LOUISIANA LEGENDS HONORED AT EVANGELINE DOWNS

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.

HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS INDUCTS ITS INAUGURAL RACING HALL OF FAME CLASS ON SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2019

Fans Voted Alysheba, Bobby Barnett, Calvin Borel and Tom Sweeney as Additional Honorees

 

Bossier City, LA – Harrah’s Louisiana Downs held its first Racing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, July 13. The event, which was open to the public, honored the achievements of horse owners, trainers, jockeys, horses and property contributors who have played pivotal roles in the rich history of Harrah’s Louisiana Downs.

 

A committee was formed earlier this year and selected individuals and racing champions for its first class. In addition, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs offered racing fan an opportunity to vote for  additional inductees in the category of trainer, jockey, horse and contributor.

 

The Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Racing Hall of Fame honored the following recipients:

 

LAD Racing Hall of Fame Owner

  • John Franks – John Franks was the leading owner at Louisiana Downs for 18 years and much of the track’s success can be attributed to him.  Franks was an Eclipse Award winning owner and his homebred Answer Lively was honored as 1998 Two-Year Colt of the Year.

 

 

LAD Racing Hall of Fame Trainer

  • Frank L. Brothers Winner of nearly 800 races at Louisiana Downs and nine consecutive training titles from 1980 – 1988.  Brothers is the all-time  leader in Stakes victories with 127.  Louisiana Downs named a stakes race in his honor in 2019.

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  • C.W. Walker – The track’s second all-time leading trainer with 820 wins.  A mainstay at Louisiana Downs he was best known for his prowess with claiming horses but also had 16 stakes winners. He was the leading trainer in 1977.

 

 

FAN VOTE HONOREE:

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  • Bobby Barnett – A three-time Louisiana Downs training title champion (1991, 1994, 1997) and trainer of 2004 Super Derby winner, Fantasticat. He was the primary trainer for John Franks. Winner of nearly 500 races locally.

 

 

LAD Racing Hall of Fame Contributor

  • Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr. – Instrumental in the early development of Louisiana Downs as one of the first owners. The track was a success from the start, setting numerous national records for handle and attendance throughout the 1970’s and ’80’s under his oversight.

FAN VOTE HONOREE:

  • Tom Sweeney – Longtime General Manager at Louisiana Downs including the early days of the racetrack. Sweeney was at the forefront of the inclusion of video poker and improved gaming at Louisiana Downs.

 

LAD Racing Hall of Fame Jockey

 

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  • Ronald Ardoin – A resident of Haughton, Louisiana, Ardoin is the all-time winningest jockey at Louisiana Downs. He made history as the 16th jockey nationally to have 5,000 wins when he rode Heart of an Angel to victory at Louisiana Downs.

 

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  • Larry Snyder – Legendary Jockey with a 35-year riding career. Loved by fans at Louisiana Downs and Oaklawn Park, Larry worked as a steward at the track after retiring from the saddle in 1994.

 

 

FAN VOTE HONOREE:

Calvin Borel

  • Calvin Borel – A three-time leading jockey at Louisiana Downs  (1991, 1992, 1994) and winner of over 1200 races locally.  Borel is a nationally prominent rider with multiple Kentucky Derby wins

 

 

 

 

LAD Racing Hall of Fame Horses

  • Sunday Silence – The Super Derby Winner in 1989 in the same year that he was named Horse of the Year and Champion 3-Year-Old Male. He was winner of The Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Breeder’s Cup Classic.  Sunday Silence was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame in 1996.

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  • Free Spirits Joy – Louisiana-bred winner of the Super Derby in 1991. He made 29 Louisiana starts and 3 at Remington Park. He died at the age at 27 in 2015.

 

 

FAN VOTE HONOREE:

  • Alysheba – Won the Super Derby in 1987 after winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. Alysheba was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame in 1993.

 

“We are so pleased to have honored the first class of the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Racing Hall of Fame today,” said Eric Halstrom, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Vice President of Operations “The accomplishments of these prodigious leaders, horsemen and tremendous racing champions are truly significant, both for Louisiana and the national racing industry. We thank our committee for their efforts and of course, our dedicated fans for voting the additional recipients into the inaugural Racing Hall of Fame.”

 

Live racing resumes on Monday, July 15 and the two major stakes days are right around the corner. Louisiana Cup Day will run on Saturday, August 3, featuring seven stakes, including the  $60,000 Prelude, a 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds that serves as the local prep race for the Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby. Saturday, September 7 is the date for this year’s Super Derby Day card, which features seven stakes with purses totaling $600,000.

 

For more information on the 2019 Thoroughbred meet, which runs through September 25, visit https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-louisiana-downs/racing.

 

 

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 TO HOST RACING HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY ON SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2019

Super Derby Festival 40 Charity Golf Tournament Set for Thursday, August 29

 

Bossier City, LA – Harrah’s Louisiana Downs will honor the first class of its Racing Hall of Fame on Saturday, July 13. It will serve as an opportunity to honor the achievements of horse owners, trainers, jockeys, horses and property contributors who have played pivotal roles in the rich history of Harrah’s Louisiana Downs.

 

The Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Racing Hall of Fame Committee selected the following recipients for the inaugural class. In addition, fan voting was offered and the public contributed to honor one additional inductee in the category of trainer, jockey, racing contributor and horse.  Those results will be announced in Saturday’s induction ceremony, which will take place in the lobby of Harrah’s Louisiana Downs following the races.  The festivities are open to the public.

 

These are the inductees into the 2019 Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Racing Hall of Fame.

 

LAD Racing Hall of Fame Owner

  • John Franks – John Franks was the leading owner at Louisiana Downs for 18 years and much of the track’s success can be attributed to him.  Franks was an Eclipse Award winning owner and his homebred Answer Lively was honored as 1998 Two-Year Colt of the Year.

 

LAD Racing Hall of Fame Trainer

  • Frank L. Brothers Winner of nearly 800 races at Louisiana Downs and nine consecutive training titles from 1980 – 1988.  Brothers is the all-time  leader in Stakes victories with 127.  Louisiana Downs named a stakes race in his honor in 2019.
  • C.W. Walker – The track’s second all-time leading trainer with 820 wins.  A mainstay at Louisiana Downs he was best known for his prowess with claiming horses but also had 16 stakes winners. He was the leading trainer in 1977.

 

 

LAD Racing Hall of Fame Contributor

  • Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr. – Instrumental in the early development of Louisiana Downs as one of the first owners. The track was a success from the start, setting numerous national records for handle and attendance throughout the 1970’s and ’80’s under his oversight.

 

 

 

LAD Racing Hall of Fame Jockey

  • Ronald Ardoin – A resident of Haughton, Louisiana, Ardoin is the all-time winningest jockey at Louisiana Downs. He made history as the 16th jockey nationally to have 5,000 wins when he rode Heart of an Angel to victory at Louisiana Downs.
  • Larry Snyder – Legendary Jockey with a 35-year riding career. Loved by fans at Louisiana Downs and Oaklawn Park, Larry worked as a steward at the track after retiring from the saddle in 1994.

 

LAD Racing Hall of Fame Horses

  • Sunday Silence – The Super Derby Winner in 1989 in the same year that he was named Horse of the Year and Champion 3-Year-Old Male. He was winner of The Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Breeder’s Cup Classic.  Sunday Silence was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame in 1996.
  • Free Spirits Joy – Louisiana-bred winner of the Super Derby in 1991. He made 29 Louisiana starts and 3 at Remington Park. He died at the age at 27 in 2015.

 

 

Super Tuesday Pick 4 Pays $797 on July 9

A new wager, the Super Tuesday Pick 4, continues to build momentum since making its debut on Tuesday, June 25.  The wager teams two Caesar’s Entertainment racetracks: Harrah’s Louisiana Downs and Indiana Grand Racing and Casino, which both offer Tuesday matinee racing programs. Two races from each property are selected for the Super Tuesday, Pick 4 wager, with an industry-low 15% takeout.

 

With just two favorites winning in the Tuesday, July 9 sequence, a record $787.10, for the $.50 wager, was returned to savvy horseplayers.

 

“We are very pleased that horseplayers are catching on to this wager,” said Eric Halstrom, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Vice President of Operations “Offering the 15% takeout was very important to us. Had we run it with the standard takeout of 25%, the winning ticket would have paid $694.50. We want the best for our horseplayers and look forward to offering the Super Tuesday Pick 4 through September 24.”

 

 

Super Derby Festival 40 Charity Golf Tournament Set for August 29

The Super Derby Festival 40 will be held on Thursday, August 29, at Northwood Hills Golf Clubin Shreveport, Louisiana.

 

The event will benefit Chaplain Jimmy Sistrunk and The Backside Benevolence Fund, which provides assistance to the Louisiana racing community and backstretch workers. It serves as one of the special events saluting the annual Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby, the marquee race of the Louisiana Downs Thoroughbred season, which takes place on Saturday, September 7.

 

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 Super Derby t-shirt/cap.

“I am always so humbled to see all the support that the Golf Tournament brings to our ministry,” said Sistrunk. “The people in our industry are some of the most caring and supportive people that I know.   And plus, it is a great time that we can get away from the everyday duties of the racetrack.  I am truly a blessed person and Chaplain to get to work with such a great group of people!!!

 

It’s also an event that brings a lot of joy to the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs employees, including Jennifer Sokol, who serves as racing office coordinator.

 

“We had an amazing turnout last year,” said Sokol. “Chaplain Jimmy does so much for our racing community and our annual charity golf tournament is such an enjoyable way to raise valuable funds. We thank our horsemen and local businesses for their support and look forward to another successful event this year!”

 

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.

 

The deadline for registration is August 9. Hole sponsorships for $100, including a sign, are available, but must be purchased by August 1.

 

For further information, please contact Sokol at (318) 741-2512.

 

 

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.

 

RONALD ARDOIN REFLECTS ON UPCOMING INDUCTION INTO THE FIRST HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS RACING HALL OF FAME

Celebrated Jockey Proud of his Louisiana Heritage and Legacy at His “Home Track”

Ardoin Family -Patti, Ronald and Natalie
Patti, Ronald and Natalie Ardoin. Hodges photo.

 

Bossier City, LA – Last week’s announcement regarding the inaugural Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Racing Hall of Fame was greatly appreciated by jockey Ronald Ardoin. He and fellow retired rider Larry Snyder are the first two jockeys to be inducted.

The July 13 Racing Hall of Fame ceremony will be the fourth Hall of Fame honor for Ardoin, who was previously enshrined as a member of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, Fair Grounds Hall of Fame and the Lone Star Park Hall of Fame.

This one will always have a special place in the heart of the native Louisianan, who was born in Carencro, and resides in Haughton. He’s won six leading rider titles at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs.

“Everybody has their home track and I have been blessed to be a part of Louisiana Downs every summer since their inaugural meet (in 1974),” said Ardoin. “I’ve seen the good, bad and ugly, but wouldn’t trade it for anywhere else!”

He is one of several nationally prominent jockeys, including Eddie Delahoussaye and Mark Guidry, who were born in Carencro.

“We were too little to work in the oilfield, so we started riding,” recalled Ardoin. “I began in the bush tracks in Louisiana when I was eight and got my jocks license when I turned 16.”

And what a career it was!  According to Equibase statistics, Ardoin rode 32,335 horses over three decades, winning 5,226 races with 4,298 seconds and 3,793 third-place finishes. He had nationally lauded victories aboard multiple-graded stakes winner Scott’s Scoundrel and a victory in the 1996 Arkansas Derby with Zarb’s Magic, but winning each race, no matter the purse, was important.

“Every win was special to me,” he said. “I didn’t care if it was a $5,000 maiden race or the $500,000 Arkansas Derby. It’s the thrill of victory; I got ’em again. They’re all special to me.”

Ardoin, who retired from the saddle in 2003, will celebrate his 62nd birthday on June 13. For the past six years, has served as a jockey agent at Louisiana Downs.  He enjoyed the camaraderie in the jocks room and the relationships with trainers when he rode. That remains a mainstay of his agent career, six days a week, beginning before 6:00 am when he makes his rounds around the backside in his golf cart, booking mounts for his riders. He gives credit to his agent, Jerry Harrison, who worked tirelessly for Ardoin over a span of  25 years.

“A lot goes into agenting,” acknowledged Ardoin. “It’s a 24-7 job, and working with people can be challenging. But I always had a plan as a jockey and the same is true for my riders.”

Ardoin took veteran rider Don Simington’s book when he first began as an agent and last year booked mounts for Emanuel Nieves, who won the Louisiana Downs riding title. With Nieves out of action due to a broken arm early this meet, Ardoin took on Carlos Lozada and Aubrie Green. He demands a strict work ethic of his riders each morning and the same on race days.

“I tell them to show trainers and owners that you will give the same ride to a 20-1 shot that you would on an 8-5 favorite,” he explained.

One of the perks of spending six months in Bossier City, is enjoying quality time with his wife,  Patti, who works for Hodges Photography and his daughter, Natalie, a member of the Louisiana Downs racing office.

A Racing Hall of Fame honoree might focus on the wins, top horses, injuries and connections involved in winning over 5,000 races.  Ardoin remembers them like they were yesterday, but also expresses a heartfelt thanks to Patti and Natalie for their support.

“My wife of 43 years, Patti, has been with me from the start,” he acknowledged. “With all the traveling, I was a sometime dad, but Natalie had a great mom.  With all the accomplishments in the racing industry, I take my greatest pride in our daughter; that kid is really something!”

On race afternoons, you can find Ardoin hanging out and watching the action with Natalie, who was the program coordinator/claims clerk last year and is the stall superintendent for the 2019 Louisiana Downs racing season.  They will often finish each other’s sentences as between the two, they combine for a full-volume encyclopedia on the people, history and current news in the racing industry.

“We spent a lot of time apart when he was riding,” said Natalie. “Since I moved back to Louisiana from Kentucky, this has been the closest we have ever been.”

Patti, a daughter of trainer Jack Lloyd, grew up around race trackers, so she was well-versed in the sacrifices required of family members.

“I’ve been there since the beginning,” she stated. “Seeing him get this recognition is very meaningful. The Hall of Fame ceremonies bring tears to your eyes.”

On July 13, Ardoin will be inducted into the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Racing Hall of Fame with Patti, Natalie and a slew of horsemen and fans celebrating another well-deserved milestone for the popular retired jockey. He may get a little emotional as his “home track” means so much to him, but the honor will not change him as a person.

“I came from a humble beginning and will leave this life as a humble man,” said Ardoin. “One thing is certain: I could never have done it by myself.”

 

Fan Vote for the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Racing Hall of Fame Begins on June 15

Harrah’s Louisiana Downs recently announced the formation of its first Racing Hall of Fame. It will honor the achievements of horse owners, trainers, jockeys, horses and property contributors who have played pivotal roles in the rich history of Harrah’s Louisiana Downs.  Members of the first class are John Franks, Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr., Frank L. Brothers, C. W. Walker,  Ronald Ardoin, Larry Snyder, Sunday Silence and Free Spirits Joy.

Beginning on Saturday, June 15, the public will be able to cast a vote for an additional inductee in the category of trainer, jockey, racing contributor and horse.  Voters can select ONE of the following nominees in each category  by clicking on the following link on the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs website:  http://shout.lt/bQZNV.  

Voting will close on Saturday, June 29 with the Racing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony slated for Saturday, July 13.

 

Harrah’s Louisiana Downs To Simulcast the Belmont Stakes

In addition to live racing on Saturday, June 8 at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, fans can also watch and wager on the 151st Belmont Stakes, the third and final jewel in Thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown. The exceptional day at Belmont Park will feature eight Grade 1 stakes with post time for the Belmont Stakes at 5:35pm (CST). And if you are looking for a great place to dine while watching all of the racing action, Harrah’s Club has an All You Can Eat Buffet offering for just $39.99 per person. Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling 318-752-6367.

 

Caesars Rewards Handicapping Challenge Set for Saturday, June 22

Caesars Entertainment horse racing properties – Harrah’s Louisiana Downs , Indiana Grand Racing & Casino, Harrah’s Hoosier Park, and Harrah’s Philadelphia are pleased to announce the first-ever Caesars Rewards Handicapping Challenge.

The Caesars Rewards Handicapping Challenge will take place at four Caesar’s properties, including Harrah’s Louisiana Downs. The entry fee is $150 and participants must be 21 or over. The format for the challenge will require contestants to make 12 $2 win and place fictional wagers on the designated challenge races. Contestants must place a win and place wager on one horse in 12 mandatory races out of 20 available from Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, Harrah’s Philadelphia, Indiana Grand, and Harrah’s Hoosier Park

The first-place winner in the Caesars Rewards Handicapping Challenge will walk away with $20,000, a seat at the $3,000,000 estimated National Horseplayers Championship, and a chance at an additional $1 million cash prize in the event of a double victory. First-place winner must be eligible to participate in the NHC in order to receive the NHC seat.  For more information about the National Horseplayers Championship, visit www.nhctour.com. The $1 million prize will be awarded either as an annuity that pays $25,000 per year for forty years without interest or as a discounted lump sum payment of $550,000, which represents the approximate present value of the annuity. Second place will be awarded $10,000 while the third-place winner will take home $1,500. There will be additional cash prizes for fourth through tenth place.

 

For further information, visit the contest page on the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs website.

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 ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL RACING HALL OF FAME WITH INDUCTION CEREMONY PLANNED FOR SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2019

The Public is Invited to Vote for Additional Members Beginning June 15

 

Bossier City, LA – Harrah’s Louisiana Downs is pleased to announce the formation of its first Racing Hall of Fame. It will serve as an opportunity to honor the achievements of horse owners, trainers, jockeys, horses and property contributors who have played pivotal roles in the rich history of Harrah’s Louisiana Downs.

 

A committee was formed earlier this year and selected individuals and racing champions for its first class. The Racing Hall of Fame Induction and Celebration will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2019. In addition, officials will open the voting for additional inductees to loyal racing fans so they will share in the selection of members to the Racing Hall of Fame. Beginning on Saturday, June 15, the general public will have the opportunity to cast a vote for those who have made a lasting impact over the years at the racetrack. Fans can cast their vote online, with the deadline on Saturday, June 29.

 

The Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Racing Hall of Fame Committee has voted the following recipients into the Racing Hall of Fame.

 

LAD Racing Hall of Fame Owner

  • John Franks – John Franks was the leading owner at Louisiana Downs for 18 years and much of the track’s success can be attributed to him.  Franks was an Eclipse Award winning owner and his homebred Answer Lively was honored as 1998 Two-Year Colt of the Year.

 

 

LAD Racing Hall of Fame Trainer

  • Frank L. Brothers Winner of nearly 800 races at Louisiana Downs and nine consecutive training titles from 1980 – 1988.  Brothers is the all-time  leader in Stakes victories with 127.  Louisiana Downs named a stakes race in his honor in 2019.
  • C.W. Walker – The track’s second all-time leading trainer with 820 wins.  A mainstay at Louisiana Downs he was best known for his prowess with claiming horses but also had 16 stakes winners. He was the leading trainer in 1977.

 

 

 

LAD Racing Hall of Fame Contributor

  • Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr. – Instrumental in the early development of Louisiana Downs as one of the first owners. The track was a success from the start, setting numerous national records for handle and attendance throughout the 1970’s and ’80’s under his oversight.

 

LAD Racing Hall of Fame Jockey

  • Ronald Ardoin – A resident of Haughton, Louisiana, Ardoin is the all-time winningest jockey at Louisiana Downs. He made history as the 16th jockey nationally to have 5,000 wins when he rode Heart of an Angel to victory at Louisiana Downs.
  • Larry Snyder – Legendary Jockey with a 35-year riding career. Loved by fans at Louisiana Downs and Oaklawn Park, Larry worked as a steward at the track after retiring from the saddle in 1994.

 

LAD Racing Hall of Fame Horses

  • Sunday Silence – The Super Derby Winner in 1989 in the same year that he was named Horse of the Year and Champion 3-Year-Old Male. He was winner of The Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Breeder’s Cup Classic.  Sunday Silence was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame in 1996.
  • Free Spirits Joy – Louisiana-bred winner of the Super Derby in 1991. He made 29 Louisiana starts and 3 at Remington Park. He died at the age at 27 in 2015.

 

Beginning on Saturday, June 15, racing fans will be able to cast a vote by clicking on the following link:  http://shout.lt/bQZNV. Voters can select ONE of the following nominees in each category.

 

LAD Racing Hall of Fame Trainer

  • Bobby Barnett – A three-time Louisiana Downs training title champion (1991, 1994, 1997) and trainer of 2004 Super Derby winner, Fantasticat. He was the primary trainer for John Franks. Winner of nearly 500 races locally.
  • Cole Norman – Won eight consecutive Louisiana Downs training titles from 1998 – 2005.  He set a record for most training wins in a season in 2002 with 125 victories. All-time leading trainer in terms of wins with 825.
  • Jack Van Berg -Won his lone Louisiana Downs training title in 1976.  He conditioned two Super Derby winners: Gate Dancer in 1984 and Alysheba in 1987.

 

 

LAD Racing Hall of Fame Jockey

  • Calvin Borel – A three-time leading jockey at Louisiana Downs  (1991, 1992, 1994) and winner of over 1200 races locally.  Borel is a nationally prominent rider with multiple Kentucky Derby wins.
  • Randy Romero – A two-time leading rider at Louisiana Downs (1979 and 1980) with nearly 600 wins at the racetrack. Romero was nationally prominent with numerous Grade I victories.
  • Angelo Trosclair – Louisiana Downs  leading jockey in 1976. He won more than 1300 races during his career that spanned multiple decades at Louisiana Racetracks.

 

LAD Racing Hall of Fame Contributor

  • Pat Pope – The longest tenured Racing Secretary at Louisiana Downs.  He also served as Racing Secretary at numerous tracks including currently at Oaklawn and Belmont Park.
  • Tom Sweeney – Longtime General Manager at Louisiana Downs including the early days of the racetrack. Sweeney was at the forefront of the inclusion of video poker and improved gaming at Louisiana Downs.
  • David Vance – Served as the Vice President of Operations for Debartolo Companies.  Vance spent a decade at Louisiana Downs before moving to Remington Park in Oklahoma.

 

 

LAD Racing Hall of Fame Horses

  • Alysheba – Won the Super Derby in 1987 after winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. Alysheba was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame in 1993.
  • Happy Ticket – Louisiana bred that broke her maiden at Louisiana Downs. She went on to win the Ballerina at Saratoga and was named Louisiana Downs Horse of the Year in 2004.
  • Shishkabob – A Louisiana Downs legend winning numerous races over the course of his long career. Shishkabob has a statue in his honor outside the entrance to the track.
  • Tiznow – Won the Super Derby in 2000 and was named Louisiana Downs Horse of the Year.  Tiznow won two Breeders’ Cup Classics and was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame in 2009.

 

 

“The history of Harrah’s Louisiana Downs is truly remarkable,” said Eric Halstrom, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Vice President of Operations “We wanted to honor the many exceptional racing champions and people who have contributed both to the history of our racetrack and made an impact on the national racing industry.  Of course, we have a tremendously loyal fan base and felt that they deserved a voice in selecting some of the inductees into the inaugural Racing Hall of Fame.”

 

 

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.