With support of the horsemen, Louisiana Downs has decided to postpone the return of Super Derby until 2023. This move will allow the track to realize the benefit of adding revenue from the Historical Horse Racing machines, the additional Off Track Betting locations, and sportsbook that will contribute to the purse structure. Additionally, Louisiana Downs is adding over one hundred new slot machines to the casino floor which will increase slot revenue, therefore enhancing future purse structure.
“We truly want to position this special race to be nationally recognized and better support our local horsemen who support our track by choosing to race here,” Louisiana Downs said in a statement. “We want to highlight Louisiana Downs in the best way possible and ensure we can provide a unique experience to guests whether it be for the first time or for a return visit… We want to make sure we are putting Louisiana Downs in the best possible position for growth, which is why postponing this event is the best decision at this time.
Shane Wilson, current Louisiana Downs meet Leading Trainer, said: “All the horsemen here are for the postponing of the Super Derby. With the current purse cuts for the remainder of the season we feel giving $300,000 to one day of racing doesn't support the local horsemen who are here every week. Let's give the new slots, the HHR machines, and the OTB locations time to produce purse revenue which supports hosting a large race like Super Derby. Postponing the event until next year is what is in the best interest of the horsemen and the property.”
Ron Faucheux, Thoroughbred Horse trainer and LAHBPA Board Member, said: “I think this is definitely the right decision to postpone the event given the current purse structure. With the different forms of gaming, which will increase purses in the future, this is a great long-term event to have, just definitely not this year. Bottom line is I am excited about the future at Louisiana Downs with Kevin and Matt and better Louisiana racing overall. This is very exciting from a horsemen's standpoint.”
Matt Crawford, Louisiana Downs Racing Secretary, said: “I came to Louisiana Downs in the middle of July and with figures from accounting we decided to lower the overnight purse distribution for our 5th condition book with all intentions of getting back up for the last condition book in September. That being said, my recommendation was to not run Super Derby this season. We have serious plans to bring back our premier race in 2023 with hopes of attracting an outstanding field for the race.”
Kevin Preston, Louisiana Downs President, said: “While we were excited to potentially bring the Super Derby back this year we simply feel it's not in the best interest of the property or horseman at this time. We value our relationship with the horseman and have been working hard to bring this property back to its iconic status. Ultimately, the closing of our acquisition simply did not allow us enough time to truly set Louisiana Downs apart and put us on the map from a timing perspective with the Super Derby. Over the course of the last 7 months, we've been able to make significant improvements to our infrastructure as well as improve various areas on both the backside and frontside of our property. We are gearing up to open our Mound OTB with new HHR machines on Aug. 18 and have submitted locations to the Racing Commission for additional locations. Additionally, we've added new slot machines to our gaming floor which will significantly help with slot revenues and we continue to add games weekly. Finally, we will begin construction on new restaurant offerings next week that will enhance our customer experiences. With all those things said, we feel the property will be in a much better situation next year when the HHR, Sportsbook, and OTB revenues truly kick in which will significantly add to our purse structure not to mention our restaurant offerings and continued improvements to the property which will truly put Louisiana Downs in the spotlight and in a much better position for great things ahead.”
About Louisiana Downs
Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, La., 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.
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