BIG DATA SHIPPED IN FROM FLORIDA TO TAKE THE $200,000 SUPER DERBY, PRESENTED BY LIP CHIP, LLC AT LOUISIANA DOWNS
Bossier City, LA – Louisiana Downs proudly hosted an afternoon of festivities culminating with the running of the $200,000 Super Derby, presented by Lip Chip LLC. The oppressive heat for the past two months took a hiatus so that the crowd could step out in their finest for a very entertaining afternoon.
It was a breakout performance by Big Data to take Super Derby 41 and capture the first stakes of his career. Trainer Michael Lerman felt the mile and one-eighth main track stakes would be a good opportunity for the son of Cloud Computing, out of the Creative Cause mare Moxie, who made his debut at Gulfstream Park on December 16. He broke his maiden on April 22 and advanced to the allowance level with success.
“He’s a large horse and can be a handful, but (jockey) Emisael (Jaramillo) fits him well,” said Lerman. “The race unfolded the way we anticipated, and we were thrilled with the outcome.”
Jaramillo was content to let Big Data run off the early pace set by Machine Gun Man and jockey Vicente Del Cid, who completed the first quarter-mile in :23.81 and the half-mile in :48.71. Big Data wwas traveling well heading to the final turn and drew off to a 1 ¾ length victory in a final time of 1.51.83.
Big Data shipped in from Gulfstream Park on Tuesday and Lerman was pleasantly surprised that the temperature had dipped this week.
“It was cooler here than Florida,” he stated. “I shipped in a horse for the Super Derby undercard in 2006. It was an inferno that year, so this was a relief.”
Big Data, sent off as second choice in the wagering, paid $8.20 to win. He earned $120,000 for his first stake win and his record stands at 8-3-4 and lifetime earnings of $213,680.
Lerman said that Big Data will return to South Florida tomorrow and options for his next start include the Pennsylvania Derby or possibly a stakes at Churchill Downs.
“He’s on the right trajectory,” added Lerman.
Kim Boulmetis of Petal Power Racing bred Big Data and was thrilled with his victory. She owns his dam, Big Moxie, who is in foal to Cloud Computing.
“I thank Mike and his team,” she said. They did an incredible job. I have never seen an outfit treat horses so well. I also want to commend Louisiana Downs for bringing this race back. I know the history of the Super Derby and appreciate the hard work of everyone. It’s been the most wonderful trip for us!”
That praise meant a great deal to Louisiana Downs president and owner Kevin Preston who stated from the beginning that he intended to bring back the track’s marquee race, the Super Derby, not just as a racing championship, but an event for the Metroplex.
“Our team worked extremely hard to present a festive day with quality horse racing,” said Preston. “What was so rewarding is the response from our fans, dressing to the nines, wearing gorgeous hats and bringing family and friends for the afternoon. It’s hard to explain how rewarding it was to us to see how much they enjoyed the return of the Super Derby!
No White Flags completed the exacta under jockey C.J. McMahon. The son on Union Rags was also making his stakes debut for owner Donald D. Clark of LG4 Racing LLC. He posted two wins at Louisiana Downs prior to his start in Super Derby 41 for retired jockey Carl J, Woodley, who has been training since 2008.
“We were hoping for one more race, but still happy that he finished well in his first stakes effort,” said Woodley. “I was never nervous riding, but had knots in my stomach the minute he left the paddock. Training is a lot tougher than being a jockey!
How Did He Do That ran third for owners J. Kirk and Judy Robison and trainer Steve Asmussen who won two previous Super Derby editions. Joel Dominguez had the call aboard the post time favorite. Early pacesetter, Machine Gun Man completed the superfecta followed by Tiz Donegal, Promise Me A Ride and Donegal Arrow.
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.
Special Events and Family Festivities Begin at Noon
Bossier City, LA – The highlight of the 61-day Thoroughbred racing season at Louisiana Downs will take place Saturday, September 2 with the return of one of the most prestigious races in the racetrack’s history. Super Derby 41 makes its long awaited return on Saturday as the featured event on the card. The eight-race program gets underway at 2:05 pm (Central) with the $200,000 Super Derby, presented by Lip Chip LLC, to be contested and one mile and one eighth on the main track, will run as race seven, with an approximate post time of 4:53 pm.
Louisiana Downs is under its second year of operation under president and owner Kevin Preston and from the beginning, one of many priorities set by Preston, was bringing back the track’s marquee race, the Super Derby. Inaugurated in 1980, the annual event attracted the top owners, trainers and jockeys in North America. Belmont Stakes winner Temperence Hill won the first edition of the Super Derby. Three Super Derby winners, Tiznow, Sunday Silence and Alysheba were honored with Eclipse Awards as Horse of the Year, the industry’s highest award.
“The Super Derby has been a very important goal for owner Kevin Preston,” said Matt Crawford, Louisiana Downs racing secretary. “He has made many notable improvements to both the racetrack and casino. We are all looking forward to an exciting Super Derby 41 with plenty of events sure to entertain fans of all ages.”
Louisiana Downs ran several editions of the Super Derby, beginning in 2017 with Mr Misunderstood winning on the turf for trainer Brad Cox. Reverted to the main track, the next year, Hall of Fame conditioner Steve Asmussen won the next two editions with Limation in 2018 and Rotation in 2019.
In pursuit of his third Super Derby victory, Asmussen will send in How Did He Do That for owners J. Kirk and Judy Robison.
The top earner in the field, the son of Good Magic, bred by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings, LLC, will make his 13th career start on Saturday. Sold as a yearling for $190,000 at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton Fall Yearling Sale, he broke his maiden at Churchill Downs on September 30, 2022. He won his first stakes in New Mexico, in the Zia Park Juvenile Stakes before embarking on a busy Derby season. His standout victory came on July 8 at Prairie Meadows, where he was sent off at 48-1 in the $225,000 Iowa Derby, finishing in a dead heat for the win with One in Vermillion. After a lengthy steward’s inquiry, One in Vermillion was disqualified for interference and placed second. How Did He Do That rewarded his supporters with a win payout of $98!
Joel Dominguez, currently tied for the leading rider title at Louisiana Downs, has the call and will break from post five aboard the 9-5-morning line favorite.
Dominguez, 33, has been riding at Louisiana Downs since 2005, and was tabbed by Asmussen in 2020 to ride first call at the Bossier City oval. He earned the leading rider title that year and is currently tied with Jose Guerrero in the 2023 meet, which will conclude on September 12.
His association with Asmussen began in Kentucky when Dominguez, who was born in Durango, Mexico, galloped for the top conditioner when he first came to the United States.
“When I was in Kentucky, I worked for Steve and he began to trust me galloping some of his top horses,” said Dominguez. “I remember the first time I worked Rachel Alexandra. That was very special and gave me so much confidence!”
Dominguez, who is represented by former jockey, Don Simington, is deeply appreciative to Asmussen for his support.
“Steve is really smart and has helped my career so much,” added Dominguez. “It means a lot to me to have a mount in the Super Derby. I look forward to this opportunity on Saturday!’
The Super Derby 41 field from the rail out includes the following 3-year-olds:
#1 Machine Gun Man (6-1) has earned $100,630 in 11 starts for owner Patrick Lee Racing LLC. Trained by Jose C. Sanchez, the gelding by Mor Spirit, competed in two stakes earlier this year, and exits a five-length score on August 11 at Evangeline Downs. He will be ridden by Vicente Del Cid, who was one of the apprentice riders nominated for the 2022 Eclipse Award.
#2 Tiz Donegal (15-1) is one of two Super Derby 41 entrants owned by Donegal Racing (Jerry Crawford). Jockey Thomas Pompell has the call aboard the son of Tiznow, who ran second to his stablemate at Evangeline Downs on July 22. That race was the first for the New York-bred gelding.
#3 Donegal Arrow (12-1) will make his fourth career start for Donegal Racing (Jerry Crawford), and exits his maiden-breaking victory on July 22 for trainer Dane Noel. The Kentucky-bred colt by Arrogate made two starts at Turfway Park before competing at Evangeline Downs. He will reunite with rider Juan P. Vargas, who guided him to the wire last month.
#4 Big Data (9-2) ships in from Gulfstream Park for trainer Michael Lerman. Sired by Cloud Computing, the Kentucky-bred colt has won two of his seven races in Florida for owner Petal Power Racing Stable (Kimberly Boulmetis) Jockey Emisael Jaramillo, has the return call following a three-length victory in a $75,000 allowance on July 23 at Gulfstream Park.
#6 Promise Me A Ride (7-2) will make his stakes debut for 2022 Eclipse Award winning trainer Brad Cox. Owned by Kueber Racing, LLC, Big Easy Racing LLC and Martin S. Schwartz, the colt by Mastery won his debut on March 19 at Fair Grounds and made his second trip to the winner’s circle on August 4 at Ellis Park. One of the top Louisiana-based riders, Tim Thorton, has the call.
# 7 No White Flags (10-1) has won two races at Louisiana Downs this meet for owner LG4 Racing LLC (Donald D. Clark, et al). The son of Union Rags is conditioned by retired jockey Carl J, Woodley, who piloted 19,917 runners from 1981-2007, Woodley, who prefers to be called CJ, has been training since 2008. C.J. McMahon will guide No White Flags in his stakes debut.
Super Derby Festivities Set for Saturday, September 2
Several promotions and special events are planned for Super Derby 41 so that both racing fans and families will have an enjoyable afternoon at the racetrack.
With several dining options available this year, watch and wager on the Super Derby Card in the air-conditioned comfort of the Clubhouse or the Skyroom. Both rooms will feature an All You Can Eat Buffet, beginning at 11:00 am. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made by emailing reservations@ladowns.com. Box Seats is also available and can be reserved for only $45 via www.ladowns.com. For a quick casual bite, join us in the Inside Rail Sportsbook Bar & Grill for tasty specials such as KP’s Ribeye for only $19.74, as a nod to the year the property opened, and the introduction of our Colts & Fillies kids’ menu.
Festivities kick off at Noon with Louisiana Downs track announcer John McGary and Louisiana Downs racing ambassador Roxanne Tanner teaming up for a pre-race handicapping preview. They will offer detailed analysis of the $200,000 Super Derby as well as their selections for each of the races on the Super Derby card.
Family activities will get underway at 12:00 pm, a Children’s Area will open on the Racing Apron. Face Painting is available for an additional charge. Children can join in the fun with the Super Derby Stilt Walker, Caricaturist, Balloon Twister and Hula Hoop Stars! Food Trucks from across the region will be serving up great local bites for purchase.
Also, at 12:00 pm, registration begins for the Super Derby Ladies Hat Contest. Hats will be judged in three categories: Spirit of Louisiana, Classic and Most Original. The winners will receive $100 cash.
At 12:30pm, enjoy a Jockey Meet and Greet and Autograph Signing. A photo of the riders will be available for $5.00 with the proceeds to benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund(PDJF).
Take advantage of the Super Derby $5 Free Bet where Racing fans can swipe their Club 74 card at the racing kiosks for a $5.00 Free Bet that can be redeemed on Saturday, September 9, 2023.
After the 3rd Race Louisiana Downs Super Derby 41 Opening Ceremony will include a Proclamation by Bossier City Mayor, Tommy Chandler, posting of the colors by the Boy Scouts Troop 104 and a live performance of The National Anthem.
Special guest, Former NBA and Hall of Famer, “the Mailman” Karl Malone, will be in the paddock for the Riders Up call prior to Super Derby41.
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.
The annual Thoroughbred Meet Commences on Saturday, May 6
Bossier City, LA – The 2023 Thoroughbred racing season at Louisiana Downs kicks off on Saturday, May 6. The 61-day live racing season will run through Tuesday, September 12.
The Bossier City racetrack will complete its annual Quarter Horse meet on Saturday, April 1 and is looking forward to preparing for opening day of the Thoroughbred live racing season on Saturday, May 6. Now under its second year of operation under Rubico Acquisition Corporation, president and owner Kevin Preston and his team continue to make improvements to both the racetrack and onsite casino.
“As you know, we have made significant changes to the track and have enhanced many of the areas including adding over 100 new slot machines to the casino floor, opening up two new restaurant concepts, adding our sportsbook and freshening up all aspects of the race track,” said Preston. “This year we have added many special features of our live race broadcasts. As we move into 2023, we have a lot of additional changes happening for this upcoming racing season.”
One of many goals set by Preston, was bringing back the track’s marquee race, the Super Derby. Inaugurated in 1980, the annual event attracted the top owners, trainers and jockeys in North America. Belmont Stakes winner Temperence Hill won the first edition of the Super Derby. Three Super Derby winners, Tiznow, Sunday Silence and Alysheba were voted the Eclipse Award as Horse of the Year, the industry’s highest award.
Louisiana Downs brought back the Super Derby in 2017 with Mr Misunderstood winning on the turf for trainer Brad Cox. Reverted to the main track, the next year, Hall of Fame conditioner Steve Asmussen won the next two editions with Limation in 2018 and Rotation in 2019.
Preston and Matt Crawford, Louisiana Downs racing operations/racing secretary, worked hard to bring the Super Derby back in 2023. It will be contested on Saturday, September 2.
“We are looking forward to a great Thoroughbred season and the return of the Super Derby,” said Crawford. “Of course, Louisiana Cup Day will return with purses of $75,000 for the six stakes for Louisiana-breds. In addition, we will debut the $50,000 Alabama Stakes and the $50,000 Cotton State Stakes.”
Here is the stakes schedule for the 2023 Louisiana Downs Thoroughbred racing season.
Saturday, June 24
$50,000 Alabama Stakes 3 YO & up 6 ½ furlongs
Saturday, August 5 Louisiana Cup Day
$75,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile 2 YO LA-Bred 5 ½ furlongs
$75,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies 2 YO Fillies LA-Bred 5 ½ furlongs
$75,000 Louisiana Cup Filly & Mare Sprint 3 YO & Up F&M, LA-Bred Six furlongs
$75,000 Louisiana Cup Sprint 3 YO & Up LA-Bred Six furlongs
$75,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic 3 YO & Up LA-Bred 1 1/16 miles (T)
$75,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff 3 YO & Up F & M LA-Bred 1 1/16 miles (T)
Saturday, August 19
$50,000 Cotton State Stakes 3 YO & up Six furlongs
Saturday, September 2 Super Derby
$200,000 Super Derby 3 YO 1 1/8 Miles
The 61-day meet will feature live racing on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday through September 12, with a few Tuesday cards added to the schedule. Post time will be 2:05 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 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 received authorization by the Louisiana State Racing Commission during a May 5 teleconference to begin its Thoroughbred meet June 6 and continue until Sept. 23. The commission also approved the cancellation of the track’s lone graded race, the Super Derby (G3), which carried a $300,000 purse last year.
“We decided to take care of the local horsemen and put all that money toward overnight purses,” David Heitzmann, director of racing at Louisiana Downs, said in an interview after the commission meeting.
Purses in Louisiana are heavily subsidized by revenue from racetrack casinos, which have been suspended due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Determinations are still being made regarding the track’s purse structure, according to Heitzmann.
Full Fields, Exciting Finishes and Enthusiastic Crowds for the Marquee Day of the 2019 Thoroughbred Racing Season
Bossier City, LA – It was a very impressive win by Rotation, the champion of Saturday’s Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs. The colt by Tapit out of the Olympio mare Free Spin, bred and owned by Winchell Thoroughbreds, LLC, was the second consecutive winner of the championship for Hall of Fame conditioner Steve Asmussen, but there were plenty of firsts on the stakes-filled card.
Jockey Richard Eramia won his first Super Derby and was thrilled with the performance of his colt, following his misfortune in last month’s Super Derby Prelude, in which Rotation stumbled to his knees out of the gate, almost unseating his rider. However, the gray colt showed his best form last Saturday, when he closed powerfully to win his first stakes score.
“It was a very special win for me,” said Eramia. “I have always wanted to win the Super Derby. Louisiana Downs has been very good for my career; I have won a lot of races here and like both track surfaces.”
Born in Uruguay, Eramia, celebrated his 40th birthday on June 24. He began his United States riding career in 2005, and the Super Derby victory was just the fourth graded stakes of his career in which he has guided 2,337 horses to the finish line and amassed purses of $49.1 million. His previous Grade 3 wins came on Grand Contender and Comic Burst. His lone Grade 2 was in the 2012 Smile Sprint Handicap aboard Gantry at Calder Race Course.
“I’m still working on my first Grade 1,” Eramia said with a smile.
Eramia has returned to Remington Park, where he has won plenty of races, including his 2,000th career milestone .
Another rider, Devin Magnon, won the first stakes win of his career, guiding High on Gin to the upset in the $60,000 Happy Ticket. As reported by Bloodhorse, the victory marked the first black-type win for her sire, Fury Kapcori, She was bred in Florida by Deborah A. Silveira. High on Gin was a $7,500 purchase by Jerry Caroom from GOP Racing Stable Corporation’s consignment to the Ocala Breeders’ Sales June 2-Year-Olds and Horses of Racing Age Sale.
Trainer Carl J. Deville reports that his filly came out of The Happy Ticket in good order and I under consideration for the $75,000 Our Dear Peggy on September 28 at Gulfstream Park.
“I was not surprised that she won her stakes debut last Saturday,” he said. “She’s a big, long filly; bred for the grass and definitely wants to route. Even when she broke her maiden, she came home fast and showed she wanted to go further.”
It was also the first time jockey Lane Luzzi had ever ridden at Louisiana Downs and he made the most of his debut by winning the $60,000 Sunday Silence with Deviant, trained by Danny Pish for owner Red Lane Thoroughbreds LLC.
Festivities included a Jockey Autograph signing to benefit the PDJF, Super Derby Hat Contest, handicapping seminar and children’s activities on the sunny day with temps over 100 degrees.
“Despite the heat, we had a very good turnout for Super Derby 40,” said Eric Halstrom, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Vice President of Operations. “We appreciate our fans, horsemen and the tremendous effort of each of our employees in making Super Derby 40 run so smoothly.”
Trainer, Jockey and Owner Standings
As of September 10, Joey Foster tops his fellow conditioners with 50 wins this season topping. Karl Broberg with 45 victories. Beverly Burress has saddled 27 winners, including Run Rocket in Saturday’s$60,000 A. L. (Red) Erwin, to take sold possession of third place. Horsemen Jorge Lara, Joe O. Duhon and Steve Asmussen have each won 18 races.
Carlos Lozada continues to lead the jockey standings with 88 wins, including a stakes victory by Eskenformore in the $60.000 River Citieson Saturday’s Super Derby card. He guided the mare, who was sent off at odds of 30-1, to victory over nine rivals for owner/breeder Sugarland Thoroughbreds LLC. Joel Dominguez is second with 85 trips to the winner’s circle and Richard Eramia, who won the Grade 3 Super Derby aboard Rotation is third with 47 wins. Aubrie Green has won 45 races to round out the top four in the standings.
End Zone Athletics, Inc. has built an insurmountable lead in the quest for owner honors with 25 wins. Dream Walkin Farms, Inc. is second with 13 winners and Ronnie P. Ward and Indian Creek Thoroughbred Farms, LLC are tied for third with ten wins each.
The leaders in each division will be honored on Wednesday, September 25, which is the final day of the 2019 Thoroughbred racing season.
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.
Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC Homebred Recovers From Stumble in the Prelude
Bossier City, LA – When you don’t succeed at first, try again, and there was no better example of that adage than the performance of Rotation, the champion of today’s Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs.
The colt by Tapit out of the Olympio mare Free Spin, bred and owned by Winchell Thoroughbreds, LLC, was the favorite in last month’s $60,000 Super Derby Prelude. He stumbled out of the gate, nearly unseating rider Richard Eramia, but recovered to finish fourth.
Today was a different story for the well-bred colt, who is a full brother to Tapiture. He broke from the rail, sitting off the pace set by rider Robby Albarado on Pirate’s Punch, who completed the first quarter in: 46.77 and the half-mile in :46.77. Eramia got his charge clear heading into the second turn and drew off. The final time over the fast main track was 1:43.70.
“Robby Albarado is a smart rider and controlled the pace,” said Eramia. “I got the exact trip I was hoping for. My horse stumbled last time, but really deserved to win. I want to thank Steve, the owners and everyone on the backside for doing a great job”
Hall of Fame conditioner Steve Asmussen won the 2018 Super Derby with longshot Limation for owner Michael Langford. He was reached on the phone after the race, and was thrilled with the victory by Rotation and a game runner-up effort by his other entrant, Vangilder, who closed under C.J. McMahon for second.
“Rotation is a very handy horse,” said Asmussen. “It was tough to see the trouble he had in the Prelude. Referring to the incident as a stumble out of the gate is not doing it justice. It’s like calling the Grand Canyon a ditch! But to his credit and the team down there, including Misty Drinkwater and Ashley Trosclair, it all came together.”
“We are very proud of him,” he added. “This was a significant win.”
Vangilder, winner of the $70,000 Charles Taylor Derby on July 20 at the Downs of Albuquerque for owner Chuck Hovitz rallied for second.
“Watching the replay of his last race, he sat off the pace and pounced home tremendously, said McMahon. “Rotation left a step behind me, which I thought he would. I sat in the pocket behind him and couldn’t have gotten a better trip.”
Pirate’s Punch, trained by Grant Forster, held on for third. The son of Shanghai Bobby, was making his stakes debut for the ownership group of Gulliver Racing LLC , Craig W. Drager and Dan Legan. Albarado, who is just returning off a wrist injury suffered in June at Churchill Downs, won his first Super Derby in 2006 aboard Strong Contender and followed that with a win with Departingseven years later.
Morning line favorite, Knicks Go owned by KRA Stud Farms, completed the superfecta. Trained by Ben Colebrook, he won the Grade 1, Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland. Dismissed by the betting public, he topped a full field of juveniles in gate-to-wire fashion at odds of 70-1. This was the fifth graded stakes start for Knicks Go in 2019.
Prelude runner-up Trevilion, owned by Tigertail Ranch, ran fifth, followed byLeader of Men, owned by Walpole Racing LLC, who won the $60,000 Super Derby Prelude on August 3, and brought a four-race win streak at Louisiana Downs to the Super Derby. Completing the order of finish was Adele B. Dilschneider‘s homebred Rescind; Cabot, Paynt Battle and Fredonian.
Rotation returned $13.40 for the win and added $180,000 to his career earnings, which stand at $302,318. Asmussen was not sure of the next start for both runners.
The Super Derby, which had its first running in 1980, has a distinguished list of past champions, including four Kentucky Derby winners, four Preakness Stakes winners, five Belmont Stakes winners and seven Travers Stakes winners. Six previous Super Derby entrants have won the prestigious Breeders’ Cup Classic and three Super Derby winners, Tiznow, Sunday Silence and Alysheba have been voted the Eclipse Award as Horse of the Year, the industry’s highest award.
Smooth Sailing for In The Navy in the $60,000 Frank L. Brothers Stakes
One of the six turf stakes on the Super Derby card was renamed this year to honor New Orleans native Frank L. Brothers. “Frankie,” as he is known in the racing industry, began his highly successful career as a Thoroughbred trainer in Louisiana, winning nine leading trainer titles at Louisiana Downs and winning the 1998 Super Derby with Arch. He was inducted into the inaugural Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Racing Hall of Fame on July 13.
The mile and one-sixteenth Frank L. Brothers attracted an overflow field of turf specialists with three Louisiana-breds taking on open company, and it was Kendel D. Standlee’s In the Navy, who righted the ship this afternoon. Trained by Scott Gelner, the 5-year-old son of Midshipman exited a second-place finish in last month’s Louisiana Cup Turf Classic. Gelner enlisted the riding services of Floyd Wethey, Jr., who took the lead and went gate to wire, in fractions of :23.79, :47.92, 1:11.42, crossing the wire in 1:40.51.
“Scott told me to just let him do his thing and hopefully have something left for the finish,” said Wethey, who made the best of his first time riding at Louisiana Downs. “He is a cool horse; I didn’t need to do a thing.”
The win was the seventh for In the Navy, who was sent off at odds of 7-1, returned $17.40 for the win. Late Night Mischief ran second under Tim Thornton, followed by $50,000 Louisiana Turf Cup Classic winner Theoryintopractice, also trained by Asmussen. Kurilov, from the barn of Brad Cox, returned off a one-year layoff to complete the superfecta and Big Changes, who won the 2018 edition of the stakes, which was previously named the Unbridled, was fifth.
High On Gin Serves Up the Upset in the $60,000 Happy Ticket
The 33rd running of the $60,000 Happy Ticket, drew a field of ten fillies at the distance of seven and one-half furlongs on the Franks Turf Course.
Jerry Caroom’s High On Gin won her debut at Evangeline Downs on August 21 in a main track sprint on a sloppy track. Trainer Carl J. Deville was impressed with the first-time starter and decided to try her in stakes company and on the turf. With the lanky Devin Magnon in the irons, the filly by Fury Kapcori, got clear on the outside and began passing rivals. She drew off to a two-length victory in a final time of 1:30.21.
It was no surprise to her rider, who won the first race of his career.
“I’ve worked twenty horses for Carl this year and was always impressed with this filly,” said Magnon.
“I thank Jerry and each of my owners for giving me the opportunity to train for them,” added Deville.
Cedar Hill, the runner-up in the La Senorita, ran second under Lane Luzzi withEnvied, a daughter of American Pharoah completing the trifecta. Deville also conditioned the fourth-place finisher, Thirstyamericangal, who outran her odds of 63-1 under Kerwin Clark.
Deviant Dominates in the $60,000 Sunday Silence
The 15th running of the $60,000 Sunday Silence showcased a completive group of ten juveniles competing seven and one-half furlongs on the Franks Turf Course. The race honors the prolific champion who won the 1989 Super Derby, Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, and was inducted into the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Racing Hall of Fame this year.
Deviant, owned by Red Lane Thoroughbreds LLC, made the trip to Louisiana in pursuit of his second consecutive turf stakes victory. His most recent victory came on August 14 in the $75,000 El Joven at Retama Park. It was a winning effort for the juvenile, who drew off by a margin of 7 ¾ lengths under Lane Luzzi.
The son of veteran New York rider Mike Luzzi, made his first trip to Louisiana Downs and confidently guided the son of Daredevil to the wire. He moved from the rail to the far outside to launch his bid, with a final clocking of 1:29.96.
“He’s a real nice horse,” said Luzzi. “Hard to explain what makes him so good, other than he does everything you ask of him. The credit goes to Danny, who has worked with him from the beginning.”
Longshot Free Indeed battled gamely under rider Kerwin Clark, but had to settle for second. See Bee Salute, at 14-1, was third with Crimson Zipcompleting the superfecta.
Eskenformore Lights Up the Toteboard in the $60,000 River Cities
A full field of fillies and mares competed in the 33rd running of the $60,000 River Cities at the distance of a mile and one-sixteenth on the turf.
Sugarland Thoroughbreds LLC’s homebred Eskenformore pulled the upset at odds of 30-1 for trainer James Hodges. Leading Louisiana Downs rider Carlos Lozada guided the 6-year-old mare to victory by a margin of 1 ¾ lengths over Dagny. Running third was Remember Daisy, who captured the $100,000 Louisiana Ladies Stakes at Fair Grounds last December before heading to Canterbury Park and most recently, Arlington Park in Chicago. Is Too, a 4-year-old daughter of Midshipmam could not replicate her effort here last month in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff, finishing fourth under Colby Hernandez.
“She’s a nice mare,” stated Hodges. “She ran into trouble in her last race, but not today! She will run next at Fair Grounds on Louisiana Champions Day.”
Net a Bear Tops Louisiana-Bred Fillies in the $60,000 Elge Rasberry
The 24th running of the $60,000 Elge Rasberry drew a field of eight Louisiana-bred 3-year-old fillies and ran as the first stakes race of the Super Derby card.
Net a Bear sprang the upset for trainer Allen Landry and owner Maximo Lamarche and Federico Deltoro. The filly by Awesome Bet closed gamely in the final furlong under jockey Tim Thornton, covering a mile, over the firm Franks Turf Course in 1:36.45.
“I’ve worked her in the morning and knew she could run,” said Thornton.
Landry felt that the addition of blinkers helped his filly.
“She has always been a high strung filly,” stated Landry. “We hauled in and bandaged her really well before loading her. By the time we arrived, she had torn all of them off!”
Scootin Bayou ran second for trainer Kenneth Hargrave and rider Jose Guerrero. Irish Hustle was under Robby Albarado and Louisiana Legends Soiree champion Snowball, who was sent off as the favorite, completed the superfecta.
Net a Bear paid $23.00 for the victory; her second win in 11 starts. Bred by Lora Pitre and Elaine Carroll, she will make her next start at Delta Downs, according to Landry.
First Stakes Victory for Run Rocket in the $60,000 A. L. (Red) Erwin
A full field of Louisiana-bred 3-year-old colts and geldings went to the gate for the $60,000 A. L. (Red) Erwin.
The son of Run Production is owned by Margaret Lanetta Haas, and had won three of his last four starts.Trainer Beverly Burress gave jockey Eguard Tejeraa leg up, and he took the lead at the top of the stretch, completing the mile turf test in 1:36.79.
It was a special moment for retired jockey Burress, who saddled just the second stakes winner of her career.
“Since we claimed him for $10,000, he’s done everything right for us,” she said. “He has been running really well; just shows his determination when he runs.”
Make Me Smile, a son of Star Guitar, ran second under Tim Thornton, followed by Bailey’s Power and Star Fitzstall.
Run Rocket was sent off as the favorite and returned $7.60 for the win and with his winner’s share of $36,000, doubled his lifetime earnings. He was bred by Israel Flores Horses, LLC.
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.
The Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby Headlines the Saturday, September 7th Card
Bossier City, LA – While the Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby is the richest race of the Saturday, September 7 card at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, six excellent undercard features will also be contested on the 13-race program. The marquee day of the 2019 Louisiana Downs Thoroughbred meet will get underway at a special post time of 12:00 pm(Central).
As announced in Monday’s press release, Knicks Go owned by KRA Stud Farms, has been installed as the 9-5 morning line favorite in the Super Derby. The colt by Paynter out of the Outflanker mare Kosmo’s Buddy broke his maiden last July at Ellis Park and went on to a highly successful 2-year-old season for trainer Ben Colebrook. He attracted considerable attention last October when he pulled a huge upset in the Grade 1, Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland. Dismissed by the betting public, he topped a full field of juveniles in gate-to-wire fashion at odds of 70-1. He followed that with a game runner-up finish in the Grade 1, Sentient Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Churchill Downs. The gray colt enters the Super Derby field with a career bankroll of $710,925 banked in 11 lifetime starts. He will face nine rivals, including Super Derby Prelude winner Walpole Racing LLC’s Leader of Men in the 40th running of the Super Derby, which will run as the eleventh race, with an approximate post time of 5:07 pm (Central).
Six additional stakes have drawn full and competitive fields on Saturday’s card.
Brad Cox Trainees Top Excellent Field in the $60,000 Frank L. Brothers Stakes
One of the six turf stakes on the Super Derby card was renamed this year to honor New Orleans native Frank L. Brothers. “Frankie,” as he is known in the racing industry, began his highly successful career as a Thoroughbred trainer in Louisiana, winning nine leading trainer titles at Louisiana Downs and winning the 1998 Super Derby with Arch. He was inducted into the inaugural Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Racing Hall of Fame on July 13.
The mile and one-sixteenth Frank L. Brothers attracted an overflow field of turf specialists including Big Changes, who won the 2018 edition of the $60,000 Unbridled. The Florida-bred son of Shipman owned by Steve Landers Racing, LLC, is the highest earner with $568,854 banked in 28 starts. Trained by Brad Cox, Big Changes has won five stakes with his last victory coming last January at Gulfstream Park in the $150,000 Sunshine Millions Turf Stakes. Jockey Colby Hernandez, who recently won the riding title at Evangeline Downs, has the call and will break from the far outside post.
Cox is also shipping in Kurilov (CHI), a 6-year-old son of Lookin at Lucky, who will make his return off a one-year layoff. He ran in the 2018 Woodward, a Grade 1 stakes at Saratoga and will break from the rail under jockey Diego Saenz.
The top two finishers in last month’s $50,000 Louisiana Turf Cup Classic will return to action. Theoryintopractice, owned by Courtney Barousse and trained by Steve Asmussen, came off the pace to edge In the Navy by a neck. Richard Eramia has the return call aboard the son of Into Mischief. Kendel D. Standlee’s In the Navy, trained by Scott Gelner, is a 5-year-old sired by Midshipman who has hit the board in 10 of his 14 turf starts. Floyd Wethey, Jr. will ride.
The Frank L. Brothers will run as the tenth race on Saturday’s program.
Eleven Talented Two-Year Fillies Assembled in the $60,000 Happy Ticket
The 33rd running of the $60,000 Happy Ticket, drew a field of 11 fillies at the distance of seven and one-half furlongs on the Franks Turf Course. Just seven ran in last year’s edition of the race, but a very nice group of 11 fillies will compete in Saturday’s sixth race.
Steve Landers Racing LLC’s Taylor’s Josie exits three starts in Kentucky and will make her turf debut for trainer Brad Cox. Sired by Race Day, she broke her maiden at Churchill Downs on June 27 and will be ridden by Diego Saenz at odds of 3-1.
Breaking from the far outside post will be Tizsfrandella who is undefeated in two starts for owner/ trainer Justin Jeansonne. The daughter of Tizway has made two starts on the turf, breaking her maiden at Evangeline Downs on June 13 and capturing the $75,000 La Senorita at Retama Park on August 14. Jockey Thomas Pompell rode the bay filly in both events and has the return call.
“There looks to be quite a bit of speed in the race,” said Jeansonne, who welcomed the birth of his daughter on August 16. “Tommy has done a great job of getting this filly to relax, so hopefully he can take back and make a late run. She’s bred to go two turns; it’s been a great run so far.”
Trainer Ben Colebrook will also ship in Envied, a filly by Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, who broke her maiden at Ellis Park on July 5. Colby Hernandez will guide her in her second start and stakes debut. Cedar Hall, who ran second in the La Senorita, makes her first start at Louisiana Downs for trainer Danny Pish. This will be the third stakes appearance by the daughter of Bayern, who will be ridden by Lane Luzzi.
Deviant Seeks His Second Turf Stakes Win in the $60,000 Sunday Silence
The eighth race of the afternoon is the $60,000 Sunday Silence with ten juveniles competing seven and one-half furlongs on the Franks Turf Course. This is the 15th edition of the race named in honor of the prolific champion who won the 1989 Super Derby, Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, and was inducted into the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Racing Hall of Fame this year.
Deviant, owned by Red Lane Thoroughbreds LLC, will be aiming for his second consecutive turf stakes victory. The colt by Daredevil made three main track starts in Kentucky before making his turf debut in the $75,000 El Joven at Retama Park. It was a winning effort for the juvenile, who drew off by a margin of 7 ¾ lengths under Lane Luzzi. The son of veteran New York rider Mike Luzzi, will ride the 5-2 morning line favorite.
Deviant will face several 2-year-olds who recently broke their maiden, including Violator from the barn of Steve Asmussen. The Ontario-bred son of Violence won his second career start at Ellis Park for Winchell Thoroughbredsand Willis Horton Racing and will be ridden by Richard Eramia. Louisiana-bred Outofmybind broke his maiden here on July 30 for owner Richard Ringo. Jockey Joel Dominguez rode the son of Bind to a seven-length win and will remain in the irons for trainer James Hodges.
Asmussen also sends in Valiant Defender, who ran second to Deviant in the El Joven. The Kentucky-bred son of Stay Thirsty will make his third career start for H.V.Farms, Ltd with rider C. J. McMahon in the saddle.
Is Too Goes for Her Third Stakes in a Row in the $60,000 River Cities
A full field of fillies and mares will compete in the 33rd running of the $60,000 River Cities at the distance of a mile and one-sixteenth on the turf.
Is Too, a 4-year-old daughter of Midshipman, owned by Barrone Farms LLC, returns to the Franks Turf Course in pursuit of her third consecutive stakes. She was an impressive winner here last month in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff. Trained by for trainer Edward Johnston, Is Too has won six of her 15 career starts and is especially suited to the turf with three victories in four starts. She will reunite with regular pilot Colby Hernandez.
Also certain to attract plenty of attention is Remember Daisy, who captured the $100,000 Louisiana Ladies Stakes at Fair Grounds last December before heading to Canterbury Park and most recently, Arlington Park in Chicago. She ran sixth in the Grade 1, Beverly D for owner Al and Bill Ulwelling. Trainer Gary Scherer has given the call to jockey Tim Thornton. Also shipping in from Arlington Park is Ruffina, a 4-year-old daughter of Street Cry who is trained by Brad Cox. Diego Saenz will ride the bay filly, who has won three of her six turf starts. She will make her Louisiana Downs debut in the River Cities.
The River Cities is carded as the ninth race of the Super Derby program.
Nine Louisiana-Bred Fillies Take to the Turf in the $60,000 Elge Rasberry
The 24th running of the $60,000 Elge Rasberry drew a field of nine Louisiana-bred 3-year-old fillies. Snowball,owned by Tin Roof Farms LLC has been installed as the 5-2 choice in the one-mile turf feature.
The daughter of Apriority won the $75,000 Soiree on Louisiana Legends Night at Evangeline Downs on May 25. Trained by Sam Breaux, the gray filly will be ridden by Diego Saenz and will break from post position seven. She has hit the board in seven of her 12 starts with earnings of $114,820 to date.
Randall Hargrave’s Scootin Bayou has faired well this season at Louisiana Downs, winning two turf races in front-running fashion under jockey Jose Guerrero. The filly by Guilt Trip will make her stakes debut for trainer Kenneth L. Hargrave. Other notable entrants include Net a Bear, runner-up in the Louisiana Legends Soiree for trainer Allen Landry and Irish Hustle, who exits a six-length main track allowance score on August 10 at Evangeline Downs. She is trained by Bret Calhoun, who has named Robby Albarardo to ride the daughter of Data Link.
Luck of the Draw Leads the Field in the $60,000 A. L. (Red) Erwin
An overflow field of Louisiana-bred 3-year-old colts and geldings will take to the Franks Turf
Course in the $60,000 A. L. (Red) Erwin. Luck of the Draw will make his Louisiana Downs
debut for owner Ten Strike Racing and trainer Matt Shirer.The gelded son of Lookin at Lucky
broke his maiden last December at Fair Grounds and competed in two turf races at Arlington Park
most recently. Jockey Colby Hernandez will pilot the 7-2 morning line choice.
Another promising 3-year-old is Star Fitzstall, a son of Star Guitar, bred and owned by Brittlyn Stable, Inc. He has won two of his five starts, including back-to-back main track events at Delaware Park for conditioner Jose Camejo. Rider Marcelino Pedroza has the call on Star Fitzstall, who makes his turf debut on Saturday.
Another son of Star Guitar, Make Me Smile, broke his maiden on the turf on July 18 at Evangeline Downs and followed that up with an allowance win one month later. Trainer Keith Bourgeois has given the call to Tim Thornton. Tigertail Ranch’s homebred Hampton Roads will aim for his third career win under jockey Diego Saenz. The son of Lone Star Special is conditioned by Victor Arceneaux and ran fourth in a turf allowance here on July 6.
Super Derby Festivities Set for Saturday, September 7
Several promotions and special events are planned for Super Derby 40 so that both racing fans and families will have an enjoyable afternoon at the racetrack.
Watch and wager on the Super Derby Card in the air-conditioned comfort of the Harrah’s Club. An All You Can Eat Buffet offering for $39.99 per person will be available, beginning at 11:00 am. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made by calling 318-752-6367. An upscale buffet, thee Super Derby 40 in the Sky, will also be available for $49.99 per person. Contact Jennifer Sokol at (318) 741-2512 as reservations are required.
At 10:30 am, a Jockey Meet and Greet and Autograph Signing will take place in the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs main entrance area. A photo of the riders will be available for $5.00 with the proceeds to benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund(PDJF).
Louisiana Downs track announcer John McGary and regional racing publicist Martha Claussen will team up for a pre-race handicapping preview at 11:00 am in the Inside Rail, located on the first floor of the grandstand. They will offer detailed analysis of the Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby as well as their selections for each of the races on the Super Derby card.
Rachel McLaughlin, racing production manager and on-air talent at Indiana Grand, also one of the Caesars Entertainment horse racing properties, will make an appearance at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs on Saturday, September 7 for Super Derby 40. She will conduct select paddock previews and post-race stakes interviews and offer selections for the entire card.
Family activities will get underway at 11:00 am, a Children’s Area will open on the Racing Apron. Face Painting is available for an additional charge. Children can join in the fun with the Super Derby Stilt Walkers and Hula Hoop Stars! Food Trucks from across the region will be serving up great local bites for purchase.
Also at 12:00 pm, registration begins for the Super Derby Ladies Hat Contest. Hats will be judged in three categories: Spirit of Louisiana, Classic and Most Original. The winners will receive $100 cash.
The Food Truck Face-Off will take place after the 3rd race. Competitors will have five minutes to scarf down some of the yummiest foods available for purchase on the Racing Apron. Seven popular local celebrities and three participants from the crowd will compete to win, not only bragging rights, but $250 in cash.
Super Derby 40 $5 Free Bet
Racing fans can swipe their Caesars Rewards card at the racing kiosks for a $5.00 Free Bet that can be redeemed on Saturday, September 14, 2019.
After the 6th Race Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Super Derby 40 Opening Ceremony will include a Proclamation by Bossier City Mayor Lorenz Walker, posting of the colors by the Bossier Sheriff’s Young Marines and The National Anthem performed by Billie Joe, Real Country Reality Singing Competition artist.
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.
Seven Stakes Races Will be Contested on the Super Derby Program Saturday, September 7
Bossier City, LA – A quality field of 3-year-olds will run in Super Derby 40 at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, on Saturday, September 7. The marquee day of the 2019 Louisiana Downs Thoroughbred meet will get underway at a special post time of 12:00 pm (Central).
Leading the field is Knicks Go owned by KRA Stud Farms, who has been installed as the 9-5 morning line favorite. The colt by Paynter out of the Outflanker mare Kosmo’s Buddy broke his maiden last July at Ellis Park and went on to a highly successful 2-year-old season for trainer Ben Colebrook. He attracted considerable attention last October when he pulled a huge upset in the Grade 1, Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland. Dismissed by the betting public, he topped a full field of juveniles in gate-to-wire fashion at odds of 70-1. He followed that with a game runner-up finish in the Grade 1, Sentient Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Churchill Downs. The gray colt enters the Super Derby field with a career bankroll of $710,925 banked in 11 lifetime starts.
“He was very precocious early in his career,” said Colebrook. “I was not surprised he won the (Claiborne) Breeders’ Futurity; maybe more with the ease that he won the race. I believed he was better than his 70-1 odds, and he validated that in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. It was a thrill to win my first Grade 1 at Keeneland.”
Knicks Go has competed in four graded stakes in 2019 and most recently, ran second in the Ellis Park Derby on August 11.
“When he turned three, it took him a while to get back on track,” stated Colebrook. “But he has faced some tough horses, including Mr Money, who is the one of best 3-year-olds in the country. The Super Derby is a good spot for him; we are excited to be coming on Saturday.”
Colebrook confirmed that Knicks Go will leave Kentucky on Thursday and will be ridden by Colby Hernandez, who clinched the riding title at the recently concluded 2019 Evangeline Downs Thoroughbred meet with 95 wins.
“He’s never ridden for me before, but he’s one of the top riders in Louisiana and I know his brother (Brian) very well,” added Colebrook.
Hall of Fame conditioner Steve Asmussen is currently the second-leading money earning trainer in North America. Last year, he ran two horses in the Super Derby and won with longshot Limation for owner Michael Langford. He has two entrants again in this edition of the race: Rotation, a colt by Tapit, bred and owned by Winchell Thoroughbreds, LLC and Vangilder, winner of the $70,000 Charles Taylor Derby on July 20 at the Downs of Albuquerque for owner Chuck Hovitz.
Rotation was the favorite in the Super Derby Prelude, but stumbled out of the gate, almost unseating jockey Richard Eramia, but gamely battled to complete the superfecta.
“He grabbed himself pretty badly, but thankfully, is fully healed,” said Asmussen. “We had options for Vangilder, but thought this would be a good spot for him.”
Eramia returns aboard Rotation and Asmussen has give the call on Vangilder, a Kentucky-bred son of Paynter, to C. J. McMahon. He was the winning rider aboard 2016 Super Derby champion Texas Chrome.
Trainer Al Stall, Jr, who has won three previous editions of the Super Derby, will test stakes company for the first time with Adele B. Dilschneider‘s homebred Rescind. The lightly raced son of Blame broke his maiden and won a $19,000 allowance here on August 12. One of the most successful conditioners in Louisiana, Stall will be seeking his fourth victory in the Super Derby. He won the prestigious race in 2008 with My Pal Charlie and again two years later with Apart. Departing was the third winner for the New Orleans native in 2013.
Leader of Men, owned by Walpole Racing LLC won the $60,000 Super Derby Prelude on August 3, which was his fourth consecutive victory at Louisiana Downs. He stretched out to a mile and one-sixteenth for the first time, advancing comfortably to win his first career stakes in a final time of 1:46.96. The victory was celebrated by owner Kevin Walpole and his wife, Amy who reside in Haughton, Louisiana. His regular jockey, Hector Del-Cid will retain the mount. The bay gelding, who was a May 28thfoal, is described as a “big kid, who is finally getting the hang of his job” by trainer Jodie Hodges.
“He goes to the track every morning,” said Hodges. “He loves what he does; we’re as pleased as punch with our horse.”
Four additional runners from the Super Derby Prelude are also entered in the Super Derby. They include Trevilion, owned by Tigertail Ranch and trained by Victor Arcenaeux, who ran second; Paynt Battle, the third-place finisher for Norman Stables, LLC and conditioner Lonnie Briley as well as Golden Tooth Ranch, LP’s Fredonian, who ran fifth in the mile and one-sixteenth main track event.
The field also includes Cabot, a son of Will Take Charge who will make his second stakes start for owners Alex and JoAnn Lieblong. Trained by Ron Moquett, Cabot will be ridden by Marcelino Pedroza, who is currently the leading rider at Indiana Grand Race Course.
Trainer Grant Forster will send Pirate’s Punch, a son of Shanghai Bobby, who will make his stakes debut for the ownership group of Gulliver Racing LLC , Craig W. Drager and Dan Legan. Veteran jockey Robby Albarado, who is just returning off a wrist injury suffered in June at Churchill Downs, has the mount. The victory would be the third Super Derby score for Albarado, who won his first Super Derby in 2006 aboard Strong Contender and followed that with a win with Departing seven years later.
The Super Derby, which had its first running in 1980, has a distinguished list of past champions, including four Kentucky Derby winners, four Preakness Stakes winners, five Belmont Stakes winners and seven Travers Stakes winners. Six previous Super Derby entrants have won the prestigious Breeders’ Cup Classic and three Super Derby winners, Tiznow, Sunday Silence and Alysheba have been voted the Eclipse Award as Horse of the Year, the industry’s highest award.
“We were very pleased with the field entered for this year’s Super Derby,” said David Heitzmann, Louisiana Downs director of racing and racing secretary. “Our thanks go to both national and our Louisiana-based horsemen for their support and we look forward to an outstanding day of racing.”
Six Undercard Stakes Set for Super Derby Day
In addition to the Super Derby, six additional stakes will be contested on Saturday. A press release on the entrants for the following features will be sent tomorrow:
$60,000 Frank L. Brothers 3 YO & Up 1 1/16 miles (T)
$60,000 River Cities 3 YO & Up F&M 1 1/16 miles (T)
$60,000 Happy Ticket 2 YO Fillies One Mile (T)
$60,000 Sunday Silence 2 YO One Mile (T)
$60,000 A. L. (Red) Erwin 3 YO LA-Bred One Mile (T)
$60,000 Elge Rasberry 3 YO Fillies, LA-Bred One Mile (T)
Super Derby Festivities Set for Saturday, September 7
Several promotions and special events are planned for Super Derby 40 so that both racing fans and families will have an enjoyable afternoon at the racetrack.
Watch and wager on the Super Derby Card in the air-conditioned comfort of the Harrah’s Club. An All You Can Eat Buffetoffering for $39.99 per person will be available, beginning at 11:00 am. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made by calling 318-752-6367. An upscale buffet, thee Super Derby 40 in the Sky, will also be available for $49.99 per person. Contact Jennifer Sokol at (318) 741-2512 as reservations are required.
At 10:30 am, a Jockey Meet and Greet and Autograph Signing will take place in the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs main entrance area. A photo of the riders will be available for $5.00 with the proceeds to benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund(PDJF).
Louisiana Downs track announcer John McGary and regional racing publicist Martha Claussen will team up for a pre-race handicapping preview at 11:00 am in the Inside Rail, located on the first floor of the grandstand. They will offer detailed analysis of the Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby as well as their selections for each of the races on the Super Derby card.
Rachel McLaughlin, racing production manager and on-air talent at Indiana Grand, also one of the Caesars Entertainment horse racing properties, will make an appearance at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs on Saturday, September 7 for Super Derby 40. She will conduct select paddock previews and post-race stakes interviews and offer selections for the entire card.
Family activities will get underway at 11:00 am, a Children’s Area will open on the Racing Apron. Face Painting is available for an additional charge. Children can join in the fun with the Super Derby Stilt Walkers and Hula Hoop Stars! Food Trucks from across the region will be serving up great local bites for purchase.
Also at 12:00 pm, registration begins for the Super Derby Ladies Hat Contest. Hats will be judged in three categories: Spirit of Louisiana, Classic and Most Original. The winners will receive $100 cash.
The Food Truck Face-Off will take place after the 3rd race. Competitors will have five minutes to scarf down some of the yummiest foods available for purchase on the Racing Apron. Seven popular local celebrities and three participants from the crowd will compete to win, not only bragging rights, but $250 in cash.
Super Derby 40 $5 Free Bet
Racing fans can swipe their Caesars Rewards card at the racing kiosks for a $5.00 Free Bet that can be redeemed on Saturday, September 14, 2019.
After the 6th Race Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Super Derby 40 Opening Ceremony will include a Proclamation by Bossier City Mayor Lorenz Walker, posting of the colors by the Bossier Sheriff’s Young Marines and The National Anthem performed by Billie Joe, Real Country Reality Singing Competition artist.
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.
Will be Honored with the Frank L. Brothers Stake on the September 7th Super Derby Card
Bossier City, LA – Harrah’s Louisiana Downs will present Super Derby 40 on Saturday, September 7. The marquee event of the 2019 Thoroughbred meet will feature seven stakes, highlighted by the Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby.
Frank L. Brothers. Photo courtesy of Donna Barton Brothers.
However, one other noteworthy feature will be the inaugural running of the $60,000
Frank L. Brothers stakes. The mile and one-sixteenth turf contest was renamed this year to play tribute to the esteemed Louisiana native and conditioner who won a record nine training titles at Louisiana Downs.
“Frankie” as he is known in the industry, grew up in New Orleans.
“My father was an electrician and we had a family tradition of attending the races at Fair Grounds on Thanksgiving Day and then going home for dinner,” he explained.
His father’s profession was not in the stars for Brothers; it was racing that inspired him. Brothers worked for the late Jack Van Berg, starting at the bottom cooling horses, gradually working his way up to one of the barn’s assistant trainers. After a ten year affiliation with Van Berg, with much thought, and greater trepidation, he went out on his own.
“It was the scariest thing in the world,” admitted Brothers. “I had support from some very good owners, including Al Stall, Sr. John Franks and Mike Rutherford.”
Brothers shared that when he first began at Louisiana Downs, he had 12-16 horses in his barn. The number swelled considerably with his success in Shreveport where he won over 800 races and nine consecutive training titles from 1980 -1988.
In a career that spanned from 1974 to 2009, Brothers saddled 10,440 Thoroughbreds, winning 2,349 races and over $48.9 million in purses. He won the 1991 Preakness and Belmont with Hansel and developed the careers of graded stakes winners Pulpit, First Samurai, Dansil, Madcap Escapade, Arch and Secret Hello.
Brothers acknowledges the importance of his Louisiana roots and tenure at Louisiana Downs.
“Louisiana Downs was the place to be,” said Brothers.owner “The purses were good and I won my first training title there. We were very fortunate with the number of races offered.”
Brothers won the 1998 Super Derby with the Kentucky-bred Arch, owned by Claiborne Farms and Adele B. Dilschneider.
“When he was first starting out, he worked well, but didn’t ‘wow’ you,” explained Brothers. “He won his first race and we took him to Florida. We had options, but decided on the Super Derby. Shane Sellers, who rode quite a few for me, had another commitment, so Corey Nakatani, who had ridden for me before, got the victory.”
Winning the Super Derby meant a great deal to Brothers.
“There were two races in Louisiana I really wanted to win: the Super Derby and the Louisiana Derby,” he added. I was able to win the Louisiana Derby with Mighty. Both will always be special for me.”
One other Louisiana runner who stood out for Brothers was a filly named Monique Rene. The Louisiana-bred daughter of Prince of Ascot, was foaled in 1978 and won 29 of her 45 starts for owner John Franks.
“She had no pedigree, but just loved to run,” stated Brothers. “She laid it on the line every time she went to the racetrack.”
Brothers retired as a trainer ten years ago. His operation had expanded to Kentucky, where he won training title at both Churchill Downs and Keeneland. He loved his horses, but moving three to four times a year and the daily grind required to run a top racing operation, were key factors in his decision.
Life these days is very good for the 73-year-old Brothers, who remains involved in the industry as a blood stock agent and advisor. He has been married to former jockey and television racing broadcaster Donna Barton Brothers for 21 years. The couple resides in Louisville and also has a condo in Saratoga Springs.
“She’s great,” he proudly stated. “The best thing that ever happened to me!”
Brothers was inducted into the Fair Grounds Racing Hall of Fame in 1991 and in 2015, was the first Thoroughbred trainer to be inducted into the Louisiana Sport’s Hall of Fame.
“We were very pleased to name a stakes in honor of Frankie Brothers,” said David Heitzmann, Director of Racing at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs. “He had a tremendous legacy at Louisiana Downs, winning nine consecutive titles, and getting the respect from his owners, fans and fellow horsemen for the way he cared for each of his horses.”
Brothers will not be on hand to present the trophy to the winning connections of the stakes named in his honor due to his bloodstock and yearling sale obligations. However, the acknowledgment from Harrah’s Louisiana Downs meant a great deal to the acclaimed horseman.
“It’s quite an honor and I appreciated the call from David,” said Brothers. “I’m forever grateful for my time at Louisiana Downs, the number of races I was able to win and the wonderful horses and owners that made such an impact on my career.”
Nominations for the Super Derby Card Closed on August 24
Nominations have closed for Super Derby Day, which will take place on Saturday, September 7.Thecard, with a special post time of 12:00 pm (Central, will include seven stakes, highlighted by the Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby.
The Super Derby program will feature seven stakes, leading up to the Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby, for 3-year-olds going a mile and one-sixteenth on the main track. The Super Derby closed with 24 nominations, and included potential entrants from horsemen Brad Cox and Steve Asmussen, who have won the last two editions of the stakes.
Cox, who won the 2017 Super Derby (run on the turf) with Mr Misunderstood, has Night Ops, Crafty Daddy and Marquee Prince under consideration. Night Ops, owned by Steve Landers Racing is a son of Warriors Reward, who ran second in the Oaklawn Park Invitational, and most recently, third in the Ellis Park Derby. Lucky Seven Stables’ Crafty Daddy, sired by Scat Daddy, began his career at Fair Grounds and competed two graded stakes at Arlington Park, finishing fourth in the Grade 1, $500,000 Secretariat on August 10. Marquee Prince won the Black Gold Stakes earlier this year at Fair Grounds for owners Rick, Donna and Jeff Awtrey.
Asmussen, is currently the second-leading money earning trainer in North America. He won last year’s Super Derby with Limation for owner Michael Langford and has nominated three horses. Rotation, a colt by Tapit, bred and owned by Winchell Thoroughbreds, LLC was the favorite in the $60,000 Super Derby Prelude here on August 3, but stumbled out of the gate, then gamely battled to complete the superfecta. Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC also bred and owns another Tapit colt, Wicked Indeed, who ran fourth in both the Grade 3 LeComte at Fair Grounds and Sunland Derby at Sunland Park. The Hall of Fame conditioner has also nominated Vangilder, a stakes winner at Albuquerque for owner Chuck Hovitz.
Trainer Al Stall, Jr, who has won three previous editions of the Super Derby, is considering testing stakes company for the first time with Adele B. Dilschneider‘s homebred Rescind. The lightly raced son of Blame broke his maiden and won a $19,000 allowance here on August 12.
Ellis Park Derby champion Gray Magician, trained by Peter Miller, is another interesting nominee. The son of Graydar ran second in the UAE Derby (G2) before competing in the 2019 Kentucky Derby. He was bred in Kentucky by Twin Creeks Farm, whose founder, Steve Davison is an attorney and business owner in Ruston, Louisiana. Gray Magician has banked $738,710 in 11 starts for the ownership group of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Gary Barber and Wachtel Stable.
Leader of Men, owned by Walpole Racing LLC won the $60,000 Super Derby Prelude and is on track to run in the Super Derby. Trevilion, owned by Tigertail Ranch, who ran second and Paynt Battle for Norman Stables, LLC, are also under consideration.
The Super Derby, which had its first running in 1980 has a rich history. The illustrious list of past champions includes four Kentucky Derby winners, four Preakness Stakes winners, five Belmont Stakes winners and seven Travers Stakes winners. Six previous Super Derby entrants have won the prestigious Breeders’ Cup Classic and three Super Derby winners, Tiznow, Sunday Silence and Alysheba have been voted the Eclipse Award as Horse of the Year, the industry’s highest award.
The draw for Super Derby Day will take place on Saturday, August 31. The featured stakes are:
$60,000 Frank L. Brothers 3 YO & Up 1 1/16 miles (T)
$60,000 River Cities 3 YO & Up F&M 1 1/16 miles (T)
$60,000 Happy Ticket 2 YO Fillies One Mile (T)
$60,000 Sunday Silence 2 YO One Mile (T)
$300,000 SUPER DERBY (G3) 3 YO 1 1/16 miles
$60,000 A. L. (Red) Erwin 3 YO LA-Bred One Mile (T)
$60,000 Elge Rasberry 3 YO Fillies, LA-Bred One Mile (T)
Rachel McLaughlin Will be Onsite for Super Derby 40
Rachel McLaughlin, racing production manager and on-air talent at Indiana Grand, also one of the Caesars Entertainment horse racing properties, will make an appearance at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs on Saturday, September 7 for Super Derby 40. She and racing publicist Martha Claussenwill divide paddock previews and post-race stakes interviews as well as offering selections for the entire card. McLaughlin will also meet and greet fans at the track’s simulcast OTB.
“Now that Louisiana Downs and Indiana Grand are part of Caesars Entertainment, we have utilized Rachel’s handicapping expertise each week with our Super Tuesday Pick 4 wager,” said Eric Halstrom, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Vice President of Operations. “She has a tremendous following on social media and will be a welcome addition to our Super Derby 40 team.”
Super Derby Festival 40 Golf Tournament Set for August 29
On Thursday, August 29, the Super Derby Festival 40 Charity Golf Tournament will be held at Northwood Hills Golf Club in 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.
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.
Wiener Dog Races Return on Labor Day
Harrah’s Louisiana Downs will present a fun-filled Labor Day program with live Thoroughbred races and the always popular Wiener Dog Races on Monday, September 2. The fun starts at 11:00am. The first Wiener Dog race begins at 12pm with the Championship Race at approximately 2:00 pm. There will also be race heats for children. Proceeds to benefit K9 Karma Service Dogs. Families can enjoy a children’s area including a petting zoo (free admission) located on the Racing Apron. Face Painting will be available for an additional charge. Also, Food Trucks from across the region will be serving up great local bites for purchase.
Super Derby Festivities Set for Saturday, September 7
Several promotions and special events are planned for Super Derby 40 so that both racing fans and families will have an enjoyable afternoon at the racetrack.
Watch and wager on the Super Derby Card in the air-conditioned comfort of the Harrah’s Club. An All You Can Eat Buffet offering for $39.99 per person will be available, beginning at 11:00 am. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made by calling 318-752-6367. An upscale buffet, thee Super Derby 40 in the Sky, will also be available for $49.99 per person. Reservations are required: 318-752-6367.
At 10:30 am, a Jockey Meet and Greet and Autograph Signing will take place in the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs main entrance area. A photo of the riders will be available for $5.00 with the proceeds to benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund(PDJF).
Louisiana Downs track announcer John McGary and regional racing publicist Martha Claussen will team up for a pre-race handicapping preview at 11:00 am in the Inside Rail, located on the first floor of the grandstand. They will offer detailed analysis of the Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby as well as their selections for each of the races on the Super Derby card.
Also beginning at 11:00 am, a Children’s Area will open on the Racing Apron. Face Painting is available for an additional charge. Children can join in the fun with the Super Derby Stilt Walkers and Hula Hoop Stars! Food Trucks from across the region will be serving up great local bites for purchase.
Also at 12:00 pm, registration begins for the Super Derby Ladies Hat Contest. Hats will be judged in three categories: Spirit of Louisiana, Classic and Most Original. The winners will receive $100 cash.
The Food Truck Face-Off will take place after the 3rd race. Competitors will have five minutes to scarf down some of the yummiest foods available for purchase on the Racing Apron. Seven popular local celebrities and three participants from the crowd will compete to win, not only bragging rights, but $250 in cash.
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.
Bossier City, LA – Jockey Joel Dominguez has made the most of his three-year tenure at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs.
He began riding here in 2017 as an apprentice, winning 31 races that year and returning in 2018, losing his bug on May 22, but transitioning smoothly to the journeyman ranks. He wrapped up the Louisiana Downs meet as the third-leading rider with 66 wins, completing the year (at Delta Downs) with 83 wins and $1.1 million in purses. This year, he has already won 70 races with five more weeks remaining in the 2019 Louisiana Downs Thoroughbred season.
The 29-year-old rider offers his explanation on the success he is having in 2019.
“Horsemen know me a lot better now,” stated Dominguez. “I am getting greater opportunities and feeling more confident.”
One of his most special victories came on Louisiana Cup Day, Saturday,
August 3, when he won the first stakes of his career. The win came in the final feature of the afternoon, the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint aboard Diamond Cutter. The 7-year-old mare, owned by World War IV Racing, advanced steadily under Dominguez, drawing off to a 3 ½ length win in the six-furlong event. Trained by Dwight Viator, she was sent off as the seventh choice in the eight-horse field, rewarding her backers with a $23 win payout.
“I really enjoyed that race,” he said. “She was not one of the favorites, so I just wanted to do my best. She really responded and it was a great feeling to win my first stakes!”
There was only one grin bigger than the smile on the face of Dominguez, and that belonged to his agent, Don Simington.
“I broke her maiden as a 2-year-old and rode her several times when she was trained by Pam Simpson,” said Simington. “She never ran that well for me!”
Simington, one of the top riders in Texas and Louisiana for three decades, retired in 2015 after winning over 3,400 races. He has been a key factor in the success of Dominguez.
“Don has won a lot of races and has given me great advice and feedback,” explained Dominguez. “Trainers know him well and he works hard to book me on good horses.”
Dominguez was athletic as a child growing up in Durango, Mexico, playing soccer and then becoming a boxer; undefeated in his weight class. He moved to Kentucky and learned to ride under the tutelage of his brother-in-law Pablo Teutla. Dominguez galloped for Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen as well as the highly respected Kentucky-based conditioner, Neil Howard.
The Harrah’s Louisiana Downs live racing season will conclude on September 25 and Dominguez is locked in a contentious battle with fellow rider Carlos Lozada, with just one win separating them. It would be the first leading rider title for Dominguez; who is supported by his wife, Janet, and two sons.
“I prefer not to think about it and put too much pressure on myself,” admitted Dominguez. “All I can do is continue to work hard and improve my skills. I have always done well getting horses out of the gate and driving to the wire. This year, I feel that I have done a better job of saving ground and getting in better position in the route races. It’s been a great season and I thank all the trainers who have given me mounts.”
Super Derby Nominations Close on Saturday, August 24
The Harrah’s Louisiana Downs racing office is busy taking nominations this week for Super Derby Day on Saturday, September 7.Thecard will include seven stakes, highlighted by the Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby.
The top four finishers from the $60,000 Super Derby Prelude on August 3 have received invitations to return for the mile and one-sixteenth main track championship. They include winner Leader of Men, owned by Walpole Racing LLC; Trevilion, owned by Tigertail Ranch, who ran second and Paynt Battle for Norman Stables, LLC. The fourth-place finisher, Rotation stumbled out of the gate, almost unseating jockey Richard Eramia, but battled to complete the superfecta. The colt by Tapit, bred and owned by Winchell Thoroughbreds, LLC is trained by Hall of Fame conditioner Steve Asmussen, who won last year’s Super Derby with Limation.
The nominations do not close until Saturday, August 24, but several noted horsemen have expressed interest. Brad Cox, who won the 2017 Super Derby (run on the turf) with Mr Misunderstood, has nominated four runners. Also, Ellis Park Derby champion Gray Magician, trained by Peter Miller, has been nominated. The son of Graydar ran second in the UAE Derby (G2) before competing in the 2019 Kentucky Derby.
In addition, Mary Rampellini, correspondent and handicapper for the Daily Racing Form, interviewed trainer Al Stall, Jr, who ran Prelude winner Autumn Warrior last year. Stall, who has won three previous editions of the Super Derby, has several runners in mind, including Adele B. Dilschneider‘s homebred Rescind.
A full list of nominations will be posted on Monday and the draw for the Super Derby Card will take place this Saturday, August 31.
Noon Post Set for Super Derby Day on Saturday, September 7
An early post time of 12:00 pm (Central) is planned for the Super Derby card. The program will feature the following seven stakes:
$60,000 Frank L. Brothers 3 YO & Up 1 1/16 miles (T)
$60,000 River Cities 3 YO & Up F&M 1 1/16 miles (T)
$60,000 Happy Ticket 2 YO Fillies One Mile (T)
$60,000 Sunday Silence 2 YO One Mile (T)
$300,000 SUPER DERBY (G3) 3 YO 1 1/16 miles
$60,000 A. L. (Red) Erwin 3 YO LA-Bred One Mile (T)
$60,000 Elge Rasberry 3 YO Fillies, LA-Bred One Mile (T)
Super Derby Festivities Set for Saturday, September 7
Several promotions and special events are planned for Super Derby 40 so that both racing fans and families will have an enjoyable afternoon at the racetrack.
Watch and wager on the Super Derby Card in the air-conditioned comfort of the Harrah’s Club. An All You Can Eat Buffetoffering for $39.99 per person will be available, beginning at 11:00 am. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made by calling 318-752-6367. An upscale buffet, thee Super Derby 40 in the Sky, will also be available for $49.99 per person. Reservations are required: 318-752-6367.
At 10:30 am, a Jockey Meet and Greet and Autograph Signing will take place in the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs main entrance area. A photo of the riders will be available for $5.00 with the proceeds to benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund(PDJF).
Louisiana Downs track announcer John McGary and regional racing publicist Martha Claussen will team up for a pre-race handicapping preview at 11:00 am in the Inside Rail, located on the first floor of the grandstand. They will offer detailed analysis of the Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby as well as their selections for each of the races on the Super Derby card.
Also beginning at 11:00 am, a Children’s Area will open on the Racing Apron. Face Painting is available for an additional charge. Children can join in the fun with the Super Derby Stilt Walkers and Hula Hoop Stars! Food Trucks from across the region will be serving up great local bites for purchase.
Also at 12:00 pm, registration begins for the Super Derby Ladies Hat Contest. Hats will be judged in three categories: Spirit of Louisiana, Classic and Most Original. The winners will receive $100 cash.
The Food Truck Face-Off will take place after the 3rd race. Competitors will have five minutes to scarf down some of the yummiest foods available for purchase on the Racing Apron. Seven popular local celebrities and three participants from the crowd will compete to win, not only bragging rights, but $250 in cash.
Super Derby Festival 40 Golf Tournament Set for August 29
On Thursday, August 29, the Super Derby Festival 40 Charity Golf Tournament will be held 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.
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 22. For further information, please contact Jennifer Sokol at (318) 741-2512.
Labor Day Festivities Set for Monday, September 2
Harrah’s Louisiana Downs will present a fun-filled Labor Day program with live Thoroughbred races and the always popular Wiener Dog Races on Monday, September 2nd. The fun starts at 11:00am. The first Wiener Dog race begins at 12pm with the Championship Race at approximately 2:00 pm. There will also be race heats for children. Proceeds to benefit K9 Karma Service Dogs. Families can enjoy a children’s area including a petting zoo (free admission) located on the Racing Apron. Face Painting will be available for an additional charge.
Food Trucks from across the region will be serving up great local bites for purchase.
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.
You must be logged in to post a comment.