ground along the rail in third.  Jockey C.J. McMahon had A G’s Charlotte traveling comfortably through an opening quarter-mile in 24.35 seconds and a half-mile in 48.61.  As the field entered the far turn, the Patricia West trainee was a half-length in front of Sassy Beast, with Majestic Ways splitting rivals to move into contention alongside Another Hot Mess.

Through six furlongs in 1:13.49, A G’s Charlotte, still traveling smoothly, continued to fend off a stubborn Sassy Beast, as the pair kicked clear of the rest.  Inside the final furlong A G’s Charlotte spurted clear with a burst to finish 4-1/4 lengths clear of Sassy Beast.  It was another 2-1/2 lengths back to Another Hot Mess in third.  The final running time for the mile distance for the 3-year-old and upward fillies and mares was 1:39.10.

A G’s Charlotte earned $36,000 in capturing her sixth victory from 16 career starts.  Her career bankroll now stands at $263,160.

The winner is a 4-year-old bred in Louisiana by the owner.  The dark bay or brown filly was sired by Mo Tom and is out of the Indygo Shiner mare Adrianne G.

A G’s Charlotte returned $4.80 to win as the wagering favorite, $2.80 to place and $2.20 to show.  Sassy Beast paid $6.40 to place, $3.60 to show and Another Hot Mess paid $2.60 to show.

STALL APPLICATIONS FOR 2023 EVANGELINE DOWNS THOROUGHBRED SEASON DUE BY FEBRUARY 14

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THE 84-DAY SEASON BEGINS ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5

 

 

OPELOUSAS, LA –The 2023 Thoroughbred season at Evangeline Downs will kick off on Wednesday, April 5.  The race meet will feature 84 days of racing, running on a Wednesday through Saturday schedule and concludes on August 26.  First post is scheduled for 5:30pm Central time.

Stall applications for horsemen are due by Tuesday, February 14.  Horsemen interested in an application can visit the track website at www.evdracing.com and click on the Horsemen’s Info tab.  The racing office can be contacted directly at 337-594-3000.

The 2023 stakes schedule begins on April 14 with the running of the Acadiana Stakes for 3-year-old fillies.  The following night will feature the Lafayette Stakes for 3-year-olds.  Both races are contested over the distance of six furlongs and have a purse of $60,000.  May features a couple of stakes during the week of the Kentucky Derby.  The EVD Distaff, for 4-year-old and up fillies and mares, will take place on Friday, May 5, with the EVD Classic on Saturday, May 6.  Both races will be run over the distance of one mile and each offers a purse of $60,000.

The highlight of each race meet at Evangeline Downs is Louisiana Legends Night.  Taking place on Saturday, June 3, the card will include six stake races for Louisiana-bred runners.  Each stake race will have a purse of $75,000.  Fan favorites Net a Bear and Free Like a Girl were among the winners last year.

A couple of turf stakes on the schedule are the Opelousas Stakes on Friday, June 30 and the John Henry Stakes on Saturday, July 1.  The Opelousas, for 3-year-old and up fillies and mares, and the John Henry, for 3-year-olds and up, will each have a purse of $60,000.

The final month of the racing calendar will have a couple of stakes weekends.  The Friday, August 4 card will include the $60,000 Spotted Horse, a stake for 3-year-old and up fillies and mares.  The $75,000 Evangeline Mile, for 3-year-olds and up, will be contested Saturday, August 5.  Louisiana-bred 2-year-olds will take center stage on closing weekend with the D.S “Shine” Young Futurities.  The filly division will be run on Friday, August 25, with the colts and geldings division on the final night of the meet, August 26, each with a purse of $60,000.  All of the stake races on the calendar will run for a guaranteed purse.

For more information on Evangeline Downs, 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.

NET A BEAR RALLIES IN FINAL YARDS TO WIN THE $60,000 OPELOUSAS STAKES

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ALLEN LANDRY TRAINEE PICKS UP SECOND STAKES VICTORY OF THE SEASON

 

Net A Bear edges Lady Valentine to take the Opelousas Stakes. Coady Photography.

 

OPELOUSAS, LA –Racegoers enjoying the Family Night activities at Evangeline Downs witnessed Net a Bear pick up another stakes victory in the $60,000 Opelousas Stakes on Friday night.  The Allen Landry trainee was a winner of the Louisiana Legends Turf Distaff in her most recent start.  The one-mile race for fillies and mares 3-years-old and up, originally scheduled for the turf, was contested over a main track rendered sloppy by persistent afternoon rains.

Lady Valentine was away sharpest from her inside post and set out to an early lead, with Splenda Gail and favored Quin Ella in close pursuit.  Net a Bear and jockey Tim Thornton were away in good order and settled into stride towards the back of the field of seven runners.  Lady Valentine was allowed to set comfortable fractions of an opening quarter-mile in 24.07 and a half-mile in 47.81.  Moving into the far turn Quinn Ella edged forward past Splenda Gail to put some pressure on Lady Valentine, while Net a Bear was steadily gaining on the leaders while saving ground with an inside trip.

Through six furlongs in 1:12.92, Quinn Ella moved to the lead at the top of the lane outside of Lady Valentine.  Net a Bear was angled out from the rail to the middle of the track to commence her stretch winning drive.  In the final sixteenth of a mile, Lady Valentine had battled back to retake the lead from Quinn Ella but was not able to hold off Net a Bear in the final yards.  Net a Bear’s winning margin was a neck over Lady Valentine, with Quinn Ella another 1-1/2 lengths back in third.  The running time for the mile was 1:39.52.

Owned by Maximo Lamarche and Federico Deltoro, Net a Bear earned $36,000 for the victory.  The win is the 13th from 35 career starts and increased her lifetime earnings to $651,970.

The 6-year-old mare was bred in Louisiana by Lora Pitre and Elaine Carroll.  Sired by Awesome Bet, the bay mare is out of the Eddington mare Edacious Reality.

Net a Bear returned $6.10 as the slight second-choice in the wagering to win, $3.80 to place and $2.20 to show.  Lady Valentine was worth $8.20 to place and $3.40 to show.  Quinn Ella paid $2.60 to show.

Live racing resumes on Saturday with a 5:30pm first post.  The featured event is the $60,000 John Henry Stakes.  The Evangeline Downs Thoroughbred season runs on a Wednesday thru Saturday schedule until August 27.

LOUISIANA LEGENDS CARD SET FOR SATURDAY NIGHT

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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.

WHO TOOK THE MONEY CHARGES TO VICTORY IN THE $60,000 EVANGELINE DOWNS CLASSIC

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ALLIED RACING STABLE RUNNERS COMPLETE WEEKEND STAKES SWEEP

 

Who Took The Money wins the $60,000 EVD Classic. Coady Photography.

 

OPELOUSAS, LA –Deshawn Parker capped off a big weekend stakes sweep with a victory aboard Who Took the Money in the $60,000 EVD Classic at Evangeline Downs on Saturday night.   The race for 4-year-old and up Louisiana-bred runners was contested at the distance of one mile over a track rated fast.

 

Father Goose and Maga Man both broke sharply and set off in a spirited duel into the clubhouse turn.  Highland Creek and Drewhustle were on the chase, while Who Took the Money was allowed to relax near the back of the field.  The opening quarter-mile was covered in a swift 23.36 seconds, and the early battle continued through a half-mile in 46.55 seconds.  As the field moved through the far turn, Highland Creek, the other Allied Racing Stables, LLC (Chester Thomas) runner in the field, was in a striking position just behind the leaders, while Relentless Dancer ranged up with a wide bid.  Deshawn Parker and Who Took the Money were just starting to begin their run but were still seventh as the field move past six furlongs in 1:12.00 seconds.

 

As the field moved to the top of the lane, Highland Creek surged to the lead, Venn was moving through some traffic, while Who Took the Money was gaining with a six-wide move.  At the furlong marker Highland Creek was 1-1/2 lengths in front, but stablemate Who Took the Money was moving fastest in the center of the racetrack.  The two Bret Calhoun trainees were well clear of the field in the final yards, with Who Took the Money rushing past for a ½-length victory.  Runner-up Highland Creek was 3-1/2 lengths clear of the third-place finisher Venn.  The final time for the mile was 1:37.90 seconds.

 

Who Took the Money earned $36,000 for the victory, his seventh from 11 career starts.  The winning purse increased his lifetime earnings to $286,677.

 

The 4-year-old gelding was bred in Louisiana by Allied Racing Stable, LLC.  Sired by Street Boss, the chestnut is out of the Speightstown mare Speights’ Colony.

 

Who Took the Money, sent off as the wagering favorite, rewarded backers with a $4.40 win price, $2.60 to place and $2.40 to show.  Highland Creek paid $3.60 to place and $2.60 to show.  Venn, the longest shot on the board at 41-1, paid $7.80 to show.

 

Live racing resumes on Wednesday with a 5:30pm first post.  The Evangeline Downs Thoroughbred season runs on a Wednesday thru Saturday schedule until August 27.

 

WINNING ROMANCE CRUISES TO VICTORY IN THE $60,000 EVANGELINE DOWNS DISTAFF

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BRET CALHOUN TRAINED RUNNERS FINISH FIRST AND SECOND

 

Winning Romance takes the EVD Distaff S. Coady Photography

 

OPELOUSAS, LA –A derby weekend crowd was treated to a skillful ride by jockey Deshawn Parker aboard Winning Romance in the $60,000 EVD Distaff at Evangeline Downs on Saturday night.   The race for Louisiana-bred older fillies and mares was contested at the distance of one mile over a track rated fast.

 

Winning Romance tossed her head slightly just as the gates opened and was away a step slower than her rivals but was able to make it to the lead heading into the clubhouse turn.  She’s Gone d’Wild and Offspring were away quickest but settled into tracking positions behind the Bret Calhoun trainee.  After making the lead, Winning Romance was able to set very moderate fractions early, with an opening quarter-mile in 25.72 seconds and a half-mile in a pedestrian 50.96 seconds.  Offspring was tracking the leader from a half-length back, while She’s Gone d’Wild, Snowball and Net a Bear were closely grouped in the compact field.

 

The Allied Racing Stable, LLC (Chester Thomas) runner was traveling comfortably moving into the turn as She’s Gone d’Wild turned up the pressure with a bid along the rail.  Snowball had maneuvered through some traffic and was angling for a three-wide bid as the leaders passed six furlongs in 1:15.53 seconds.  As the field turned for home, Winning Romance maintained a slim advantage, and responded when called upon by Parker nearing the furlong marker.  She was able to edge clear in the final yards, with the winning margin 1-3/4 lengths.  She’s Gone d’Wild, also trained by Calhoun, was able to hold second 2-1/4 lengths clear of Snowball and Net a Bear, who finished in a dead-heat for third.  The final running time for the mile was 1:39.65 seconds.

 

Winning Romance earned $36,000 for the victory, her fifth from 15 career starts.  The winner’s share of the purse increased her lifetime earnings to $253,446.

 

The 4-year-old filly was bred in Louisiana by Allied Racing Stable, LLC.  Sired by First Samurai, the chestnut is out of the Flatter mare Lipstick Junky.

 

Winning Romance, sent off as the wagering favorite, returned $3.60 to win, $2.40 to place and $2.10 to show.  She’s Gone d’Wild paid $5 to place and $2.40 to show.  Snowball and Net a Bear each paid $2.10 to show.

ROB TUEL HIRED AS NEW FULL TIME TRACK ANNOUNCER AT EVANGELINE DOWNS

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NEBRASKA NATIVE TAKES THE MICROPHONE ON OPENING NIGHT, APRIL 28

   

OPELOUSAS, LA. – Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel has announced the hiring of Rob Tuel as its new full-time track announcer replacing Michael Chamberlain, who had spent the last six years behind the microphone in Opelousas, Louisiana.

 

Tuel’s race calling experience began in 2004 at Eureka Downs in Kansas, where he called both Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses. Over the years he has also called races in his home state of Nebraska at FairPlay Park, Lincoln Race Course and Atokad Park.

 

“I am honored and thrilled to be selected as the new track announcer at Evangeline Downs,” said Tuel. “It has been a lifelong dream to the announcer at such a prestigious racetrack and I cannot wait to begin.”

 

Tuel will also have the responsibility of handicapping each program at Evangeline Downs while also hosting the track’s daily simulcast show. His experience in front of the camera along with a lifetime of handicapping horse races will provide fans with valuable insights and plenty of winning picks nightly. From 2010 – 2012 he served as paddock host and handicapper at Lincoln Race Course while working with Chamberlain, who was the announcer at that time.

 

“We are very exciting to have Rob join our racing team here at Evangeline Downs,” said Carol Core, Vice President and General Manager. “He brings plenty of excitement and enthusiasm to the position of track announcer and I’m sure he will be well received by race fans both locally and across the nation via simulcast.”

 

Tuel’s first full season at Evangeline Downs will run from April 28 through September 18. The track will host live programs each Wednesday through Saturday night beginning at 5:50 pm Central Time.

 

For more information on racing at Evangeline Downs, visit the track’s website at www.evdracing.com. Evangeline Downs’ Twitter handle is @EVDRacing and the racetrack is also accessible on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EvangelineDownsRacing.

 

About Evangeline Downs

Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel is owned by Boyd Gaming Corporation, a leading diversified owner and operator of 29 gaming entertainment properties located in Nevada, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio and Pennsylvania.  Boyd Gaming press releases are available at www.prnewswire.com.  Additional news and information can be found at www.boydgaming.com, or www.evangelinedowns.com.