New Schedule Helps Louisiana Downs Increase Handle

The 2017 Thoroughbred racing season at Harrah's Louisiana Downs got underway on May 6.  Officials made some changes in the live race day schedule in hopes of boosting handle and have already noted significant increases.   

Through the first 16 days of racing, total handle on live races was up 23%. The change \in the racing schedule from Wednesdays-Saturdays in 2016 to a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday format in 2017 has been extremely successful and impactful.  

 

"The change to Monday and Tuesday racing was made in an effort to avoid competition from the major racing that takes place on the weekends," said Trent McIntosh, Louisiana Downs assistant general manager. "We were confident we would likely see an increase, but Mondays and Tuesdays have been even stronger than expected."  

 

One other very positive note is the escalation in field size in 2017.  With gains in handle on Monday and Tuesday as well as additional horses showing up in the entry box in 2017, Louisiana Downs will be adding one race per day each Monday and Tuesday for the remainder of the meet. 

"We have seen increases in field size, horse population and handle, so beginning June 12, an additional race per day (on Monday and Tuesday) will be carded at Louisiana Downs," added McIntosh. "To say it has been a fun and successful start to the meet would be an understatement."