Significant damage from Hurricane Laura will force Delta Downs to delay the start of its Thoroughbred meet, scheduled to begin Oct. 6, director of racing operations Chris Warren told the Thoroughbred Daily News. The Vinton, La. track was part of the mandatory evacuation order issued Tuesday, but nearly 600 Quarter Horses and a number of workers remained on property with nowhere else to go.
“There's debris and sheet metal everywhere,” Warren told the TDN. “The tote board got demolished. It collapsed and is completely gone. Our camera towers are gone, so is our holding barn. The starting gates got completely turned over and the light poles are torn up. The whole backside rail is pretty much ruined. There's just a lot of damage and it is everywhere.”
Track announcer Don Stevens posted several photos of the damage on social media:
Delta Downs starting gate. Photographer unknown. pic.twitter.com/VTHe4xnKJn
— Don Stevens (@horsemandon) August 27, 2020
Someone posted this pic on Facebook from Delta Downs this morning. It was taken from the covered patio looking out to the infield. The tote board is gone. But the barns appear to be standing. pic.twitter.com/yoMulhoCaE
— Don Stevens (@horsemandon) August 27, 2020
While the impact of Hurricane Laura cannot be denied, we find ourselves incredibly grateful for the support of our communities and the compassion and commitment of our team members as we begin to examine the toll. Thank you all for your unwavering strength, and please stay safe. pic.twitter.com/c6WE0QOQlN
— Delta Downs Casino (@DeltaDowns) August 27, 2020
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