Category: The Backside Benevolence Fund

CAMEL AND OSTRICH RACES RETURN TO LOUISIANA DOWNS ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

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Solid Handle Increase Noted on Louisiana Cup Day

 

Bossier City, LA – As a result of the enthusiast response from racing fans of all ages, Louisiana Downs will once again present Camel and Ostrich Races on Sunday, September 5. The Bossier City racetrack welcomed the exotic animals on Sunday, May 30 to the delight of the crowd. The wildly popular special event, combined with live Thoroughbred racing and simulcast racing from tracks across the country, will make for a very enjoyable Labor Day weekend outing.

 

The first live Thoroughbred race runs at 2:45 pm (Central) with the 100-yard camel race to be run following the fourth race of the afternoon (approximately 4:15 pm) and the super speedy ostriches scheduled to take to the track after race six.

 

For further details on Labor Day weekend racing and festivities at Louisiana Downs, click HERE.

 

Louisiana Cup Day Handle Success

Louisiana Cup Day on Saturday, August 21 featured six $50,000 stakes for Louisiana Thoroughbreds. The annual afternoon of racing salutes the breeders, owners, trainersand jockeys who give so much to the Louisiana Thoroughbred industry. It was also an excellent day regarding handle with a total of $1,440,039 million wagered on the seven-race card.  That represented an increase from the 2020 Louisiana Cup day handle of $1,210,487 with eight races on the program.

 

Officials had requested permission from the Louisiana State Racing Commission to offer the Pick 5 wager with a mandatory payout. With the carryover of $349,000heading into August 21, the pool reached $476,970.  Plenty of handicappers put together winning tickets and were rewarded with a payout of $3,353.

 

Race 3     $50,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff                              Net a Bear                   $4.40

Race 4     $50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile                             True Deal                    $12.60

Race 5     $50,000 Louisiana Cup Sprint                                Chu Chu’s Legacy      $15.80

Race 6     $50,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic                      Carlea’s Dream           $5.80

Race 7     $50,000 Louisiana Cup Filly & Mare Sprint          Strong Beauty             $10.80

 

“We were very pleased with this year’s Louisiana Cup Day,” said David Heitzmann, Louisiana Downs Director of Racing. “We were able to run stakes on the main track as well as the turf and  our horseplayers responded very well to the Pick 5 wager which boosted our handle for the day. We thank our horsemen and fans for their support of our premier day of racing!”

 

Registration Still Open for the Annual Charity Golf Tournament

Louisiana Downs will host its annual Charity Golf Tournament at Northwood Hills Golf Club in Shreveport, Louisiana on Wednesday September 1.The event will benefit The Winner’s Circle Church and Chaplain Jimmy Sistrunk for his many programs to assist the Louisiana Downs racing community and backstretch workers.

 

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. Trophies will be presented to the first, second and third-place teams.

 

The deadline to enter is Wednesday, August 25th. 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.  For further information, please contact Jennifer Sokol at (318) 741-2512 or (318) 573-5830.

 

Louisiana Downs Trainer, Jockey and Owner Standings

Through August 24, Shane Wilson leads his fellow conditioners with 42 wins since the 2021 Thoroughbred meet began on May 1.  Joey Foster has saddled 32 winners and Joe Duhon rounds out the top three with 27 wins.

 

Joel Dominguez, who won the title last year, is currently on top of the jockey standings with 67 wins. Also having an excellent meet is 2019 leading rider Carlos Lozada with 65 victories and Emanuel Nieves with 59 trips to the winner’s circle.

 

Competition is also very tight in the battle for leader owner with Wayne T. Davis in the lead with 21 wins. End Zone Athletics Inc. follows with 18 victories and Dream Walkin Farms Inc. is in third place with 16 wins.

 

Live racing takes place Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday until the conclusion of the 2021 Thoroughbred meet on Tuesday, September 21.

 

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.

 

JOCKEY JOEL DOMINGUEZ SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS AT HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS

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In Pursuit of His First Leading Rider Title

 

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. The card 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.

HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS TO HOST SUPER DERBY FESTIVAL 40 GOLF TOURNAMENT ON AUGUST 29, 2019

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Annual Fundraiser Moves to Northwood Hills Golf Club This Year

 

Bossier City, LA – Harrah’s Louisiana Downs supports many worthy charities and causes. Last Saturday, officials donated $1,000 to support the Shantel Lanerie Breast Cancer Foundation and fans lent their support with purchasing caps, t-shirts and jockey autograph signings.

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Attendees can register in person in the Louisiana Downs Racing office, or by mail. Checks should be payable to The Backside Benevolence Fund and mailed to:  Jennifer Sokol, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, 8000 East Texas Street, Bossier City, Louisiana, 71111.

 

The deadline for registration is August 22. Hole sponsorships for $100, including a sign, are available, but must be purchased by August 16.  For further information, please contact Jennifer Sokol at (318) 741-2512.

 

Super Derby Prelude Winner Leader of Men Sets Sights on the Super Derby

Louisiana Cup Day at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs took place on Saturday, August 3. The card was highlighted by the running of the $60,000 Super Derby Prelude.

 

Leader of Men, owned by Walpole Racing LLC, 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; trainer Jodie Hodges and jockey Hector Del-Cid.

 

The son of War Front, out of the Unaccounted For mare Refugee, had won three consecutive races at Louisiana Downs and Hodges was confident that his charge would handle the jump to the stakes level.  He described the May 28th foal, as a “big kid”, who was finally getting the hang of his job.

 

Hodges confirmed that Leader of Men came out of the race in great shape and would advance to the Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby on Saturday, September 7.

 

“We hand-walked him on Sunday and he went to the track Monday morning,” said Hodges. “We had to; he loves his works and our goal is to keep him happy.”

 

One very important part of the team is groom Daniel Broussard, who Kevin Walpole mentioned in his post-race interview.

 

“They have a solid bond,” confirmed Hodges. “Leader of Men will bite me and pretty much everyone who comes near him, but not Daniel.”

 

It was also the first stakes win for Hodges, born in Fort Worth, Texas, who has enjoyed his time with the Kentucky-bred half-brother to Hoppertunity, since he arrived in Louisiana in February. His top horse prior to Leader of Men was Texas-bred Chief Three Sox, who won both the Chick Lang Memorial and Texas Racing Hall of Fame stakes in 2000 at Retama Park.

 

Hodges knows that the competition will be tough on September 7.

 

“I’m not going to worry about it,” he stated. “This horse has done everything we have asked of him and we are proud of what he has done here.”

 

 

Noon Post Set for Super Derby Day on Saturday, September 7

Harrah’s Louisiana Downs is preparing for Super Derby Day which will take place on Saturday, September 7. An early post time of 12:00 pm (Central) is planned for the Super Derby card. Nominations close on August 24 for 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)

 

Trainer, Jockey and Owner Standings

As of August 6, Joey Foster tops his fellow conditioners with 38 wins this meet. Karl Broberg is second with 30 firsts.  Beverly Burress has saddled 21 winners and Joe Duhon follows with  12 wins.

 

Carlos Lozada has been steady throughout the 2019 Thoroughbred meet and remains in the current leader in the jockey standings with 66 wins. Joel Dominguez is second with 64 victories, including a stakes score aboard Diamond Cutter in the $50,000 Louisiana Filly and Mare Sprint on Louisiana Cup Day. Richard Eramia, who had been dividing his time between Lone Star Park and Louisiana Downs, has made 43 trips the winner’s circle. Rounding out the top four is Aubrie Green, who has won 33 races this season.

 

End Zone Athletics, Inc. has a firm command in the owner standings with 17 wins. Dream Walkin Farms, Inc. follows nine victories and Indian Creek Thoroughbred Farms LLC, Ronnie P. Ward, Albert Salmon, Jr, Penny Scarberry and Margaret Lanetta Haas are tied for third with seven wins each

 

About Harrah’s Louisiana Downs

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

HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS TO HOST RACING HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY ON SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2019

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

LAD Racing Hall of Fame Owner

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

 

LAD Racing Hall of Fame Trainer

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

 

 

LAD Racing Hall of Fame Contributor

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

 

 

 

LAD Racing Hall of Fame Jockey

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

 

LAD Racing Hall of Fame Horses

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

 

 

Super Tuesday Pick 4 Pays $797 on July 9

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

Super Derby Festival 40 Charity Golf Tournament Set for August 29

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

Attendees can register in person in the Louisiana Downs Racing office, or by mail. Checks should be payable to The Backside Benevolence Fund and mailed to:  Jennifer Sokol, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, 8000 East Texas Street, Bossier City, Louisiana, 71111.

 

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

 

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

 

 

About Harrah’s Louisiana Downs

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

 

JOCKEY EMANUEL NIEVES SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS AT HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS

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Native of Puerto Rico in Pursuit of His First Leading Rider Title

 

Bossier City, LA – Emanuel Nieves is a young rider with a tremendous work ethic coupled with plenty of skill in the saddle. He is 25-years-old, but many people mistake him for a teenager. However, he is quietly earning the respect of many horsemen and horseplayers in Louisiana with his versatile riding style and well-timed finishes.

 

Born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, a municipality south of San Juan, Nieves had an opportunity to attend Puerto Rico’s Escuela Vocational Hipica, the famed jockey school with a noted list of graduates that have reached the top ranks in North America.

 

“It is a two-year program and I was there at the same time as Jose Ortiz,” said Nieves. “His brother Irad was there the year before and I got to know them both. They are really good people.”

 

In 2012, Nieves made his United States debut at Finger Lakes in New York. He rode his first winner on December 5, guiding Wachiwi to victory in a $9,000 claiming race. Louisiana-based agent Angel Cordero called him and offered to take his book at Delta Downs, so he headed south and has ridden at each of the four Louisiana racetracks in the past six years.

 

Last year, Nieves got the call from respected former rider and jockey agent Ronald Ardoin encouraging him to come to Louisiana Downs.

 

“I was doing well at Evangeline Downs, and still ride there on my days off,” said Nieves. “Ronald has such good relationships with horsemen, I felt it would be a good move.”

 

Last year, Nieves won 47 races, finishing sixth in the standings. He is the current leading jockey with 56 wins, seven more than last year’s top rider, Gerardo Mora.

 

Nieves has not had a slew of stakes wins at Louisiana Downs, but scored with Sunny Oak last year in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint.

 

Two weeks ago, he guided Cabo’s Rumor owned by Northpointe Thoroughbreds to victory in the $60,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenilefor Louisiana-bred 2-year-old colts and geldings.   The son of Amanecer de Oro ran fourth to the highly regarded Pickett in the D S Shine Futurity last month at Evangeline Downs and Nieves felt he and his mount learned from that stakes foray.

 

“He’s a pretty nice baby,” stated Nieves. “He didn’t like the dirt hitting him at Evangeline, so in the Louisiana Downs stakes, I tried to keep him clear of the field. At the 3/8th pole, I asked him and he responded perfectly.”

 

Nieves appreciates the hard work of his agent in getting him an abundance of quality mounts. He rides for a multitude of trainers including Joey Foster, Al Stall, Jr., Karl Broberg, H. B. Johnson, Joe Duhon, Beverly Burress, Jose Camejo, Sarah Delany, Tommy Ives and Michael McEachern.

 

On Monday’s card, Nieves rode three winners for three different barns, including a game victory in the fourth aboard Pickett’s Deelite ($17.60) for trainer Joey Foster.

 

Foster knows Nieves well and is a prominent supporter of the young rider.

 

“Every day he shows up at the barn, even on his days off.” explained Foster. “He has an excellent work ethic; he’s polite and very professional.”

 

This would be the first leading rider title for Nieves, and Foster is optimistic that it will come to fruition.

 

“He deserves it,” said Foster. “Emanuel might look like a kid, but sure doesn’t act like one. This is what he loves to do; we would all be happy to see him become the leading rider.”

 

With the Louisiana Downs meet continuing through September 27, Nieves is not over confident, but hopeful that he will win the first title of his career.

 

“It would be amazing and mean a lot,” said Nieves. “I could not have gotten this far without the support of a great team behind me. I work hard every day and am very thankful the opportunity to ride so many good horses.”

 

Nieves remains close to both Ortiz brothers and cites John Velazquez as another jockey he respects. Jose Ortiz, currently the #1 ranked rider in earnings, according to Equibase statistics, took time from his base in Saratoga to compliment Nieves.

 

“Emanuel is a great person and after two years at the Jockey School, he is like a brother to me,” said Ortiz. “He always wanted to help others and I am very proud of him!”

 

Noon Post Time Set for Super Derby Day

The Louisiana Downs racing office is preparing for their next big stakes day on Sunday, September 2. An early post time of 12:00 pm(Central) is planned for the Super Derby card. Nominations close on August 18 for the seven stakes, which include:

 

$60,000 Unbridled                                          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 Charity Golf Tournament Set for August 23

The Super Derby Charity Golf Tournament will be held on Thursday, August 23, at Querbes Golf Course in Shreveport, Louisiana.

 

The event will benefit Chaplain Jimmy Sistrunk & The Winner’s Circle Church, 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, set for Sunday, September 2.

 

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 16. Hole sponsorships for $100, including a sign, are available, but must be purchased by August 1.

 

For further information, please contact Jennifer Sokol, Louisiana Downs Racing Office Manager at (318) 741-2512.

 

About Harrah’s Louisiana Downs

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