Month: March 2022

Kevin Preston, the new president and owner of Louisiana Downs, was onsite last week interacting with countless members of the racing community during live racing on March 5.

Preston, who is founder and president of Premier Gaming Group, Magnolia Bluffs Casino & Hotel in Natchez, Miss., purchased Louisiana Downs earlier this year for $22 million with approval from both the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and Louisiana State Racing Commission.

The 2022 Quarter Horse racing season at Louisiana Downs just completed an exciting weekend with two days of trials for the Mardi Gras Futurity. The first “official” futurity of the year received a record number of nominations from Quarter Horse owners and breeders.

In addition to seeing some talented Louisiana-bred 2-year-olds in action, horseplayers on-track and at racetracks and simulcast facilities across the country wagered $1,026,942 on the 22 qualifying races. That marked a 115 percent increase on the 2021 handle of $552,000.

This is Preston's first foray into racetrack ownership, and he is committed to elevating both the racetrack and onsite casino to a new level. Improvements are ongoing and promotions including New Year's Eve fireworks, cap and t-shirt giveaway, and family activities have been well-received.

Preston was interviewed on Saturday afternoon and told the crowd that announcements would be forthcoming on plans for the Thoroughbred season, which begins on May 7.

“Race fans, get excited because we are bringing this iconic racetrack back to life again,” he said.

Preston's energy has inspired fans and horsemen alike.

“It has been really good to see how much Mr. Preston cares about this racetrack,” said trainer Kenneth Roberts, Sr., one of the top Quarter Horse trainers in Louisiana. “To see him out here talking to the owners, trainers, jockeys and fans means a lot!”

The final of the Mardi Gras Futurity and Derby will take place on Sunday, March 27. The live Quarter Horse racing season will conclude on Wednesday, April 6. Dates have also been approved for the 2022 Louisiana Downs Thoroughbred live racing season. The 84-day meet will begin on Saturday, May 7 and continue through Tuesday, Sept. 27.

The post New Louisiana Downs Owner Kevin Preston Committed To ‘Bringing This Iconic Racetrack Back To Life’ appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Another racing week and Flavien Prat continued to add to his impressive list of graded stakes. His victories in the Grade 1 Beholder Mile, the G1 Frank E. Kilroe Mile, and the G2 San Carlos earned the French-born Prat Jockey of the Week honors. The honor, which is voted on by a panel of racing experts, is for jockeys who are members of the Jockeys' Guild, the organization which represents more than 1050 active, retired and permanently disabled jockeys in the United States.

With Friday's card moved to Monday due to impending weather, the Santa Anita race week began on Saturday with a stakes loaded 11-race card. Prat had the call on Cezanne for trainer Bob Baffert in the G2 San Carlos for 4-year-olds and up. Off as the heavy favorite in the field of six, Prat and Cezanne were second between horses with eventual runner-up Principe Carlo and jockey Kyle Frey to his outside. Turning for home, Cezanne took control, drawing away in mid-stretch to post a 2-1/2 length win in 1:23.45 for the seven furlongs.

“He broke well and got himself into the race,” said Prat. “I was travelling well and he responded well when it was time to make a move.”

Riding again for Bob Baffert, Prat was paired with As Time Goes By in the G1 Beholder Mile for fillies and mares. With just three rivals, As Time Goes By went off as the prohibitive favorite. Bobbling slightly out of the gate, As Time Goes By recovered quickly and was in front into the first turn and never looked back winning by 2-1/4 lengths in 1:37.55.

“She broke a little flat-foot.” said Prat. We kind of brushed each other and after that I had to hustle her a little bit to get (us) in the race, but after that I was travelling well and I felt like I was in control.”

Trainer Phil D'Amato gave a leg up to Prat on Count Again in the G1 Frank E. Kilroe Mile for 4-year-olds and up. Off as the favorite in the field of 11 and in fifth with a furlong remaining, Count Again mounted a rally in the middle of the track taking the lead and just getting up in the shadow of the wire for a head victory in 1:33.24 on the turf.

“It took him a little bit to get going but once he did, he did well,” said Prat. “I had a good trip and it worked out well.”

The three stakes wins brought his total of graded stakes in 2022 to nine and he has a commanding lead in the Santa Anita jockeys standings with 62 wins through Sunday. As reported, Prat will move his tack from Southern California to Keeneland for the Spring meet that begins April 8 then on to Belmont Park for their Spring/Summer meeting which begins April 28.

Prat's competition for Jockey of the Week included Dylan Davis with a stakes win at Aqueduct and seven wins for the week, Manny Franco with two stakes wins at Aqueduct, Jose L. Ortiz with three graded stakes and nine wins for the week, and Luis Saez who led all jockeys in wins with 15.

The post Flavien Prat’s Graded Stakes Triple Earns Jockey Of The Week Honors appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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