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Tag: Louisiana
Consignment forms available now for LTBA’s 2022 Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana Yearling Sale
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Un Ojo to Bypass Preakness Due to Foot Bruise
The same issue kept the grade 2 winner from starting in the Kentucky Derby (G1).
Un Ojo will not run in the May 21 Preakness Stakes (G1) because of a bruised foot, according to trainer Ricky Courville.
The same injury that kept the son of Laoban out of the May 7 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) has flared up.
“This morning his foot was a little warm again,” Louisiana-based Courville said May 16. “The vets went over him, and he’s not 100%. I’m dealing with the same thing. I guess the work kind of re-aggravated it.”
The one-eyed gelding last worked May 14 at Churchill Downs where he breezed five furlongs in 1:02. The foot issue began following his prior work April 30, also at Churchill.
LOUISIANA DOWNS AMENDS WEEKEND POST TIMES FOR THE 2022 THOROUGHBRED LIVE RACING SEASON EFFECTIVE SATURDAY, MAY 21
First Race Will Begin on 1:45 pm(Central) Saturday and Sunday
Bossier City, LA – Louisiana Downs kicked off its annual Thoroughbred meet on Saturday, May 7 with perfect weather and a packed house.
New owner Kevin Preston and Mitch Dennison, Louisiana Downs General Manager of Racing, are pleased with the tremendous support from the horsemen and racing fans and look forward to another excellent turnout for Saturday’s live racing and simulcast of the 147th Preakness Stakes.
“We were thrilled with our opening day crowd here for both live racing and the simulcast of the Kentucky Derby,” said Mitch Dennison, Louisiana Downs General Manager of Racing. “From our suite level to the apron, fans were having a great time and told our team members that they would be back on a regular basis. We are committed to making Louisiana Downs a top sports and entertainment destination, and opening day surpassed our expectations. We are excited to build on this momentum in the months to come.”
Trainer Joey Foster, who resides in nearby Benton, Louisiana, has been a very loyal supporter of his home track and applauds the efforts of Preston, Dennison and the entire team.
“I’m 110% behind them,” said Foster. “Mitch is a horseman and is on the backside every morning making sure things are going well. We have an excellent turf course and the main track is well-managed and kind to our young horses. Kevin has big plans and with Sports wagering and Historical racing machines, there will be more revenue for the horsemen. They have the wheels in motion and we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel!”
Preakness Festivities Planned for Saturday, May 21
The 147th Preakness Stakes in Baltimore Maryland will take place on Saturday, May 21. Louisiana Downs will simulcast each of the races from Pimlico Race Course. The nine horse field will not include Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike, but Derby runner-up Epicenter as well Kentucky Oaks winner Secret Oath, are two of the quality 3-year-olds expected draw considerable attention. Louisiana Downs will celebrate the second leg of racing’s Triple Crown with live racing, and Family fun events including Bounce Houses, Face Painting as well as several of the top Food Trucks in the Metroplex. Additionally, there will be a Swipe2Win promotion at the Racing Promotional kiosks beginning at 11am. Guests can win free wagers, bonus points, and more!
Post Time to Be Moved to 1:45 PM for Saturday and Sunday Beginning May 21
A modification to the weekend post times for the 2022 Thoroughbred meet will go into effect this Saturday. The first race will begin at 1:45 pm (Central) on Saturday and Sunday and remain at 3:05 pm for the Monday and Tuesday cards. Projected post times are as follows:
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY POST TIMES , FIRST POST: 1:45 PM (CST)
Race 1- 1:45 pm
Race 2- 2:13 pm
Race 3- 2:41 pm
Race 4- 3:09 pm
Race 5- 3:37 pm
Race 6- 4:05 pm
Race 7- 4:33 pm
MONDAY AND TUESDAY POST TIMES , FIRST POST: 3:05 PM (CST)
Race 1 3:05pm
Race 2 3:33pm
Race 3 4:01pm
Race 4 4:28pm
Race 5 4:55pm
Race 6 5:22 pm
Race 7 5:49pm
Gino Buccola Joins Louisiana Downs as Racing Analyst
Louisiana Downs is pleased to welcome Gino Buccola as their on-air analyst, joining track announcer John McGary to preview each of the live Thoroughbred races. He will offer his pre-race selections, post-race analysis as well as Pick 4 plays. The California native was an analyst at TVG before branching out on his own and coordinating a variety of racing and sports experts to appear on his popular and entertaining That’s What G Said Podcast.
Exotic Animal Racing Returns on Monday, May 30
Memorial Day will mark the return of the wildly popular Exotic Animal Races, featuring Ostrich, Camel and Zebra races as well as Thoroughbred races to entertain fans of all ages. Family activities on the trackside apron begin at 11:00 am with Face Painting, a Bounce House, Water Slide and more! Some of the top Food trucks in the Shreveport/BossierCity metroplex will be onsite throughout the afternoon. For more information, visit ladowns.com.
Trainer and Jockey Standings
Shane Wilson, who was honored as 2021 Louisiana Down leading trainer, is off to a great start with seven wins. Joey Foster and Greg Tracy are tied for second in the standings with six wins each and Hall of Fame conditioner Steve Asmussen follows with four victories to date. Jose Guerrero has the early lead in the rider standings with nine wins since the meet began on May 7. Last year’s leading jockey Carlos Lozada is second with eight trips to the winner’s circle, followed by Emanuel Nieves (seven wins) and Joel Dominguez (five victories). Another prominent addition to the Louisiana Downs jockey colony is Calvin Borel. The Louisiana native has won 5,265 races in his 39-year career, but is most famous for his rail-skimming ride aboard Mine That Bird in the 2009 Kentucky Derby.
Louisiana Downs Racing Dates and Post Time
The 2022 Thoroughbred meet at Louisiana Downs got underway on Saturday, May 7. The 84-day live racing season will run Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday through September 27. Post time on Saturday and Sunday is 1:45 pm (Central) and 3:05 pm on Monday and Tuesday. For details on simulcasting and special events, visit ladowns.com.
About Louisiana Downs
Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and is now owned by Rubico Acquisition Corporation. With annual Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing seasons, the track is committed to presenting the highest quality racing programs paired with its 150,000 square foot entertainment complex offering casino gambling, dining and plasma screen televisions for sports and simulcast racing.
WHO TOOK THE MONEY CHARGES TO VICTORY IN THE $60,000 EVANGELINE DOWNS CLASSIC
ALLIED RACING STABLE RUNNERS COMPLETE WEEKEND STAKES SWEEP
OPELOUSAS, LA –Deshawn Parker capped off a big weekend stakes sweep with a victory aboard Who Took the Money in the $60,000 EVD Classic at Evangeline Downs on Saturday night. The race for 4-year-old and up Louisiana-bred runners was contested at the distance of one mile over a track rated fast.
Father Goose and Maga Man both broke sharply and set off in a spirited duel into the clubhouse turn. Highland Creek and Drewhustle were on the chase, while Who Took the Money was allowed to relax near the back of the field. The opening quarter-mile was covered in a swift 23.36 seconds, and the early battle continued through a half-mile in 46.55 seconds. As the field moved through the far turn, Highland Creek, the other Allied Racing Stables, LLC (Chester Thomas) runner in the field, was in a striking position just behind the leaders, while Relentless Dancer ranged up with a wide bid. Deshawn Parker and Who Took the Money were just starting to begin their run but were still seventh as the field move past six furlongs in 1:12.00 seconds.
As the field moved to the top of the lane, Highland Creek surged to the lead, Venn was moving through some traffic, while Who Took the Money was gaining with a six-wide move. At the furlong marker Highland Creek was 1-1/2 lengths in front, but stablemate Who Took the Money was moving fastest in the center of the racetrack. The two Bret Calhoun trainees were well clear of the field in the final yards, with Who Took the Money rushing past for a ½-length victory. Runner-up Highland Creek was 3-1/2 lengths clear of the third-place finisher Venn. The final time for the mile was 1:37.90 seconds.
Who Took the Money earned $36,000 for the victory, his seventh from 11 career starts. The winning purse increased his lifetime earnings to $286,677.
The 4-year-old gelding was bred in Louisiana by Allied Racing Stable, LLC. Sired by Street Boss, the chestnut is out of the Speightstown mare Speights’ Colony.
Who Took the Money, sent off as the wagering favorite, rewarded backers with a $4.40 win price, $2.60 to place and $2.40 to show. Highland Creek paid $3.60 to place and $2.60 to show. Venn, the longest shot on the board at 41-1, paid $7.80 to show.
Live racing resumes on Wednesday with a 5:30pm first post. The Evangeline Downs Thoroughbred season runs on a Wednesday thru Saturday schedule until August 27.
WINNING ROMANCE CRUISES TO VICTORY IN THE $60,000 EVANGELINE DOWNS DISTAFF
BRET CALHOUN TRAINED RUNNERS FINISH FIRST AND SECOND
OPELOUSAS, LA –A derby weekend crowd was treated to a skillful ride by jockey Deshawn Parker aboard Winning Romance in the $60,000 EVD Distaff at Evangeline Downs on Saturday night. The race for Louisiana-bred older fillies and mares was contested at the distance of one mile over a track rated fast.
Winning Romance tossed her head slightly just as the gates opened and was away a step slower than her rivals but was able to make it to the lead heading into the clubhouse turn. She’s Gone d’Wild and Offspring were away quickest but settled into tracking positions behind the Bret Calhoun trainee. After making the lead, Winning Romance was able to set very moderate fractions early, with an opening quarter-mile in 25.72 seconds and a half-mile in a pedestrian 50.96 seconds. Offspring was tracking the leader from a half-length back, while She’s Gone d’Wild, Snowball and Net a Bear were closely grouped in the compact field.
The Allied Racing Stable, LLC (Chester Thomas) runner was traveling comfortably moving into the turn as She’s Gone d’Wild turned up the pressure with a bid along the rail. Snowball had maneuvered through some traffic and was angling for a three-wide bid as the leaders passed six furlongs in 1:15.53 seconds. As the field turned for home, Winning Romance maintained a slim advantage, and responded when called upon by Parker nearing the furlong marker. She was able to edge clear in the final yards, with the winning margin 1-3/4 lengths. She’s Gone d’Wild, also trained by Calhoun, was able to hold second 2-1/4 lengths clear of Snowball and Net a Bear, who finished in a dead-heat for third. The final running time for the mile was 1:39.65 seconds.
Winning Romance earned $36,000 for the victory, her fifth from 15 career starts. The winner’s share of the purse increased her lifetime earnings to $253,446.
The 4-year-old filly was bred in Louisiana by Allied Racing Stable, LLC. Sired by First Samurai, the chestnut is out of the Flatter mare Lipstick Junky.
Winning Romance, sent off as the wagering favorite, returned $3.60 to win, $2.40 to place and $2.10 to show. She’s Gone d’Wild paid $5 to place and $2.40 to show. Snowball and Net a Bear each paid $2.10 to show.
LOUISIANA DOWNS 2022 THOROUGHBRED LIVE RACING SEASON TO GET UNDERWAY ON SATURDAY, MAY 7
Opening Day Features the Simulcast of the 148th Kentucky Derby
Bossier City, LA – Louisiana Downs will kick off its 2022 Thoroughbred racing season on Saturday, May 7. Opening day will feature seven live races beginning at 3:05 pm (Central) and the simulcast of the 148th Kentucky Derby.
In addition to enjoying live racing and the entire card from Churchill Downs, fans can enjoy the day from the suite level or on trackside apron with culinary delights from the most popular food trucks in Shreveport-Bossier City. Families are welcome with Face Painting, a Bounce House and other children’s games and activities, beginning at 11:00 am.
Shane Wilson Ready to Defend His Trainer Title
Shane Wilson topped his fellow conditioners in the 2021 live Thoroughbred season with 55 victories. He will return for his third year of running a string at Louisiana Downs, and is optimistic that his success will continue.
Wilson has a long history at Louisiana Downs, which began when he was 14-years-old hot walker for the legendary Jack Van Berg. He saddled his first winner in 1998 and had the best year of career last year.The Haughton, Louisiana resident won 79 races, with a 50% in the money statistic and purses in excess of $1.4 million.
“Each horse is so different,” stated Wilson. “What I love about claiming horses is figuring out what someone else hasn’t!”
A perfect example was in February, 2021 with Emerald Forest who Wilson claimed from Joe Sharp for $15,000 at Fair Grounds. It was one of Wilson’s toughest conversations as owner Wayne T. Davis was not on board. However, Wilson was strongly convinced that the gelding by Gemologist was not suited for the turf and would fare better on the main track.
His intuition of the Louisiana-bred was rewarded with a maiden special weight victory on April 6 andwins in three of his four starts at Louisiana Downs. On July 13, he set a new seven-furlong track record of 1:21.07, drawing off by ten-lengths under jockey Jose Guerrero.
Knowing each horse well is the foundation of the Wilson blueprint. His top earner, Grade 3 winner,Mocito Rojo ($901,063), will run this year with his first official work coming soon.
Wilson gives credit to his owners for their tremendous support. In addition to Wayne T. Davis, who was the 2021 leading owner at Louisiana Downs, he has long term associations with Jim Reeves as well as David and Kevin Fontenot.
“They have all trusted me with their horses, and each care deeply for me and my family,” added Wilson, whose wife Becky is and integral part of his operation. Their two sons, Peyton and, Connor, who attend LSU, help out when they can.
Wilson also shows his loyalty to jockey Jose Guerrero, who will ride first call for the barn this meet, as well as Jack Gilligan who is named on five mounts this weekend.
“Jose has the talent, works hard and is a very strong finisher,” he explained. “Jack is returning to Louisiana Downs, and I feel he will be a good fit for our stable.”
The competition for the training title will be fierce with Joey Foster, the runner-up last year returning with a full barn. Joe Duhon, Karl Broberg, Steve Asmussen, H. B. Johnson, Ronnie Ward, Philip Dison, Jose Camejo, Patti Turner, H. B. Johnson, Patrick Mouton, Judy Beavin, Lee Thomas, Alfonso Balderas and Rylee Grudizien will also run this season.
Mitch Dennison is the newly appointed General Manager of Racing and is pleased with the support of returning horsemen as well as several new conditioners who have applied for stalls this season. Dennison and his team will host a Horsemen’s Lunch on Wednesday, May 4 at 11:00 am in the Sky Box, located on the fourth floor of the facility.
“Louisiana Downs owner Kevin Preston and I are committed to listening to the needs of our horsemen and working closely with them to ensure a successful live racing season,” said Dennison. “Our meetings have been very productive, and we look forward to an excellent opening weekend!”
Carlos Lozada Leads a Strong Jockey Colony
Carlos Lozada who won his first title here in 2019, clinched top honors once again last year. The 37-year-old native of Puerto Rico began riding in the United States in 2007 after attending Puerto Rico’s Escuela Vocational Hipica, the famed jockey school with a noted list of riders, including Irad Ortiz Jr and his brother, Jose Ortiz.
Lozada will be joined by 2020 leading rider Joel Dominguez and 2020 Louisiana Downs top-ranked jockey, Emanuel Nieves. On opening weekend, fans will also see Jack Gilligan, Pedro Cotto, Jr., Juan Vargas, Alexander Castillo, and female riders Erica Murray, Maria Baca and Brianne Cup.
New This Season at Louisiana Downs
In addition to live and simulcast racing, Louisiana Downs has on onsite casino as well as a Sports Wagering hub. The Club 74 rewards program is free to join and offers racing and casino players an array of perks and incentives. Family-friendly promotions, including the popular Exotic Animal Races, featuring Camels, Ostriches and Zebras will take place on May 30.
Louisiana Downs Racing Dates and Post Time
The 2022 Thoroughbred meet at Louisiana Downs will commence on Saturday, May 7. The 84-day live racing season will run Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday through September 27. Post time will be 3:05 pm (Central). For details on simulcasting and special events, visit ladowns.com.
About Louisiana Downs
Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and is now owned by Rubico Acquisition Corporation. With annual Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing seasons, the track is committed to presenting the highest quality racing programs paired with its 150,000 square foot entertainment complex offering casino gambling, dining and plasma screen televisions for sports and simulcast racing.
Lanerie Pursues Elusive ‘Big One’ in Kentucky Derby
By Byron King
Like most jockeys riding in the May 7 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) at Churchill Downs, Corey Lanerie has not yet tasted success in the 1 1/4-mile classic. But he has an inkling of the euphoria he might experience after threatening to win the 2017 race.
Riding the rail on late-running 33-1 longshot Lookin At Lee , Lanerie grew excited on the second turn as his mount picked off rivals from the back of the pack to pull into second in early stretch, with only Always Dreaming to catch.
Un Ojo Out of Kentucky Derby, Ethereal Road Makes Field
Rebel Stakes (G2) winner came up with bruised left fore foot after April 30 work.
Dreams of a Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) victory were dashed for some and sprang to life for others May 2 when Un Ojo was declared out of the race because of a bruised left front foot, allowing Ethereal Road to make the body of the 20-horse field.
Un Ojo’s trainer Ricky Courville confirmed the news to BloodHorse Monday.
“He came out of that work Saturday with a bruised foot and it’s just not the right thing to do to run him; he’s still a little tender on it,” Courville said. “We’ll let the dust settle … He might go to the farm here in Kentucky; he might come back home (to Louisiana), or if he’s better in a week, we might find something else for him.”
May Calendar of Events from the LTBA
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