The 2022 Thoroughbred racing season at Louisiana Downs will commence on Saturday, May 7. The 84-day live racing season will run four continuous days with a post time of 3:05 pm (Central) through Tuesday, Sept. 27.
The Bossier City racetrack just completed its annual Quarter Horse meet on April 6 under new ownership. Kevin Preston, who has over 30-years of experience in the casino industry is president of Louisiana Downs and is committed to integrating the racetrack and onsite and casino into one entity.
The personable and outgoing Preston has wasted no time in learning more about horse racing. He has been very active in talking with horsemen and understanding their needs. Improvements on the backside have been made, including a new toteboard, security gate, foliage and signage. Preston is highly committed to increasing purses and maintaining the safest track surfaces.
“I respect the investment that each owner has in running a horse at Louisiana Downs,” said Preston. “Trainers work extremely hard caring and training for their horses and competitive purses and quality track surfaces are extremely important.”
Entertainment and attracting attendance are also top priorities for Preston and his team. Promotions including a New Year's Eve fireworks show, t-shirt and cap giveaways, food trucks and family-friendly activities were very well-received during the Quarter Horse meet. Several promotions are planned for opening day, which will also include the simulcast of the 148th Kentucky Derby.
“Bringing back fans to enjoy the thrill of live horse racing is important for us,” added Preston. “There is a special thrill to seeing these amazing athletes in action and cheering on the winner! Plus, it's been great to see families spending Sunday afternoons together on the track apron.”
Louisiana Downs also opened its long awaited Sports Wagering hub in the casino recently with plans to open their permanent space within the next six months. It will be a dynamic, state-of-the-art venue comprised of a live brick and mortar sportsbook fused with a sports bar and grill.
With high definition televisions, comfortable seating, and a new restaurant, sports fans will be able to watch and wager on their favorite teams. Also, coming soon are 100 new machines as well as Historical Horse Racing betting terminals.
The first condition book for May 7-29 is available on Equibase. Louisiana Cup Day, featuring six stakes for Louisiana Thoroughbreds, will be contested on Saturday, August 6 and an announcement on the return of the Super Derby will be forthcoming.
Nominations for Louisiana Cup Day will close on 23. The stakes are as follows:
$50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile 2 YO LA-Bred Six furlongs
$50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies 2 YO Fillies LA-Bred Six furlongs
$50,000 Louisiana Cup Filly & Mare Sprint 3 YO & Up F&M, LA-Bred Six furlongs
$50,000 Louisiana Cup Sprint 3 YO & Up LA-Bred Six furlongs
$50,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic 3 YO & Up LA-Bred 1 1/16 miles (T)
$50,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff 3 YO & Up F & M LA-Bred 1 1/16 miles (T)
The 84-day meet will feature live racing on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday through Sept. 27. Post time will be 3:05 pm (Central). For details on simulcasting and special events, visit ladowns.com.
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