Harrah's Louisiana Downs to Open Season May
Description:
The 2017 Thoroughbred racing season at Harrah's Louisiana Downs commences on Saturday, May 6. Opening day will include seven live races beginning at 3:15 pm (Central) and the simulcast of the 143rd Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs.
The meet will usher in new wagers, renovations to the saddling paddock and enhancements to the Total Rewards Card program. An announcement will be forthcoming on a date for a NTRA National Handicapping Championship (NHC) event at Harrah's Louisiana Downs. The winner will earn a berth into the prestigious national championship in Las Vegas.
Opening day will feature plenty of action for racing fans and an entertaining day for families as well. Beginning at 11:00 am along the track apron, there will be a children's area with free bounce houses, water slides, face painting and culinary delights from the most popular food trucks in Shreveport-Bossier City.
"We look forward to welcoming racing fans and families to Louisiana Downs this Saturday," said Trent McIntosh, Louisiana Downs assistant general manager. "Several new wagers and incentives have been created as for our valued horseplayers. We are grateful for the continued support of our horsemen and look forward to presenting quality racing throughout the 2017 live racing season."
Trainer and Jockey Update
Joey Foster returns to defend his title. The Vinton, Louisiana resident topped all conditioners with 239 starters and a record of 41 wins, 46 seconds and 28 third-place finishes. Karl Broberg, Sarah Delany, Charles Hukill, Pat Mouton and H. B. Johnson all return with runners on the opening day card. Johnson was a force at Sam Houston Race Park before transitioning to Louisiana; he finished second in the standings here last year with 33 wins.
"I enjoy the day racing at Louisiana Downs," said Johnson, who resides north of Bossier City.
Johnson reported that his first call rider, Jorge Guzman, went down in a training accident on Saturday, April 29 and is expected to be out for six months.
"I'll use Celso Rodriguez and his brother, Jairo, and Lindey Wade will ride for me some during the weekdays," he said.
Last year's leading rider, John Jacinto, is still recovering from an injury at Fair Grounds and will not ride this month, according to his agent, Jerry Reites. He is hopeful that he will make his return later this meet. Gerardo Mora, who finished third in the standings last year, is back, along with Hector Del-Cid, Jose Guerrero, Chris Rosier and Kevin Smith. Additional riders on the Monday, May 8th card include Richard Eramia, Ashley Broussard and Gerard Melancon.
John McGary Returns to the Booth
Track announcer John McGary is looking forward to opening day and calling races for his third year at Louisiana Downs. McGary, 51, was the announcer at Evangeline Downs for ten years and now divides his time between Louisiana Downs and Mahoning Valley in Ohio from October to April. He and his wife, Julie, make their home in Bossier City.
"It's great to be back home and to call races here," said McGary. "I am looking forward to the entire meet and to calling this year's Super Derby on the turf."
Post Times and Stakes Schedule
Live racing will be conducted Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and Saturday with a 3:15 p.m. (Central) post time through September 27. For more information on the upcoming racing season and special events, visit www.caesars.com/harrahs-louisiana-downs/racing.
The 84-day meet will include 14 stakes highlighted by two major events, Louisiana Cup Day on Saturday, August 5 and Super Derby Day on Saturday, September 9. To see a complete list of the 2017 Thoroughbred stakes schedule, click here.
New Wagers and Race Day Promotions
New wagers for 2017 will include Jackpot Pick 6 on last six races daily and a Super Hi Five on the last race of each day. Also, the Total Rewards program is free for horseplayers. With the swipe of their card each Saturday, members will receive valuable incentives, beginning May 6. These include:
• Play $250 or more to receive a 5X multiplier
• Play $1,000 or more to receive a 7X multiplier
• Play $5,000 or more to receive a 10X multiplier
Participant's multiplier cannot exceed a total balance of more than one hundred thousand (100,000) Reward Credits during one promotional day after the multiplier is applied.
Also, fans in attendance on Saturday, May 6 will receive a $5.00 FREE BET which can be redeemed on Saturday, May 13. This promotion will also be offered on Saturday, May 20. Louisiana Downs offers value for racing fans each Wednesday with Dollar Day. They will be able to enjoy $1 hot dogs, $1 beer at the Paddock as well as $1 programs. Saturday's weekly promotion is the Family Four Pack featuring four hot dogs, four sodas, a program, and a box seat for four at the affordable price of just $16.