61-Day Evangeline Downs Meet to Begin April 7
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Photo: Coady Photography
Racing at Evangeline Downs
The Louisiana Racing Commission recently approved an amended dates schedule for the 2023 Thoroughbred season at Evangeline Downs. The meet will now consist of 61 days of racing, with opening night April 7.
The racing schedule will feature racing on Wednesday through Saturday for the first five full weeks of the meet. Beginning the week of May 18, racing will switch to a Thursday-through-Saturday schedule, with closing weekend now set for Aug.12. First post each night will be at the new time of 5:30 p.m. CT.
Director of racing Chris Warren stated, "I feel the amended race schedule will enhance the overall purse structure and make for a stronger, more appealing race meet for both horsemen and fans alike."
The 2023 stakes action begins on opening night with the $60,000 Acadiana Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at six furlongs and the $60,000 Spotted Horse Stakes for 4-year-old and up fillies and mares at one mile. The first Saturday of the meet will feature the $100,000 Evangeline Mile for 4-year-olds and up and the $60,000 Lafayette Stakes for 3-year-olds sprinting six furlongs.
The Evangeline Downs track maintenance crew has been working diligently for the past few weeks to prepare the track for the opening night, including having races scheduled for the turf course.