The 2022 Thoroughbred racing season at Louisiana Downs concluded on Tuesday, Sept. 27. The meet leaders, jockey Carlos Lozada, trainer Shane Wilson and owner End Zone Athletics, Inc. were honored for their accomplishments on the final afternoon of the 84-day meet, which began on Saturday, May 7.
Kevin Preston, Louisiana Downs owner and president, credited his team, horsemen and local racing fans for their support.
“As we wrap up the live racing season at Louisiana Downs, I want to take a moment to thank those who have contributed to our success,” said Preston. “First, our hard working team who show their commitment to making Louisiana Downs great again and overcome all obstacles thrown their way. Also, to the horsemen, both on the Thoroughbred and Quarter horse side, for showing their support and caring for these amazing athletes. And, finally, to our fans in the Bossier City/Shreveport metroplex. Throughout 2022, we offered live and simulcast racing, sports wagering and many promotions. We are grateful for the positive feedback we have received. I can promise that we will make it even better in 2023!”
Carlos Lozada Wins His Third Leading Rider Title
Carlos Lozada, who won his first title here in 2019, clinched top honors once again. He was involved in a competitive battle with Jose Guerrero entering the final week of the season, but drew off by five wins. Lozada capped his meet by winning the final race of the meet aboard Super Wise ($20.40) on the turf for trainer Al Cates.
“I want to thank my family, my agent Ronald Ardoin and each of the owners and trainers who gave me such good mounts,” said Lozada. “I worked hard, as did Jose this year at Louisiana Downs. It means a lot to win my third title here.”
Lozada was the leading rider here in 2019 and secured the 2021 title with 84 wins. He rode for a variety of trainers including Greg Tracy, Joe Duhon, Joey Foster, Al Cates and Karl Broberg, completing the 2022 meet with a record of 85 wins, 59 seconds and 61 third-place finishes. His mounts earned $1,097,345.
The 37-year-old native of Puerto Rico began riding in the United States in 2007 after attending Puerto Rico's Escuela Vocational Hipica, the famed jockey school with a noted list of riders, including Irad Ortiz, Jr., Jose Ortiz as well as 2018 Louisiana Downs top-ranked rider, Emanuel Nieves.
Lozada is supported by his wife, Eileen Quinones and their three sons: Anthony; Jean Carlos and Jandriel. While the majority of the Louisiana Downs jockeys will head to Delta Downs, Lozada will return to his home in Tampa and ride some races at Tampa Bay Downs.
Jose Guerrero had an excellent meet, winning 80 races and edging Lozada in earnings with $1,144,805. Joel Dominguez, who was second in the standings in 2021, finished third with 59 trips to the winner's circle. Apprentice Vicente Del-Cid, winner of the 2022 Evangeline Downs leading rider title, was fourth in the standings with 52 victories.
Shane Wilson Honored as Leading Trainer
It was another excellent showing for Shane Wilson who repeated as leading trainer at Louisiana Downs with 50 victories.
The Haughton, Louisiana resident started 217 Thoroughbreds adding 42 runner-up finishes and 33 thirds to earn $762,665 for the meet. He took the lead from the beginning of the meet and was never caught.
“We came in with 58-60 horses; no 2-year-olds,” said Wilson. “The first condition book was super for us and from there we kept our foot on the pedal. We were able to pick up a few horses after Lone Star Park wrapped up. Some of the better horses only got one start, but overall, we were pleased.”
Jockeys Jose Guerrero and Alexander Castillo rode the majority of the Wilson trainees with both riders showing improvement in their skill level.
Of course, Wilson is grateful to his owners, including Wayne T. Davis, Jim and Kathy Reeves, Hugh Moore, Craig Drago and Phyllis Presswood.
“I've been blessed with loyal owners who have supported us for over ten years,” added Wilson. “Tye Smith joined us this year and I am fortunate that they trust me and let me place their horses where they can win, but also let me take some chances. To be able to try a horse on turf or see how they handle going long is important. Everything is about the owners and I wouldn't have won these titles without them.”
It's a family affair at the Wilson barn, with his wife Becky and younger son, Connor, sharing in the key duties. His oldest son, Peyton, is an honors engineering student at LSU.
Wilson will stable at Fair Grounds in New Orleans for their 2022-2023 live racing season.
Joey Foster, who has won the Louisiana Downs trainer title three times, finished in a tie for second with Karl Broberg. Both horsemen won 28 races. Greg Tracy followed with 30 victories and Steve Asmussen won 28 races.
Leading Owner Title Goes to End Zone Athletics, Inc
End Zone Athletics, Inc. claimed its third leading owner title. The highly successful partnership of Karl Broberg and Matt Johanson won 21 races this meet, after topping the standings in 2019 and 2020, and finishing second last year to Wayne T. Davis.
Broberg's longtime assistant, Kevin Martin, accepted the award on Tuesday afternoon.
“We are thankful that we got on a roll after a mediocre start to grab this award,” said Martin. “Our thanks go out to everyone involved in our outstanding team, including our grooms, gallop boys and our jockeys.”
Davis, who won the 2021 title, finished in a tie for second with Greg Tracy. Both owners won 15 races. Elite Thoroughbred Racing, Inc. rounded out the top four in the standings with 12 wins.
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