Category: Shane Wilson

Lozada, Wilson and End Zone Athletics, Inc. 2022 Louisiana Downs Thoroughbred Meet Winners

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Bossier City, LA – The 2022 Thoroughbred racing season at Louisiana Downs concluded on Tuesday, September 27.  The meet leaders, jockey Carlos Lozada, trainer Shane Wilson and owner End Zone Athletics, Inc. were honored for their accomplishments on the final afternoon of the 84-day meet, which began on Saturday, May 7.

Kevin Preston, Louisiana Downs owner and president, credited his team, horsemen and local racing fans for their support.

“As we wrap up the live racing season at Louisiana Downs, I want to take a moment to thank those  who have contributed to our success,” said Preston. “First, our hard working team who show their commitment to making Louisiana Downs great again and overcome all obstacles thrown their way.  Also, to the horsemen, both on the Thoroughbred and Quarter horse side, for showing their support and caring for these amazing athletes. And, finally, to our fans in the Bossier City/Shreveport metroplex. Throughout 2022, we offered live and simulcast racing, sports wagering and many promotions.  We are grateful for the positive feedback we have received. I can promise that we will make it even better in 2023!”

Carlos Lozada Wins His Third Leading Rider Title

Carlos Lozada, who won his first title here in 2019, clinched top honors once again. He was involved in a competitive battle with Jose Guerrero entering the final week of the season, but drew off  by five wins. Lozada capped his meet by winning the final race of the meet aboard Super Wise ($20.40) on the turf for trainer Al Cates.

“I want to thank my family, my agent Ronald Ardoin and each of the owners and trainers who gave me such good mounts,” said Lozada. “I worked hard, as did Jose this year at Louisiana Downs. It means a lot to win my third title here.”

Lozada was the leading rider here in 2019 and secured the 2021 title with 84 wins. He rode for a variety of trainers including Greg Tracy, Joe Duhon, Joey Foster, Al Cates and Karl Broberg, completing the 2022 meet with  a record of 85 wins, 59 seconds and 61 third-place finishes. His mounts earned $1,097,345. 

The 37-year-old native of Puerto Rico 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 Louisiana Downs top-ranked rider, Emanuel Nieves.

Lozada is supported by his wife, Eileen Quinones and their three sons: Anthony; Jean Carlos and Jandriel. While the majority of the Louisiana Downs jockeys will head to Delta Downs, Lozada will return to his home in Tampa and ride some races at Tampa Bay Downs.

Jose Guerrero had an excellent meet, winning 80 races and edging Lozada in earnings with $1,144,805. Joel Dominguez, who was second in the standings in 2021, finished third with 59 trips to the winner’s circle. Apprentice Vicente Del-Cid, winner of the 2022 Evangeline Downs leading rider title, was fourth in the standings with 52 victories.

 

Shane Wilson Honored as Leading Trainer

It was another excellent showing for Shane Wilson who repeated as leading trainer at Louisiana Downs with 50 victories.

The Haughton, Louisiana resident started 217 Thoroughbreds adding 42 runner-up finishes and 33 thirds to earn $762,665 for the meet.  He took the lead from the beginning of the meet and was never caught.

“We came in with 58-60 horses; no 2-year-olds,” said Wilson. “The first condition book was super for us and from there we kept our foot on the pedal. We were able to pick up a few horses after Lone Star Park wrapped up. Some of the better horses only got one start, but overall, we were pleased.”

Jockeys Jose Guerrero and Alexander Castillo rode the majority of the Wilson trainees with both riders showing improvement in their skill level.

Of course, Wilson is grateful to his owners, including Wayne T. Davis, Jim and Kathy Reeves, Hugh Moore, Craig Drago and Phyllis Presswood.

“I’ve been blessed with loyal owners who have supported us for over ten years,” added Wilson. “Tye Smith joined us this year and I am fortunate that they trust me and let me place their horses where they can win, but also let me take some chances. To be able to try a horse on turf or see how they handle going long is important. Everything is about the owners and I wouldn’t have won these titles without them.”

It’s a family affair at the Wilson barn, with his wife Becky and younger son, Connor, sharing in the key duties. His oldest son, Peyton, is an honors engineering student at LSU.

Wilson will stable at Fair Grounds in New Orleans for their 2022-2023 live racing season.

Joey Foster, who has won the Louisiana Downs trainer title three times, finished in a tie for second with Karl Broberg.  Both horsemen won 38 races. Greg Tracy followed with 30 victories and Steve Asmussen won 28 races.

 

Leading Owner Title Goes to End Zone Athletics, Inc 

End Zone Athletics, Inc. claimed its third leading owner title. The highly successful partnership of Karl Broberg and Matt Johanson won 21 races this meet, after topping the standings in 2019 and 2020, and finishing second last year to Wayne T. Davis. 

Broberg’s longtime assistant, Kevin Martin, accepted the award on Tuesday afternoon.

“We are thankful that we got on a roll after a mediocre start to grab this award,” said Martin. “Our thanks go out to everyone involved in our outstanding team, including our grooms, gallop boys and our jockeys.”

Davis, who won the 2021 title, finished in a tie for second with Greg Tracy. Both owners won 15 races.  Elite Thoroughbred Racing, Inc. rounded out the top four in the standings with 12 wins.

About Louisiana Downs

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

 

Photos courtesy of Hodges Photography

LOUISIANA DOWNS ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF THE SUPER DERBY IN 2023

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Bossier City, LA – With support of our horsemen the return of Super Derby is being postponed until 2023. This move will allow us to realize the benefit of adding revenue from the Historical Horse Racing machines, the additional Off Track Betting locations, and sportsbook that will contribute to the purse structure. Additionally, we are adding over one hundred new slot machines to the casino floor which will increase our slot revenue therefore enhancing our future purse structure. We truly want to position this special race to be nationally recognized and better support our local horsemen who support our track by choosing to race here. We want to highlight Louisiana Downs in the best way possible and ensure we can provide a unique experience to guests whether it be for the first time or for a return visit. We invite you out to experience the track if you haven’t joined us recently and we look forward to the remainder of the season. With construction beginning next week on our restaurant offerings and additional improvements continuing at the racetrack, we are working to put Louisiana Downs back on the map. While we have already announced some exciting changes, there is more to come! We want to make sure we are putting Louisiana Downs in the best possible position for growth, which is why postponing this event is the best decision at this time.

 

“All the horsemen here are for the postponing of the Super Derby. With the current purse cuts for the remainder of the season we feel giving $300,000 to one day of racing doesn’t support the local horsemen who are here every week. Let’s give the new slots, the HHR machines, and the OTB locations time to produce purse revenue which supports hosting a large race like Super Derby. Postponing the event until next year is what is in the best interest of the horsemen and the property.”  -Shane Wilson, current Louisiana Downs meet Leading Trainer

 

“I think this is definitely the right decision to postpone the event given the current purse structure. With the different forms of gaming, which will increase purses in the future, this is a great long-term event to have, just definitely not this year. Bottom line is I am excited about the future at Louisiana Downs with Kevin and Matt and better Louisiana racing overall. This is very exciting from a horsemen’s standpoint.”  -Ron Faucheux, Thoroughbred Horse trainer and LAHBPA Board Member

 

“I came to Louisiana Downs in the middle of July and with figures from accounting we decided to lower the overnight purse distribution for our 5th condition book with all intentions of getting back up for the last condition book in September. That being said, my recommendation was to not run Super Derby this season. We have serious plans to bring back our premier race in 2023 with hopes of attracting an outstanding field for the race.” – Matt Crawford, Louisiana Downs Racing Secretary

 

“While we were excited to potentially bring the Super Derby back this year we simply feel it’s not in the best interest of the property or horseman at this time.  We value our relationship with the horseman and have been working hard to bring this property back to its iconic status.  Ultimately, the closing of our acquisition simply did not allow us enough time to truly set Louisiana Downs apart and put us on the map from a timing perspective with the Super Derby.  Over the course of the last 7 months, we’ve been able to make significant improvements to our infrastructure as well as improve various areas on both the backside and frontside of our property.  We are gearing up to open our Mound OTB with new HHR machines on August 18th and have submitted locations to the Racing Commission for additional locations.  Additionally, we’ve added new slot machines to our gaming floor which will significantly help with slot revenues and we continue to add games weekly.  Finally, we will begin construction on new restaurant offerings next week that will enhance our customer experiences.  With all those things said, we feel the property will be in a much better situation next year when the HHR, Sportsbook, and OTB revenues truly kick in which will significantly add to our purse structure not to mention our restaurant offerings and continued improvements to the property which will truly put Louisiana Downs in the spotlight and in a much better position for great things ahead.” – Kevin Preston, Louisiana Downs President

 

 

About Louisiana Downs

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

 

LOUISIANA DOWNS 2022 THOROUGHBRED LIVE RACING SEASON TO GET UNDERWAY ON SATURDAY, MAY 7

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Opening Day Features the Simulcast of the 148th Kentucky Derby

Bossier City, LA – Louisiana Downs will kick off its 2022 Thoroughbred racing season on Saturday, May 7. Opening day will feature seven live races beginning at 3:05 pm (Central) and the simulcast of the 148th Kentucky Derby.

In addition to enjoying live racing and the entire card from Churchill Downs, fans can enjoy the day from the suite level or on trackside apron with culinary delights from the most popular food trucks in Shreveport-Bossier City. Families are welcome with Face Painting, a Bounce House and other children’s games and activities, beginning at 11:00 am.

Shane Wilson Ready to Defend His Trainer Title

Shane Wilson topped his fellow conditioners in the 2021 live Thoroughbred season with 55 victories. He will return for his third year of running a string at Louisiana Downs, and is optimistic that his success will continue.

Wilson has a long history at Louisiana Downs, which began when he was 14-years-old hot walker for the legendary Jack Van Berg. He saddled his first winner in 1998 and had the best year of  career last year.The Haughton, Louisiana resident won 79 races, with a 50% in the money statistic and purses in excess of $1.4 million.

“Each horse is so different,” stated Wilson. “What I love about claiming horses is figuring out what someone else hasn’t!”

A perfect example was in February, 2021 with Emerald Forest who Wilson claimed from Joe Sharp for $15,000 at Fair Grounds. It was one of Wilson’s toughest conversations as owner Wayne T. Davis was not on board. However, Wilson was strongly convinced that the gelding by Gemologist was not suited for the turf and would fare better on the main track.

His intuition of the Louisiana-bred was rewarded with a maiden special weight victory on April 6 andwins in three of his four starts at Louisiana Downs. On July 13, he set a new seven-furlong track record of 1:21.07, drawing off by ten-lengths under jockey Jose Guerrero.

 Knowing each horse well is the foundation of the Wilson blueprint. His top earner, Grade 3 winner,Mocito Rojo ($901,063), will run this year with his first official work coming soon.

Wilson gives credit to his owners for their tremendous support. In addition to Wayne T. Davis, who was the 2021 leading owner at Louisiana Downs, he has long term associations with Jim Reeves as well as David and Kevin Fontenot.

“They have all trusted me with their horses, and each care deeply for me and my family,” added Wilson, whose wife Becky is and integral part of his operation. Their two sons, Peyton and, Connor, who attend LSU, help out when they can.

Wilson also shows his loyalty to jockey Jose Guerrero, who will ride first call for the barn this meet, as well as Jack Gilligan who is named on five mounts this weekend.

“Jose has the talent, works hard and is a very strong finisher,” he explained. “Jack is returning to Louisiana Downs, and I feel he will be a good fit for our stable.”

The competition for the training title will be fierce with Joey Foster, the runner-up last year returning with a full barn.  Joe Duhon, Karl Broberg, Steve Asmussen, H. B. Johnson, Ronnie Ward,  Philip Dison, Jose Camejo,  Patti Turner, H. B. Johnson, Patrick Mouton, Judy Beavin, Lee Thomas, Alfonso Balderas and Rylee Grudizien will also run this season.

Mitch Dennison is the newly appointed General Manager of Racing and is pleased with the support of returning horsemen as well as several new conditioners who have applied for stalls this season. Dennison and his team will host a Horsemen’s Lunch on Wednesday, May 4 at 11:00 am in the Sky Box, located on the fourth floor of the facility.

“Louisiana Downs owner Kevin Preston and I are committed to listening to the needs of our horsemen and working closely with them to ensure a successful live racing season,” said Dennison. “Our meetings have been very productive, and we look forward to an excellent opening weekend!”

Carlos Lozada Leads a Strong Jockey Colony

Carlos Lozada who won his first title here in 2019, clinched top honors once again last year. The 37-year-old native of Puerto Rico 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 and his brother, Jose Ortiz.

Lozada will be joined by 2020 leading rider Joel Dominguez and 2020 Louisiana Downs top-ranked jockey, Emanuel Nieves. On opening weekend, fans will also see Jack Gilligan, Pedro Cotto, Jr., Juan Vargas, Alexander Castillo, and female riders Erica Murray, Maria Baca and Brianne Cup.

 New This Season at Louisiana Downs

In addition to live and simulcast racing, Louisiana Downs has on onsite casino as well as a Sports Wagering hub. The Club 74 rewards program is free to join and offers racing and casino players an array of perks and incentives.  Family-friendly promotions, including the popular Exotic Animal Races, featuring Camels, Ostriches and Zebras will take place on May 30.

Louisiana Downs Racing Dates and Post Time

The 2022 Thoroughbred meet at Louisiana Downs will commence on Saturday, May 7. The 84-day live racing season will run Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday through September 27. Post time will be  3:05 pm (Central). For details on simulcasting and special events, visit ladowns.com.

About Louisiana Downs

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

CARLOS LOZADA, SHANE WILSON AND WAYNE T. DAVIS TOPPED THE STANDINGS IN THE 2021 LOUISIANA DOWNS THOROUGHBRED LIVE RACING SEASON

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Bossier City, LA – The 2021 Thoroughbred racing season at Louisiana Downs concluded on Tuesday, September 21.  The meet leaders, jockey Carlos Lozada, trainer Shane Wilson and owner Wayne T. Davis were honored for their accomplishments on the final afternoon of the 84-day meet, which began on Saturday, May 1.

 

Carlos Lozada Wins His Second Leading Rider Title

Carlos Lozada who won his first title here in 2019, clinched top honors once again. He has been  dominant throughout the meet, topping a very competitive jockey colony and holding off 2020 leading rider Joel Dominguez by four wins.

 

The 36-year-old native of Puerto Rico 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 Louisiana Downs top-ranked rider, Emanuel Nieves.

 

Lozada, won races for a variety of trainers including Joey Foster, Karl Broberg, Tim Dixon, Al Cates and Justin Jeansonne. He was named on 391mounts, with a record of 84 wins, 76 seconds, 60 thirds and purses of $1,053,720.

 

Winning his second leading rider title Louisiana Downs meant a great deal to the devoted family man, supported by his wife, Eileen Quinones and their three sons: Anthony, who celebrated his 17th birthday on September 21;Jean Carlos and Jandriel.

 

“I thank my family, my agent Ronald Ardoin and each of the owners and trainers who supported me this season,” said Lozada. “Louisiana Downs has been a very good track for me; I really enjoy the daytime schedule!”

 

Lozada plans to winter in Tampa and ride next at Tampa Bay Downs before returning to Louisiana Downs next May.

 

Joel Dominguez finished second with 80 trips to the winner’s circle, edging Lozada slightly in purses, with mounts earning $1,057,585. Emanuel Nieves finished the meet well, winning 72 races and Juan P. Vargas was fourth in the standings with 70 trips to the winner’s circle.

 

Shane Wilson Honored as Leading Trainer

In his second year of running a barn at Louisiana Downs, Shane Wilson topped his fellow conditioners with 55 victories.

 

The Haughton, Louisiana resident won 32 races last year and credited David Heitzmann, Louisiana Downs Director of Racing, for initiating a plan for the 2020 live racing season before any other racetrack.

 

“David helped the horsemen with the uncertainty of COVID-19 last year,” said Wilson. “Louisiana Downs has great racing surfaces and the location works for shipping to Dallas and Hot Springs.”

 

His success in 2020 propelled Wilson to formulate a plan for the 2021 live racing season.

 

“Returning this year, I claimed horses for my leading client, Wayne T. Davis and several other owners. We had a plan and it came together very well.”

 

His top claimer is Emerald Forest who Wilson convinced Davis to take from Joe Sharp for $15,000 last February at Fair Grounds.  It was one of Wilson’s toughest conversations as Davis countered the suggestion with “You want me to spend $15,000 on a horse that lost by 31 lengths?”

 

Wilson was strongly convinced that the 3-year-old gelding by Gemologist was not suited for the turf and would fare better on the main track.

 

And boy, was he right! He won a maiden special weight on April 6, and captured three of his four starts at Louisiana Downs. On July 13, he set a new seven-furlong track record of 1:21.07, drawing off to a ten-length victory under Jose Guerrero.

 

“We’re going to try the big boys at Churchill Downs next,” said Wilson.

 

Both Guerrero and Alexander Castillo have ridden well for Wilson this season at Louisiana Downs.

 

“I took a long look at the jockey colony and liked the fact that both Alexander Castillo and Jose Guerrero finished in the top five,” he explained. “These guys try hard on each mount and won some races at big prices. I worked with their agent, Steve Melancon, and decided to give them a chance. They have worked hard for us and I believe in loyalty.”

 

Wilson played football and basketball in high school and college and developed a fierce competitive drive, which fuels him to this day.

 

“I wasn’t the best athlete, but beat better by being prepared,” he said.  “I never accepted I was going to lose until the game was over!”

 

It’s a family affair at the Wilson barn, with his wife Becky and younger son, Connor, sharing in the key duties.

 

“I don’t hunt, fish or play golf,” stated Wilson. “It’s all about the horses and thankfully, Becky, Connor and my oldest son, Peyton, understand that!”

 

Joey Foster, who has won the trainer title three times, finished second with 40 wins. Joe Duhon followed with 33 victories and Karl Broberg rounded out the top four with 30 wins.

 

 

Leading Owner Title Goes to Wayne T. Davis

The leading owner of the meet is Wayne T. Davis who topped the standings with 25 victories. The 92-year-old Louisiana businessman has been an owner for over 20 years and he and Wilson have teamed with a wide range of Thoroughbreds; their most successful to date is Grade 3 winner Mocito Rojo.

 

End Zone Athletics, Inc., who took the owner title in 2019 and 2020, finished second.  The highly successful partnership of Karl Broberg and Matt Johanson won 20 races this meet.  Dream Walkin Farms, Inc. was thirdin the standings with 18 wins and Justin Jeansonne had 11 victories to finish fourth.

 

About Louisiana Downs

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

 

LOYAL OWNERS KEEP TRAINER SHANE WILSON ON TOP AT LOUISIANA DOWNS

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Solid Meet for the Haughton, Louisiana Horseman

 

Bossier City, LA –Some might think that praising the importance of owners in horseracing is a standard catchphrase, but not to trainer Shane Wilson. The current leading trainer at Louisiana Downs took a few minutes after a hot and sultry afternoon card to talk about how his owners sustained him through the challenges of 2020 and put him on top this season in the 2021 meet.

 

“Many horsemen struggled last year during the (COVID-19) pandemic,” explained Wilson. “Sitting out for six months was a hardship on trainers, but I’m blessed with great clients who supported us. Thankfully, we were able to keep our whole stable intact.”

 

Several clients, including Wayne T. Davis, Joe Hackler and David Fontenot have been with Wilsonfor over 14 years.

 

“I began training in 1997 and am fortunate to have some loyal owners who trust me and love to see their horses run,” he added. “From the stakes company as well as the claiming level, with the support of my owners, we continue to be competitive.”

 

This is the second year in a row that Wilson set up shop at the Bossier City racetrack. He does not hesitate when asked about his allegiance to Louisiana Downs.

 

“David Heitzmann (Louisiana Downs Director of Racing) communicated with the horsemen through the shutdown in 2020,” said Wilson. “He was the first to set a plan and give us a projected opening date.”

Louisiana Downs was able to open their 84-day meet on its regular (Kentucky Derby) opening date this year,  and Wilson has been pleased with way the season has progressed.

“The track surfaces are very good, and they have made some improvements to the paddock and other areas of the complex. Having Camel and Ostrich Racing (on May 30) and these Family Sundays has brought in new fans. Promotions are part of it, but to me, they are working hard to sell horseracing as their core product.”

Wilson worked summers at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, starting when he was 15 mucking stalls and hot walking for trainer Jack Van Berg. His brief foray to college did not last as he realized that he wanted to pursue a career in racing. He served as assistant to Sam David for seven years before going out on his own.

Aside from his racing ties, Wilson has another notable connection to Harrah’s Louisiana Downs. He met his wife, Becky, the daughter of horseman Jim O’Brien, here. The couple has two sons. Peyton is 20 years-old and his brother, Connor, 17, both help their dad out when they are not inschool.

His stable star is the multiple-stakes winning Mocito Rojo, a 7-year-old son of Mutadda. Wilson claimed the Kentucky-bred for owner Wayne T. Davis for $10,000 in a December 2016 maiden race at Delta Downs. He has amassed a record of 20 wins from 37 starts and earnings of $882,863. In 2019, Mocito Rojo won the Steve Sexton Mile Stakes (G3) at Lone Star Park and the Lukas Classic Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs. He has won back-to-back races this meet at Louisiana Downs.

“He’s an amazing animal,” said Wilson. “I like to say he keeps winning despite his trainer.”

But the truth is Wilson has not shied away from changing things up for the intrepid runner.

“He got a little lackluster in his route races, so I shortened him to six furlongs this year (on May 18),” said Wilson.

He won that sprint in 1:09.78 and returned on June 6, taking on four rivals in a seven furlong allowance optional claimer, in which he won in 1:21.70. The speedy Kentucky-bred just missed breaking the track record of 1:21.60 set on July 4, 1984.

“I told (jockey) Jose Guerrero to really let him go,” recalled Wilson. “I felt adding a track-record setting performance might help his stud career. When Jose saw the final time, he looked at me and said, “I thought you were kidding!”

Track record aside, Wilson has true admiration for Mocito Rojo, who will hopefully surpass the  million dollar earnings mark in his career.

“I have watched every one of his 37 races,” admitted Wilson. “He was so little and skinny as a 3-year-old. This $10,000 claimer has taken us places we’ve never gone!”

Wilson will send both Mocito Rojo and 3-year-old Rightandjust to the Iowa Festival of Racing Friday, July 2 and Saturday, July 3 at Prairie Meadows. Rojo is nominated to the $100,000 Iowa Sprint and Rightandjust, a colt by Awesome Again, also owned by Davis, will point to the $250,000 Iowa Derby.

Wilson turned 50 this year and came to an interesting revelation on his training objectives.

“When I was younger, it was all about winning,” he stated. “Now I enjoy the mornings when I can watch them train and really learn more about each of their personalities. Figuring out the puzzlefor each horse at different levels keeps it fun !”

 

Louisiana Downs Trainer, Jockey and Owner Standings

As of June 15, Shane Wilson leads his fellow conditioners with 16 wins from 52 starts. Joe Duhon, Joey Foster and Karl Broberg are tied for second place with 12 wins each. Last year’s winning trainer Steve Asmussen, follows closely with 11 victories since the meet began on Saturday, May 1.

 

2020 leading rider Joel Dominguez is on top of the standings with 31 wins. Emanuel Nieves, who is also having an excellent meet, is in second place with 27 trips to the winner’s circle, followed by Jose Guerrero (22) and Carlos Lozada (20).

 

Wayne T. Davis is the current leading owner with 12 victories from his 27 starters. Dream Walkin Farms, Inc. and End Zone Athletics, Inc. are tied for second with seven wins each and Steve Asmussen has won six races.

 

Family Fun Day

Louisiana Downs is proud to host Family Fun Day, a family friendly event each Sunday from Noon -5:00 pm. Admission is free and in addition to the live Thoroughbred races, fans can enjoy delicacies from the best Food Trucks in the Bossier City/Shreveport Metroplex with family games and entertainment offered throughout the afternoon. Family Fun Day will be offered each Sunday through September 19.

 

Louisiana Downs Race Dates and Post Times

Live racing will be conducted Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday at 2:45 pm (Central)until the conclusion of the 2021 live season on Tuesday, September 21. For more information on the 84-day racing season and special events, visit https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-louisiana-downs/racing.

SUCCESSFUL RETURN TO HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS FOR TRAINER SHANE WILSON

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Bossier City, LA – When the 2020 Thoroughbred racing season got underway on June 6 at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, there were several new horsemen stabled at the Shreveport racetrack. The most successful of the group has been trainer Shane Wilson.

It is the first time in eight years that the Haughton, Louisiana native has shifted his base to Shreveport.  There was no hesitation when he was asked about returning for the meet.

“We were all in limbo several months ago,” said Wilson describing the impact of COVID-19 on the resumption of racing in Louisiana. “However (Director of Racing) David Heitzmann was the first to step up with a plan. We knew the early May date was not possible, but David set June 6 as the opening date at Louisiana Downs and quickly got the condition book posted.”

From that point, Wilson set his training schedule and “was ready to roll”.

In addition to the support from Heitzmann and his racing office staff, Wilson gives high marks to track superintendent, Billy McKeever, who oversees both the dirt oval and the Franks Turf Course.

“The main track is amazing,” said Wilson. “We arrived with some sore horses and they are now sound. Billy does an outstanding job.”

So far, it has worked out well for Wilson and his main owner, Wayne T. Davis. They are in second-place in the trainer and owner standings, trailing Karl Broberg and End Zone Athletics, Inc.

Wilson, 49, worked summers at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, starting when he was 15. He mucked stalls and hot walked for trainer Jack Van Berg. His brief foray to college did not last as he realized that he wanted to pursue a career in racing.  He served as assistant to Sam David for seven years before going out on his own in 1998.

His top horse is the multiple-stakes winning Mocito Rojo a 6-year-old son of Mutadda. Wilson claimed the Kentucky-bred for owner Wayne T. Davis for $10,000 in a December 2016 maiden race at Delta Downs. The six-time stakes winner has amassed a record of 17 wins from 30 starts and earnings of $818,063. In 2019, Mocito Rojo won the Steve Sexton Mile Stakes (G3) at Lone Star Park and the Lukas Classic Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs. He returned to the Grand Prairie, Texas racetrack on Sunday, June 28, finishing fifth in the $75,000 Lone Star Mile.

“He never likes dirt in his face and came back covered by a half of an inch of sand,” said Wilson. “It would have been nice to win as it was my owner’s 91st birthday, but the horse cooled out fine and we made it back to Louisiana Downs late Sunday night.”

Davis, who resides in Plain Dealing, Louisiana, a small town in Bossier Parrish, is appreciative of the care Wilson gives each of his horses. His winners this meet at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs include Green Monster; Cap Roc Miner, Artic Peace, Lucky Dare and most recently, a five-length score by Luvmewhenimgone.

Another key member of the Wilson team is veteran jockey Filimon Rodriguez, who is a full-time employee. The 53-year-old has ridden on the Texas and Louisiana circuits for three decades. He gallops the 30 head of Wilson’s stabled at Louisiana Downs and rides the majority of the Wilson trainees in Shreveport.

Aside from his racing ties, Wilson has another notable connection to Harrah’s Louisiana Downs. He met his wife, Becky, the daughter of horseman Jim O’Brien, here. The couple has two sons. Peyton is 19 years-old and his brother, Connor, 16, have both been helping their dad this summer.

“It’s a tough business,” stated Wilson.  “You have to make some very difficult decisions. I started the same time as some very successful horsemen, including good friend, Bret Calhoun. To reach a really high level, you have to travel, and I chose to stay in Louisiana to be closer to my family.”

He will ship select horses to Evangeline Downs this summer but is more than content to be stabled at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs.

“They showed their commitment to the horsemen,” he said. “So, I am happy to run here and support their meet.”

 

 

Charity Golf Tournament Set for Thursday, August 20

Harrah’s Louisiana Downs will host a Charity Golf Tournament at Northwood Hills Golf Club in Shreveport, Louisiana on Thursday, August 20.

The event will benefit Chaplain Jimmy Sistrunk and The Backside Benevolence Fund, which provides valuable assistance to the Louisiana racing community and backstretch workers.

The sign in for the event’s Four Person Scramble kicks off at 10:00 a.m. with tee off at 10:30 a.m.  The fee is $80 per person or $320 for a four-person team.  The fee includes green fees, golf cart, lunch, and t-shirt/cap.

“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 take care of each other and this fundraising event is a great deal of fun for everyone!”

It is also an event that brings a lot of joy to the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs employees, including Jennifer Sokol, racing operations manager.

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

 

Louisiana Downs Trainer, Jockey and Owner Standings

Through June 29, Karl Broberg tops the trainer standings with 14 wins since the meet began on June 6.  Shane Wilson has saddled eight winners to move into second-place with Steve Asmussenthird with seven victories.  Patti Turner and Joe O. Duhon are tied for fourth-place with five winners each.

Jack Gilligan, who rides first-call for Broberg, has taken the lead over his fellow riders with 15 trips to the winner’s circle.  Joel Dominguez is also off to a solid start and follows closely with 14 wins. Jose Guerrero is third with 11 winners and last year’s leading jockey Carlos Lozada has ridden eight winners to date.

End Zone Athletics Inc. has moved into the lead in the owner standings with seven wins from 18 starts.  Wayne T. Davis is tied for second with Asmussen. Both have won five races this season.

 

 

Post Times and Racing Dates

The 2020 Thoroughbred racing season at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs got underway on Saturday, June 6. The 64-day meet will run Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday through September 23. Post time is 3:05 pm (Central).

 

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.