Lousiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association

12/17/07 - PRIME REWARDS AND LOOKOUT CLOSE STAKES SCHEDULE FOR 2007 CALENDAR YEAR

Although the 2007-2008 racing season at Delta Downs is far from over, the track will conduct its final added-money events for the 2007 calendar year later this month on Friday, December 28 with the $50,000 Prime Rewards and the $50,000 Lookout Stakes.

The Prime Rewards is for older fillies and mares who will compete at one mile. The Lookout is for 3-year-olds and up also traveling eight furlongs. Both events are for horses how have never won a stakes race.

Horsemen who wish to nominate runners for both stakes races must do so by Thursday, December 20 in Delta Downs racing office.

The next $1 million night of racing at Delta Downs will happen on February 2 when the track hosts another edition of Louisiana Premier Night, which will feature 10 stakes race for Louisiana-bred horses. The highlight of LAPN will be the $200,000 Louisiana Premier Night Championship for 4-year-olds and up going 1-1/16 miles.

—Myra Lewyn

Costa Rising continued his ascent up the ranks of Louisiana’s all-time great horses on Saturday when he opened a clear lead and easily dispatched four opponents in a 15¼-length romp in the $150,000 Louisiana Champions Day Classic Stakes at Fair Grounds. “I don’t want to take anything from the rest of the field, but it ended up being just a workout,” winning jockey Robby Albarado said. “I just hand rode him to the finish.”

The Classic was the richest of seven stakes worth a cumulative $750,000
for state-bred Thoroughbreds on the Louisiana Champions Day card.
Costa Rising scored for the second straight year in the 11⁄8-mile race
as he covered the distance in a stakes record 1:50.76 on a fast track,
eclipsing the previous mark of 1:50.99 set by Oak Hall in 2001.
The four-year-old Royal Strand (Ire) colt increased his career bankroll
to $861,366, moving him into sixth place on the all-time list of leading
Louisiana-bred earners. Costa Rising passed icons Dixie Poker Ace
($850,127) and Free Spirit’s Joy ($841,276). Grade 1 winner Happy
Ticket leads all Louisiana-breds with $1,688,838 in career earnings.
Sent off as the 2-to-5 favorite, Costa Rising entered off a front-running
2½-length victory in the Gold Cup Stakes on November 17 at
Delta Downs. In the Classic, he spurted to a clear lead, powered to a
six-length advantage in early stretch, and increased his lead through
the final furlong.

“Not only is he the best Louisiana-bred I’ve ever trained, I make him
maybe the best Louisiana-bred ever,” trainer Glenn Delahoussaye said.
“The numbers speak for themselves. I think he will prove that if we
get another year of longevity out of him.”

Albarado also guided Willist to a 1¾-length win in the $100,000
Louisiana Champions Day Turf Stakes. The four-year-old Dance Brightly
gelding, owned by partnership, deprived 9-to-10 favorite Desert Wheat
of a repeat victory in the 11⁄16-mile race and earned his fifth win and second
stakes victory in 12 starts this season.
Heligbrodt Racing Stable’s Ahead of Her Time reeled in pacesetter Tar
Pot before the second turn en route to an 11½-length romp under Shaun
Bridgmohan in the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Stakes.
The three-year-old Leestown filly completed 11⁄16 miles in 1:44.77 as
the 11-to-10 favorite for her fourth stakes win of the year.

Jockey John Jacinto also rode two winners on the card. Jacinto earned
his first win aboard Jac Mac Stable’s Superior Storm in a comfortable
3½-length score in the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Lassie Stakes.
The two-year-old Stormy Atlantic filly raced close up early and launched
her winning bid turning for home. She led by two lengths in early
stretch and covered six furlongs in 1:11.63 at odds of 7.30-to-1.

Stanley B. Seelig’s Carl’s Frosty Girl joined Costa Rising as a repeat
winner on Champions Day. With Jacinto at the reins, the four-year-old
Pulling Punches filly won the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day
Ladies Sprint Stakes by 11⁄2 lengths after advancing from fifth to lead
by a head in early stretch. She willingly drove clear and finished the
six furlongs in 1:10.67.

“She carried me the whole way,” Jacinto said. “At the quarter pole,
I asked for some more run and she responded. The race just set up
perfect for me.”

P and L Racing Stable’s Fass Feat pulled a mild upset in the $100,000
Louisiana Champions Day Sprint Stakes, defeating 2.30-to-1 favorite
Tortuga Straits by two lengths while covering six furlongs in 1:10.62.
The four-year-old Placid Fund gelding, ridden by Kerwin Clark,
rated just off the early pace, bid three wide on the turn, and powered
clear in the stretch to win at odds of 7.20-to-1.

Brittlyn Stable’s homebred Star Guitar followed his visually impressive
debut victory last month at Fair Grounds with a 1½-length triumph over
13 challengers in the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile Stakes.
The Quiet American colt, the even-money favorite, was restrained
in sixth on the backstretch under Curt Bourque, drew to within a head
of runner-up Cubera in early stretch, then outfinished that foe for a
1½-length tally in 1:11.18 for six furlongs.

12/07/07 - Three aim for repeat wins on Louisiana Champions Day
Courteys of the Thoroughbred Times Today
—Myra Lewyn

Charles Castille Jr.’s Costa Rising, who scored a narrow victory in the 2006 Louisiana Champions Day Classic Stakes, will aim for a repeat victory in the $150,000 race, the headliner of the 17th renewal of Louisiana Champions Day, on Saturday at Fair Grounds. The 11-race card includes six other Thoroughbred stakes, all worth $100,000, for Louisiana-breds. Costa Rising, who is tabbed as the 9-to-5 morning-line favorite, has won four of six starts this year, including three stakes. He enters the 1 1⁄8-mile Classic off a 21⁄2-length triumph in the Gold Cup Stakes on November 17 at Delta Downs.

The four-year-old Royal Strand (Ire) colt, trained by Glenn Delahoussaye, won eight of 13 starts last year and capped the season with a head victory over Mean Butterbean in the Classic. Costa Rising began 2007 with a 51⁄4-length victory in the Louisiana Premier Night Championship Stakes in February at the Vinton, Louisiana, track. He rebounded from a third-place finish to Classic challenger Grand Minit in the Pola Benoit Memorial Stakes at Evangeline with a sparkling 12 1⁄4-length romp in the Evangeline Mile Handicap on August 11, lowering the one-mile track record to 1:36.51 in the process. Kerwin Clark piloted Costa Rising in his previous five starts. He will be ridden by Robby Albarado on Saturday.
Karla Balensiefen’s Tortuga Straits, who was undefeated in five starts last year as a two-year-old, won the Louisiana Premier Night Prince Stakes in his season debut in February for his only win in three starts this year. The three-year-old Gold Tribute colt went to the sidelines for seven months after Premier Night, before returning with a fourth-place finish in the A. L. (Red) Erwin Stakes at Louisiana Downs on September 1. He enters the Classic off a nose defeat in a seven-furlong allowance race at Delta on October 27. Also seeking repeat wins on Louisiana Champions Day are Wachtel Stable’s, Brous Stable’s and Jerry Lee’s Desert Wheat in the Louisiana Champions Day Turf Stakes at about 1 1⁄16 miles, and Stanley Seelig’s Carl’s Frosty Girl in the Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Sprint Stakes at six furlongs.

“The race card set for Louisiana Champions Day is one of the best in the state,” said Warren Harang, president of the board of directors for the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association. “Louisianaborn and -bred Thoroughbreds have been garnering national attention and Louisiana Champions Day is the perfect showcase for our own.”

12/04/07 - THE FIELD IS SET FOR BOYD GAMING’S
$1 MILLION DELTA JACKPOT STAKES (GR. III) - IT’S THE FIFTH RUNNING OF LOUISIANA’S RICHEST HORSE RACE -

VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs’ racing office came alive with activity on Tuesday morning as the field for Boyd Gaming’s $1 Million Delta Jackpot Stakes was finalized and post positions were drawn. The nation’s richest Grade III Thoroughbred, and the richest horse race of any kind in Louisiana, will take place Friday night, December 7. Zayat Stables’ colt, Z Humor, drew post position four and will be the morning line favorite for the Delta Jackpot at odds of 5-2. Z Humor exits a fifth-place finish in this year’s Grade I $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Monmouth Park and will become the first Jackpot starter for Hall of Fame trainer William Mott. Jockey Garret Gomez, who leads the nation in earnings, will ride Z Humor. Kenneth McPeek will attempt to become the first trainer to win the Jackpot twice when he sends out Racecar Rhapsody in the 1 1/16-mile test. Last year McPeek saddled Birdbirdistheword, who won the race with Robby Albarado in the saddle. Albarado, whose year has been nothing short of spectacular due to his association with likely Elcipse Award winning Horse of the Year Curlin, will also ride Racecar Rhapsody. The pair will break from post position seven and begin the night at odds of 7-2. Local hopes for a Jackpot victory will be squarely on the shoulders of Golden Yank, who won this year’s Jean Lafitte Stakes at Delta Downs by 5-3/4 lengths. The Gary A. Thomas trainee will have Delta Downs’ leading rider Gerard Melancon in the saddle when they are loaded into post position two. Golden Yank is undefeated in three career starts and has been installed at odds of 8-1. The complete field for this year’s Delta Jackpot Stakes from the rail out includes: Betatron (jockey: Miguel Mena, trainer: Thomas Amoss, 10-1); Golden Yank (jockey: Gerard Melancon, trainer: Gary A. Thomas, 8-1); Overextended (jockey: Patrick Valenzuela, trainer: Doug O’Neill, 8-1); Z Humor (jockey: Garrett Gomez, trainer: William Mott, 5-1); Cudjo (jockey: Curt Bourque, trainer; Mark Shuman, 20-1); Cave’s Valley (jockey: Ramon Dominguez, trainer: Michael Trombetta, 6-1); Racecar Rhapsody (jockey Robby Albarado, trainer: Kenneth McPeek, 7-2) St. Joe (jockey: Rafael Bejarano, trainer: Darrin Miller, 5-1); Turf War (jockey: Calvin Borel, trainer: Mark E. Casse, 15-1); and Take The Money (jockey: Shaun Bridgmohan, trainer: Steve Asmussen, 30-1). In addition to the Jackpot, Delta Downs will also host three other stakes races on Friday night including Boyd Gaming’s $300,000 Delta Princess Stakes Powered by Youbet.com, the $75,000 Treasure Chest, and the $75,000 Sam’s Town. The quartet of stakes races will make up a special Pick 4 wager on races 5–8. The Jackpot Night Pick 4 will have a guaranteed wagering pool of at least $100,000. The Princess Stakes attracted a field of 10 2-year-old fillies headed by 2-1 morning line favorite, Sky Mom. The Steve Asmussen trainee will have regular Shaun Bridgmohan in the saddle. Sky Mom has won three of seven lifetime starts with her biggest score coming in the $100,000 Kentucky Cup Juvenile Fillies at Turfway Park on September 29. The entire field of Princess starters from the rail out includes: Alina (10-1); Miss Missile (6-1); Madonna Mia (15-1); Swifty Victress (20-1); Lively Drop (30-1); Dixie Duces (20-1); Lady Holiday (6-1); By The Light (6-1); Sky Mom (2-1); and Champagne Eyes (7-2).

The Delta Princess Stakes will become the second graded stakes race at Delta Downs in 2008 when it will carry Grade III status.

11/29/07 - Louisiana Champions Day To Feature Full Racing Card

(New Orleans, La.) - Big stakes. Top Louisiana-bred Thoroughbreds. The stage is set for Louisiana's version of the Kentucky Derby Day in the form of Louisiana Champions Day at Fair Grounds Race Course on Saturday, December 8.

"The race card set for Louisiana Champions Day is one of the best in the state," said Warren Harang, president of the Board of Directors for the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association. "Louisiana born and bred thoroughbreds have been garnering national attention and Louisiana Champions Day is the perfect showcase for our own."

Louisiana Champions Day is the highlight of the early part of the Fair Grounds meet which runs from November 22, 2007 through March 23, 2008.

Louisiana-bred, Costa Rising, is the favorite to win the Classic. The Turf will feature Desert Wheat while filly Raspberry Wine is favored in the Ladies. Claudia Bertha is two for two lifetime starts and will be in the two-year-old filly race, the Lassie. Post time is 12:35.

A silent and live auction will be held on Friday night to fund the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders' Scholarship Fund and Thoroughbred Retirement Placement Fund.

Click here to get the complete stakes schedule.

About Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association Incentive Program
Three races per day are offered for accredited Louisiana breds at each track each day in Louisiana. Twenty-two percent Breeders' Awards are paid to accredited Louisiana breds finishing first, second or third in any race in Louisiana. Twenty-two percent Breeders' Awards are paid to accredited Louisiana breds finishing first, second or third in any stakes race outside of Louisiana. World Wide Breeders Awards are paid to accredited Louisiana breds finishing first, second or third in any race outside of Louisiana.

11/20/07 - $1 MILLION DELTA JACKPOT STAKES (GRADE III) STAKES PLACE DECEMBER 7

The richest Grade III race in the country takes place at Delta Downs on Friday, December 7. It’s Boyd Gaming’s $1 Million Delta Jackpot Stakes for 2-year-olds, which also serves as the richest horse race of any kind in the state of Louisiana. The Jackpot annually attracts some of the nation’s best jockeys, trainers and horses. It’s also a major stepping stone to the Kentucky Derby. In 2004 Closing Argument used a second-place finish in the Jackpot as a stepping stone to the Kentucky Derby, where he finished as the runner-up behind 50-1 longshot Giacomo. 11/17/07 - VINTON, LA. – Charles A. Castille, Jr.’s 4-year-old colt, Costa Rising, won his second consecutive $100,000 Gold Cup Stakes at Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel on Saturday night.
Costa Rising battled for the lead with Southern Invasion through the first half of Saturday’s feature before edging clear of his rival entering the second turn. When he reached mid-stretch, he was four lengths clear of Southern Invasion before jockey Kerwin Clark geared him down. At the finish line the dark bay or brown runner was 2-1/2 lengths clear of Southern Invasion with Magic Sunset another 1-1/2 lengths back in third.
Costa Rising covered the 1 1/16-mile distance of the Gold Cup in a time of 1:44.96 over a fast track.
The win by Costa Rising, who is trained by Glenn Delahoussaye, marked the 13th of his 21 race career. The effort put another $60,000 in his bankroll, which stood at $771,366 after the race was made official.

Sent to the gate as the heavy favorite at odds of 2-5, Costa Rising paid $2.80 to win and $2.10 to place. Southern Invasion was worth $3.40 to place. There was no show wagering in the Gold Cup due to the short six-horse field.
In other stakes activity on Saturday night it was Zarb’s Ballerina winning the $75,000 Magnolia Stakes for older fillies and mares going one mile; Shan Jade won the $60,000 Crème de la Crème Stakes for 2-year-old fillies sprinting five furlongs; and Lee’s Spirit took the $60,000 Calcasieu Stakes for freshmen runners, also traveling 5/8ths of a mile. 11/13/07- A QUARTET OF STAKES COMES YOUR WAY ON SATURDAY NIGHT at Delta Downs

Delta Downs’ stakes schedule gets a real shot in the arm this week as no less than four added-money events for Louisiana-bred horses will take place during Saturday night’s program. |
The main event Saturday will be the $100,000 Gold Cup for 3-year-olds and up traveling 1-1/16 miles. The Gold Cup is one of only 13 races worth at least $100,000 that is scheduled to take place this season. The Gold Cup field will most likely include last year’s winner of the same race, Costa Rising. The state-bred superstar also took the $200,000 Louisiana Premier Night Championship at Delta Downs in 200-2007.
In addition to the Gold Cup, Delta Downs will also host the $75,000 Magnolia Stakes for older fillies and mares going one mile, the $60,000 Crème de la Crème Stakes for freshman fillies sprinting five furlongs, and the $60,000 Calcasieu Stake for 2-year-olds also going five panels.

BOYD GAMING’S $1 MILLION DELTA JACKPOT STAKES (GRADE III) TAKES PLACE ON DECEMBER 7 The richest Grade III race in the country takes place at Delta Downs on Friday, December 7. It’s Boyd Gaming’s $1 Million Delta Jackpot Stakes for 2-year-olds, which also serves as the richest horse race of any kind in the state of Louisiana. The Jackpot annually attracts some of the nation’s best jockeys, trainers and horses. It’s also a major stepping stone to the Kentucky Derby. In 2004 Closing Argument used a second-place finish in the Jackpot as a stepping stone to the Kentucky Derby, where he finished as the runner-up behind 50-1 longshot Giacomo. Make plans today to attend Louisiana’s richest horse race, the Delta Jackpot. 11/10/07 - YANK’ AND ‘MISSILE’ SCORE HUGE WINS AT DELTA DOWNS - MAJOR PREP RACES WON IN DOMINANT FASHION - VINTON, LA.
– Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel hosted a pair of major prep races for the season’s two richest races on Friday night.
The $150,000 Jean Lafitte Stakes is a set up for the Boyd Gaming’s Grade III $1 Million Delta Jackpot Stakes, and the $100,000 My Trusty Cat is a stepping stone to Boyd Gaming’s $300,000 Delta Princess Stakes Powered by Youbet.com.
The Jackpot and Princess will take place on Friday night, December 7, but last night’s action gave fans a look at two horses that who could play a big roll next month. Golden Yank, a 2-year-old son of Yankee Gentleman, scored a convincing 5 3/4-length victory in the Jean Lafitte Stakes while Miss Missile destroyed nine rivals while taking the My Trusty Cat Stakes by an astonishing 10-3/4 lengths.
Golden Yank was ridden to victory by Gerard Melancon who accepted the mount from trainer Gary A. Thompson. The bay gelding is owned by the Millard R. Seldin Revocable Trust. Finishing second to Golden Yank was Gangbuster with Take The Money another 9-1/2 length behind in third. The winner covered the one-mile distance in a time of 1:40.29 over a fast service.

Miss Missile was guided to victory by Justin Shepherd, who rode the bay filly for owner/trainer Charles Edwin Smith. Miss Missile negotiated the seven furlongs of the My Trusty Cat in a time of 1:27.07 while defeating Diamondaire in the process. Madonna Mia wound up third another two lengths behind the runner-up.

Delta Downs will host a huge night of activity on Friday. It’s Delta
Jackpot Preview night, which will feature the two biggest prep races of the
season. On Jackpot Preview Night the main events will be the $150,000 Jean
Lafitte Stakes and the $100,000 My Trusty Cat. The Jean Lafitte is for 2-year-olds hoping to make it to Boyd
Gaming’s $1 Million Delta Jackpot Stakes, Louisiana’s richest horse race
and the richest Grade III Thoroughbred race in the country. The My Trusty
Cat is a springboard for freshman fillies headed to Boyd Gaming’s $300,000
Delta Princess Stakes Powered by Youbet.com.
This year’s Jean Lafitte should be an interesting race with all eyes
fixed on Mikimoto’s Mojo. The chestnut son of Hold That Tiger broke his
maiden at Louisiana Downs before scoring a three-length victory in the
$125,000 Lafayette Stakes at Evangeline Downs in his next start. Mikimoto’s Mojo was then sent to Kentucky by his connections to
compete in the Grade I $500,000 Breeders’ Futurity, where he wound up a
disappointing 11th in a field of 12. Trainer Patrick Mouton will look to
get him back on track in Friday’s feature. The My Trusty Cat attracted a graded stakes winning filly named
Dreaming of Liz. The talented gray won the Grade III $150,000 Arlington
Washington Lassie at Arlington Park on September 8 before finishing off the
board in the Grade I $500,000 Alcibiades Stakes at Keeneland on October 5. Dreaming of Liz is a half sister to 2006 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile
Fillies heroine, Dreaming of Anna. They’re both out of the mare Silver
Maiden, and were bred by owner Frank Calabrese in Kentucky. The Delta Jackpot and the Delta Princess will each take place on
Friday, December 7. Post time is set for 6:30 p.m.
JACKPOT T-SHIRTS TO BE GIVEN OUT
FRIDAY NIGHT NEAR WINNER’S CIRCLE A limited number of 2007 Delta Jackpot t-shirts will be given out to
fans Friday night during Jackpot Preview Night. The sharp attire is adorned
with Delta Downs’ logo on the front, and the silks and connections of all
four previous winners of the race on the back. A total of 50 t-shirts will be thrown out of the winner’s circle
into the crown on the track apron after the $100,000 My Trusty Cat Stakes
and the $150,000 Jean Lafitte Stakes during the live racing program. Fans that can’t make it out to the track next Friday will have a
second chance to get this year’s Jackpot t-shirt by attending the biggest
race night of the year on December 7. The first 500 Prime Rewards members
will receive a Delta Jackpot t-shirt on that night beginning at 5 p.m. in
the OTB.
BOYD GAMING’S $1 MILLION
DELTA JACKPOT STAKES (GRADE III) TAKES
PLACE ON DECEMBER 7 The richest Grade III race in the country takes place at Delta Downs
on Friday, December 7. It’s Boyd Gaming’s $1 Million Delta Jackpot Stakes
for 2-year-olds. The Jackpot annually attracts some of the nation’s best jockeys,
trainers and horses. It’s also a major stepping stone to the Kentucky
Derby. In 2004 Closing Argument used a second-place finish in the Jackpot as
a stepping stone to the Kentucky Derby, where he finished as the runner-up
behind 50-1 longshot Giacomo. Make plans today to attend Louisiana’s richest horse race, the Delta
Jackpot.

10/23/07 - DELTA DOWNS RACE WEEK OCTOBER 24 - 27, 2007 Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel will race live this Wednesday through Saturday night with post times set for 6:30 p.m. each night. The current Thoroughbred season runs through March 29, 2008. Exciting full-card simulcasting is available in the track's OTB seven days a week beginning approximately 30 minutes before the first racetrack's schedule post time WIMBERLY BECOMES 'LAST FAN STANDING' CHAMPION ON OPENING WEEK Delta Downs race fan Dorothy Wimberly won $1,000 last Saturday night when she took the 'Last Fan Standing' Handicapping Contest during the live race program. The contest challenged fans to pick one horse in nine consecutive races to finish in the money, first, second, or third. Wimberly, who hails from right her in Vinton, Louisiana, made correct selections for seven straight races and won a tie breaker with Rex Ansley to capture the crown. Ansley didn't go home empty handed however, as he still pocketed $300 for his runner-up effort while Emile Schwandt finished third and took home $200. THE 24TH BREEDERS' CUP SIMULCAST COMES TO DELTA DOWNS THIS WEEK One of the biggest days in North American Thoroughbred racing happens this week, when the 24th annual Breeders' Cup World Championships takes place at Monmouth Park in New Jersey. This year's Breeders' Cup will take place over two days, Friday, October 26 and Saturday, October 27. On Friday there will be three championship races and on Saturday Monmouth Park will host eight more Grade I events including the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic. Race fans at Delta Downs can watch and wager on both Breeders' Cup programs from Monmouth Park in the comfort of the track's OTB, which features plenty of big screen televisions, a non-smoking area, live tellers, automated wagering machines and two full-service bars. WIN, EVEN IF YOU LOSE, ON THE BREEDERS' CUP Fans who wager on the Breeders' Cup simulcast this weekend at Delta Downs will have the chance to cash tickets, even if they lose. It's the Second Chance Drawings, which will take place at 9 p.m. on Saturday, October 27 during Delta Downs live program. To participate, patrons need to write their name and Prime Rewards number on the back of each losing Breeders' Cup mutual ticket and deposit them in the drawing drum located in the OTB. There will then be 10 drawings at 9 p.m., each good for $100 in cash. For more information on the Second Chance Breeders' Cup Drawings, visit our website at www.deltadowns.com. BOYD GAMING'S $1 MILLION DELTA JACKPOT STAKES (GRADE III) TAKES PLACE ON DECEMBER 7 The richest Grade III race in the country takes place at Delta Downs on Friday, December 7. It's Boyd Gaming's $1 Million Delta Jackpot Stakes for 2-year-olds. The Jackpot annually attracts some of the nation's best jockeys, trainers and horses. It's also a major stepping stone to the Kentucky Derby. In 2004 Closing Argument used a second-place finish in the Jackpot as a stepping stone to the Kentucky Derby, where he finished as the runner-up behind 50-1 longshot Giacomo. Make plans today to attend Louisiana's richest horse race, the Delta Jackpot. JACKPOT PREVIEW NIGHT GOES FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9TH Delta Downs will host an important night of racing on Friday, November 9. On that evening the track will host two stakes races, the $150,000 Jean Lafitte Stakes and the $100,000 My Trusty Cat Stakes. The Jean Lafitte will serve as a prep for Louisiana's richest horse race, Boyd Gaming's $1 Million Delta Jackpot Stakes, and the My Trusty Cat, which will be a springboard to Boyd Gaming's $300,000 Princess Stakes Powered by Youbet.com. Both events will be contested at Delta Downs on Friday, December 7. Watch the young stars come out at Delta Downs on Friday, November 9. EMAIL STEVENS WITH CONTEST ENTRIES AND WIN GREAT PRIZES! Track announcer Don Stevens will conduct handicapping contests each Saturday night during the upcoming season. Race fans can win great prizes like Delta Downs polo shirts, handicapping books, and other exciting items. Everyone can get involved in the fun by emailing or text messaging Stevens at racefans@boydgaming.com. CAN'T MAKE IT TO THE TRACK? WATCH THE RACES ON-LINE Delta Downs now offers free live streaming video of its nightly race programs on the Internet. You can view the action by visiting www.deltadowns.com and clicking on 'Racing Information'. Free live streaming video is a great way to enjoy Delta Downs racing even when you can't make it to the track in person. FREE RACE REPLAYS AT HOME! In addition to free live streaming video of Delta Downs races, the track also offers free replays of all the races run earlier this season on its website. To view the replays as many times as you like free of charge, just click on 'Racing Information' on the homepage and then click 'Race Replays'. LOOKOUT FOR GREAT FOOD! A great way to enjoy a delicious dinner and live Thoroughbred racing at Delta Downs is in the Lookout Restaurant, located on top of the building. The Lookout features steaks, seafood and chicken entrees with delicious desserts and salads also available in a cozy atmosphere that overlooks the track. There is also a covered balcony where visitors will get an open-air panoramic view of live racing as it happens. The Lookout is open each race night between 5 and 11 p.m. To get to the restaurant, just take the west entrance elevator all the way to the top. 10/19/07 - ALL WIRED UP SETS NEW TRACK RECORD WHILE WINNING ZYDECO STAKES - OPENING NIGHT AT DELTA DOWNS - VINTON, LA. Jockey Marlon St. Julien sat on a rocket named All Wired Up at Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel Friday night. The 5-year-old horse carried the veteran rider to an impressive victory in the $55,000 Zydeco Stakes while setting a new five-furlong track record of :57 1/5 over a fast surface. All Wired Up took the lead soon after the field of 10 left the gate and increased his lead throughout, hitting the finish line five lengths in front of Captain Buddy who ran second. High Strike Zone stayed close to the leaders in the early stages of the showdown before fading to fourth, finishing another two lengths behind the runner-up. The win by All Wired Up marked the ninth victory of his career from 19 overall starts. He earned $33,000 for his effort, which raised his bankroll to $340,699. At Delta Downs the Brandon Marks trainee has now won five of six starts. Friday's night's tally marked his second consecutive Zydeco Stakes triumph. All Wired Up is a bay son of Wire Me Collect, out of the Charging Falls mare Easter Bunny Honey. He was bred in Louisiana by William Boudreaux and is owned by Whispering Oaks Farm LLC of Carrol Castille. Delta Downs will wrap up its opening weekend of racing on Saturday night with another 10-race program that begins at 6:30 p.m. Race fans in attendance will have a chance to win their share of $1,500 in the Last Fan Standing Handicapping Contest. Entry blanks can be picked up starting at 5 p.m. The deadline to enter the contest is 6:30 p.m. Delta Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features exciting casino action, live horse racing and fun dining experiences. Delta Downs is located in Vinton, Louisiana, on Delta Downs Drive. From Lake Charles, take Exit 7 and from Texas, take Exit 4.

10/17/07 - DELTA DOWNS RACE WEEK OCTOBER 19 20, 2007
Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel will kick off its 2007-2008 Thoroughbred season this week. Opening weekend will take place on Friday, October 19 and Saturday, October 20.After opening week, the track will conduct live racing each Wednesday through Saturday night with post times set for 6:30 p.m. throughout the meeting. ZYDECO JUMP STARTS STAKES SCHEDULE Delta Downs¹ 2007-2008 stakes schedule features nearly $4 million in purse money and will begin on opening night with the $50,000 Zydeco Stakes for 3-year-olds and up traveling five furlongs. The Zydeco will feature a full field of 10 horses that have earned a combined $2,638,060 during their careers. The top earner in the group is Donald W. Erickson¹s High Strike Zone, a 7-year-old gelding who boasts multiple stakes wins at Delta Downs during his career. High Strike Zone will team up with veteran rider Rickey Faul for the trip. Another horse to keep your eye on in the Zydeco is All Wired Up, who has only tasted defeat at Delta Downs once in five starts. In fact, All Wired Up won last year¹s Zydeco at Delta Downs by six lengths with regular rider Marlon St. Julien in the saddle. $1,500 UP FOR GRABS IN ŒLAST FAN STANDING HANDICAPPING CONTEST To celebrate opening weekend at Delta Downs, the track will host a $1,500 handicapping contest on Saturday night. The event is called the Last Fan Standing Contest and it challenges patrons to select nine consecutive top three finishers to become the last fan standing. There is no fee to enter the contest. Entry blanks will be handed out between 5 and 6:30 p.m. in the OTB. The deadline to enter the contest is 6:30 p.m., post time for race 1. The grand prize winner in the Last Fan Standing Contest will take home $1,000. Second place is good for $300 and third place gets $200. The winners will be announced by track announcer Don Stevens after race nine. For complete rules and regulations of the Last Fan Standing Contest, please see the posters mounted in the OTB or at the entry table in the same area. THE 24TH BREEDERS¹ CUP SIMULCAST COMES TO DELTA DOWNS NEXT WEEK One of the biggest days in North American Thoroughbred racing happens next week, when the 24th annual Breeders¹ Cup World Championships takes place at Monmouth Park in New Jersey. This year¹s Breeders' Cup will take place over two days, Friday, October 26 and Saturday, October 27. On Friday there will be three championship races and on Saturday Monmouth Park will host eight more Grade I events including the $5 million Breeders¹ Cup Classic. Race fans at Delta Downs can watch and wager on both Breeders' Cup programs from Monmouth Park in the comfort of the track¹s OTB, which features plenty of big screen televisions, a non-smoking area, live tellers, automated wagering machines and two full-service bars. WIN, EVEN IF YOU LOSE, ON THE BREEDERS' CUP Fans who wager on the Breeders' Cup simulcast next week at Delta Downs will have the chance to cash tickets, even when they lose. It¹s the Second Chance Drawings, which will take place at 9 p.m. on Saturday, October 27 during Delta Downs live program. To participate, patrons need to write their name and Prime Rewards number on the back of each losing Breeders¹ Cup mutual ticket and deposit them in the drawing drum located in the OTB. There will then be 10 drawings at 9 p.m., each good for $100 in cash. For more information on the Second Chance Breeders¹ Cup Drawings, visit our website at www.deltadowns.com. BOYD GAMING¹S $1 MILLION DELTA JACKPOT STAKES (GRADE III) TAKES PLACE ON DECEMBE 7 The richest Grade III race in the country takes place at Delta Downs on Friday, December 7. It¹s Boyd Gaming¹s $1 Million Delta Jackpot Stakes for 2-year-olds. The Jackpot annually attracts some of the nation¹s best jockeys, trainers and horses. It¹s also a major stepping stone to the Kentucky Derby. In 2004 Closing Argument used a second-place finish in the Jackpot as a stepping stone to the Kentucky Derby, where he finished as the runner-up behind 50-1 longshot Giacomo. Make plans today to attend Louisiana¹s richest horse race, the Delta Jackpot.EMAIL STEVENS WITH CONTEST ENTRIES AND WIN GREAT PRIZES!

Track announcer Don Stevens will conduct handicapping contests each Saturday night during the upcoming season. Race fans can win great prizes like T-shirts, ball caps and handicapping books. Everyone can get involved in the fun by emailing or text messaging Stevens at racefans@boydgaming.com. CAN¹T MAKE IT TO THE TRACK? WATCH THE RACES ON-LINE
Delta Downs now offers free live streaming video of its nightly race programs on the Internet. You can view the action by visiting www.deltadowns.com and clicking on "Racing Information". Free live streaming video is a great way to enjoy Delta Downs racing even when you can¹t make it to the track in person. FREE RACE REPLAYS AT HOME! In addition to free live streaming video of Delta Downs races, the track also offers free replays of all the races run earlier this season on its website. To view the replays as many times as you like free of charge, just click on ŒRacing Information¹ on the homepage and then click "Race Replays" LOOKOUT FOR GREAT FOOD! A great way to enjoy a delicious dinner and live Thoroughbred racing at Delta Downs is in the Lookout Restaurant, located on top of the building. The Lookout features steaks, seafood and chicken entrees with delicious desserts and salads also available in a cozy atmosphere that overlooks the track. There is also a covered balcony where visitors will get an open-air panoramic view of live racing as it happens. The Lookout is open each race night between 5 and 11 p.m. To get to the restaurant, just take the west entrance elevator all the way to the top. 10/9/07 - DELTA DOWNS RACE FANS GET SHOT AT $1,500 IN PRIZE MONEY- OPENING WEEKEND HANDICAPPING CONTEST GOES NEXT WEEK -

VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel will kick off its 2007-2008 Thoroughbred Season on Friday, October 19. As part of the opening weekend festivities, the track will offer a handicapping contest with $1,500 in total prize money on Saturday, October 20.The competition is called the ‘Last Fan Standing Handicapping Contest’, and it challenges patrons to correctly select one horse per race in nine consecutive races to finish in-the-money, either first, second or third. The entrant who makes it through all nine races will take home a $1,000 grand prize. There will also be cash prizes of $300 for second place and $200 for third.Each contestant in the Last Fan Standing Handicapping Contest must be 21 or older and a member of Prime Rewards. There is no cost to enter. Entry blanks can be picked up in Delta Downs’ OTB on the day of the contest beginning at 5 p.m. The deadline to enter is 6:30 p.m.Delta Downs Thoroughbred Season runs through March 29, 2008. Live racing takes place each Wednesday through Saturday night. The richest programs of the season will happen on December 7 and February 2. On December 7 the track will host the fifth running of Boyd Gaming’s $1 Million Delta Jackpot Stakes, the nation’s richest grade III event. On February 2, another edition of Louisiana Premier Night will offer 10 stakes races worth $1 million in total purse money for horses bred in the Bayou State.For more information about the Last Fan Standing Handicapping Contest and Delta Downs’ new season, visit the track’s website at www.deltadowns.com.

Delta Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features exciting casino action, live horse racing and fun dining experiences. Delta Downs is located in Vinton, Louisiana, on Delta Downs Drive. From Lake Charles, take Exit 7 and from Texas, take Exit 4.

Tensas Yucatan may go to ChurchillTensas Yucatan, who picked up her second straight stakes win in the $200,000 Marie P. DeBartolo Oaks on turf here last Saturday, will be considered for a start in the Grade 2, $150,000 Mrs. Revere at Churchill on Nov. 10, said her trainer, Morris Nicks. If she does not go there, he said another option is the $75,000 Magnolia at Delta on Nov. 17.Nicks was just starting to look at races for Tensas Yucatan on Sunday morning. In the DeBartolo, she set a relaxed pace and was full of run through the stretch for a three-length win over Ahead of Her Time."The way she did it was nice," Nicks said of Tensas Yucatan. "It looked like she had fun."Tensas Yucatan races for James Spence. Nicks said another of his clients, Roger Smith, bought a half-sister to Tensas Yucatan on Friday during the yearling auction at Keeneland. Smith races Smitty's Sunshine, a multiple stakes winner trained by Nicks.

9/22/07 - LOUISIANA BRED TENSAS YUCATAN . f. 3, Ide - Xylophone, by Dehere ran back to win the MARIE P. DEBARTOLO OAKS at Louisiana Downs. Last out she won ELGE RASBERRY S with ease by over 4 lengths. She is owned by James C. Spence and was bred by Sam O. Leake Jr. (La.)..
Lifetime: 8-4-2-0, $263,128. Posted 9/5/07 - Evangeline Downs wrap up

Opelousas, Louisiana –Bucking an industry wide trend, Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino’s recently concluded 2007 spring/summer thoroughbred season showed across the board gains in nearly all major categories including total handle, on-track handle, purse distribution, and average field size for the 89-night meet.

The average nightly handle of $1.695 million was more than 9% higher than last year’s $1.55 million average, which represented a gain of more than 32% from 2005’s average. Despite a reduction of three racing nights, all sources handle reached an all-time high as a total of $149,162,803 was wagered, an increase of more than $6.49 million from last year’s breakthrough season. On track handle showed gains as well with a total of $6,168,301 wagered at the Opelousas, La. oval compared to last year’s $5,829,096. The nightly average of $69,278 was an increase of more than 9 ∏ % from last year’s average.

Increased business and casino proceeds also drove purses to an all-time level. The nightly overnight purse distribution of slightly more than $180,000 not including state-bred bonuses was more than $10,000 higher than last year’s and with the beefed up stakes program a total of more than $19.4 million was paid out to horsemen. A total of nineteen stakes worth more than $1.8 million were contested during the meet highlighted by the $200,000 Evangeline Mile, the richest thoroughbred race in the 42-year history of Evangeline Downs. Costa Rising dominated his rivals in the “Mile” with a track record performance in which he earned a 114 Beyer Speed figure, one of the highest dirt figures recorded thus far this year in North America. By comparison Street Sense earned a figure of 110 in his Kentucky Derby victory. Owned by Charles Castille Jr. and trained by Glenn Delahoussaye, Costa Rising was ridden to victory by Kerwin “Boo Boo” Clark. Horsemen responded in kind to the rich offering’s and produced an average field size of more than 10 runners per race over 893 races, believed to be the highest in the nation for an extended racing season.

Evangeline Downs Director of Racing Operations Steve Darbonne stated “Our entire team worked above and beyond the call of duty to make this season a success and we are certainly proud of our results and are thankful for the support we’ve received from both horsemen and racing fans who have really embraced our exciting brand of racing with full and contentious fields.” Darbonne further added “Construction of a seven furlong turf course with a 1 1/8th mile chute is set to begin in the near future, and other improvements are also in the planning stages as we continue to strive to make Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino the best place to race and wager.”

In addition to improved business, racing also showed a dramatic increase in quality and recognition. Local fans were treated to the sight of many new outfits making their way to South-Central Louisiana to take advantage of the lucrative stakes offerings as well as the solid overnight program. Numerous Graded Stakes performers from the Midwest, Northeast, and the Mid-South made appearances this summer as well as many notable horsemen and riders.

Known as the birthplace of “Legends”, Evangeline Downs paid homage to those past and present riders and horsemen with the creation of the Cajun Jockey Challenge. Held on July 13, Calvin Borel edged Robby Albarado after a stretch-long duel to win the four-race contest. It was a fairy tale ending to an exciting day and evening which also featured a brunch hosted by Hall-of-Fame Jockey Pat Day on behalf of the Racetrack Chaplaincy and a free autograph signing session attended by all participants and guests of the “Challenge”.

On June 30, an all-time record handle of $2,218,014 million was wagered on Louisiana Legends Night III, a program featuring eleven stakes races worth more than $900,000 restricted to state-bred horses. This eclipsed the previous record of $2,182,506 wagered on the 2006 edition of Louisiana Legends Night.

Curt Bourque & Keith Bourgeois captured the leading jockey & trainer titles. For Bourque, a past leading rider at The Fairgrounds, Hawthorne Racetrack, and Sportsman’s Park, as well as the old Evangeline Downs, it was his first title since returning from a more than 2 ∏ year absence from the saddle. Bourque recorded 93 wins and his mounts earned more than $1.69 million during the season, easily outdistancing his nearest rival Gerard Melancon who finished second in both categories. Bourqeois, who has won the leading trainer title in all three seasons at the new facility, chalked up an impressive 76 wins and earnings of more than $1.269 million from 302 starts, finishing well ahead of runner-up Sam Breaux who recorded 54 wins from 280 starts.

Madison’s Music, who won all three of her starts at Evangeline Downs including two stakes races, was named horse of the meet. After winning an allowance/optional claiming event, the six-year-old daughter of Prospector’s Music captured the J. Archie Sebastien Memorial on “Legends” Night before annexing the Matron stakes over defending champion Plaid in her final start of the meet. Leased by Marvin Boudreaux from William Boudreaux, Madison’s Music is conditioned by Keith Bourgeois and was ridden to victory in each start by Kirk LeBlanc.

Racing resumes in three weeks with the 40 night fall quarter horse season. Beginning on Thursday, September 27, and thru Sunday, December 2, racing will be conducted on a four evening a week schedule, Thu-Sun with a first post of 6:20 p.m. central time. The one exception will be Thanksgiving week in which racing will be conducted on Wed, Fri-Sun.

The 2008 spring/summer meet will begin on Wednesday, April 9th, 2007 and run thru the traditional closing night, Monday, September 2nd, Labor Day.

Posted 9/4/07 - Mikimoto’s Mojo pulls clear in the $125,000 Lafayette Stakes at Evangeline Downs

Opelousas, Louisiana –Mikimoto’s Mojo ($7.40) rallied past the early pacesetters turning for home then pulled clear for the victory, his second in as many lifetime starts in the $125,000 Lafayette Stakes for two-year-olds at Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino on closing night, Monday, September 3, Labor Day. Ridden by veteran E. J. Perrodin, the chestnut colt covered the six furlongs on a track labeled fast in 1:11 2/5. Winning jockey Perrodin stated “This guy is fun to ride, he’s so talented and professional, he does everything the right way and I’m very excited about him.” Perrodin further added “I was a bit farther back in the early stages than I had planned to be as he was bouncing up and down like a kangaroo from the dirt hitting him, but once I was able to steer him to the outside just past the ½ mile pole and ask him to run, he grabbed the bridle and went right up to and past the leaders and really was an easy winner.” The official margin of victory was 3 lengths. Longshot Mr. Bubba was a clear second, more than 2 lengths ahead of the 8/5 betting favorite Possetothemax, who weakened in the stretch after battling thru the early fractions of 21 3/5 & 45 1/5, Ide Like a Double finished in 4th, followed by Yellow Meadow, West Coast Time, and Quazar. Big Erl, the previously undefeated Purely Class, and Bonzaway rounded out the order of finish. Swifty Victress was scratched. Purchased by Stanley Seelig at the OBS Two-year-old-in-training Sale in April for $160,000, Mikimoto’s Mojo earned almost half of his purchase price back with the $75,000 winner’s share of the purse and has now bankrolled $90,000 in just two starts. Trained by Patrick Mouton, Mikimoto’s Mojo is a Kentucky bred son of Hold That Tiger, out of the Pleasant Colony mare Munch N Grass. COSTA RISING CRUISES Proving his double-digit romp in the Evangeline Mile was no fluke, Charles Castille Jr.’s Costa Rising dominated his overmatched rivals in the EVD Labor Day Purse. The Louisiana bred four-year-old son of Royal Strand grabbed the lead from early pacesetter High Strike Zone entering the far turn and steadily increased the margin en route to a more than 17 length victory. As the prohibitive favorite, he returned $2.20 to his many backers. Ridden by regular pilot Kerwin Clark, Costa Rising covered the mile in 1:36 3/5, just missing his own track record by 1/5th of a second. Clinch, finished a clear second while no match for the winner. Marion’s Man was third, with High Strike Zone fading to fourth after setting the early pace of 24 1/5 and 48, the six-furlong split was 1:12 2/5. Dr Feild On Call was fifth and Watchem Smokey was eased. He’s Royal Dee and Beautify Life were scratched.

Trained by Glenn Delahoussaye, Costa Rising earned $34,920 for the win, his 12th in 19 career starts and pushed his career earnings past the $710,000 mark. He was bred locally by the Double Dam Farm LLC.

Posted: 9/2/07- Madison’s Music wires ‘em in the $100,000 Matron Stakes at Evangeline Downs

Opelousas, Louisiana –Madison’s Music ($5.80) recorded her fifth win in as many starts in 2007 as she led all the way en route to a 1 length victory over defending champion Plaid in the $100,000 Matron Stakes for fillies & mares at Evangeline Downs on Saturday evening. Jockey Kirk LeBlanc was able to set an uncontested pace thru fractions of 24 3/5, 48 2/5, and 1:13 2/5 and that proved the difference as the 6-year-old Louisiana bred daughter of Prospector’s Music was able to hold off the challenges of both Delicate Dynamite and Plaid in the stretch to earn the victory. The running time for the mile on a track labeled sloppy was 1:38 1/5.

Plaid, who won this event last year, rallied determinedly after trailing for the opening half-mile but was unable to catch the winner. Delicate Dynamite, the 3/2 betting favorite in the five-horse field, briefly challenged the winner in the upper stretch before weakening late and settling for third. Dragum and Gold Power were not serious factors and finished fourth and fifth, respectively. Stormy Amber was a late scratch.

Madison’ Music, leased by Marvin Boudreaux from owner/breeder William Boudreaux earned $60,000 for the win, her tenth in 29 career starts. Trained by Keith Bourgeois, she has now earned more than $190,000 this year and more than $310,000 in her career.

A total of 173 horses have been pre-entered for Evangeline Downs’s third annual Louisiana Legends Night, a card that includes eight stakes, including two divisions of the D.S. “Shine” Young Memorial Futurity, on June 30.

The stakes races, worth a cumulative $800,000, are named in honor of individuals or their families who have had a positive impact on Louisiana racing. The evening is anchored by two divisions of the D.S. “Shine” Young Memorial Futurity, each offering a purse of $125,000. The five-furlong race for two-year-old males will be renewed for the 43rd time this year. A fillies division will be run for the first time.
The Young Memorial Futurity is the official start of the stakes season for two-year-olds in Louisiana. To qualify for either division, horses had to place in one of the four trials that were held earlier this month. Horses pre-entered for the male division include four owned by Heiligbrodt Racing Stable. They are Must Acquit, a Successful Appeal colt, who won his trial by 21⁄4 lengths and completed the trip in:58.39; Jumpin for Jason, a Jump Start gelding, who captured his trial by a half-length in :59.11; Booth, an Abajo colt, who was the runner-up in his trial race; and Cubera, a Cape Canaveral colt, who scored a threequarter- length victory in his trial race. Those trials were conducted on June 9. Others pre-entered in the male division include Valene Farms’ Ide Like a Double, an Ide colt, who romped to an 11-length victory in his trial race, also on June 9.

The card includes four $100,000 stakes, including the Pola Benoit Memorial Stakes, a 11⁄16-mile race for older horses; the Junius Delahoussaye Memorial Stakes, a 51⁄2-furlong race for three-yearolds and older; the J. Archie Sebastien Memorial Stakes, a one-mile and 70-yard race for older fillies and mares; and the Pierre LeBlanc Memorial Stakes, a 51⁄2-furlong race for fillies and mares. The Frank A. “Buddy” Abadie Memorial Stakes, a one-mile test for three-year-old fillies, and the B.B. Sixty Rayburn Stakes, a one-mile race for three-year-old males, will both offer a $75,000 purse. Post time for the first race is 6:20 p.m. CDT. Entries for the Louisiana Legends Night close on June 27.

Borel captures inaugural Cajun Jockey Challenge
Calvin Borel, whose victory aboard Street Sense in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) helped the veteran rider earn a 2007 ESPY Award this week, won the inaugural Cajun Jockey Challenge on Friday at Evangeline Downs. Borel broke a three-way tie between himself, Robby Albarado, and Kerwin Clark with a victory aboard Marion’s Man in the $50,000 Cajun Jockey Starter Handicap, the fourth and final race of the contest.

“It’s hard to put into words how much this experience meant to me and all the riders who participated,” Borel said. “We spent the formative years of our lives and careers riding with and learning from these guys.”

Under the contest format, riders received points each time they finished among the top three in the four designated races. With three different riders winning the first three races of the contest, the winner was determined by the outcome of the final race, a on emile and 70-yard race in which Borel and Marion’s Man edged runner- up Shot the Deputy and Albarado by a head. Shot the Deputy raced in second in early stretch, a head behind pacesetter I Nv Slew. Borel yelled “let’s go” to Albarado after Marion’s Man rallied from 11th in the field of 12 and moved up to third by early stretch. The two jockeys then hooked up in a stretch duel similar to the one in which Albarado and Curlin edged Street Sense and Borel by a head to win the Preakness Stakes (G1) on May 19 at Pimlico Race Course. Albarado and Curlin finished third, eight lengths behind Street Sense, in the Kentucky Derby on May 5 at Churchill Downs.

Borel received a crystal trophy and $5,000 cash prize. Second place was worth $2,500 to Albarado. Clark received $1,000. Borel won the opening race of the contest, rallying Evacuation to a 21⁄2-length victory in a $31,000 maiden special weight race. Albarado guided Oriza to a front-running seven-length romp in a $32,000 allowance race that served as the second race of the contest. Clark won the contest’s third race by rallying Kitty Violet from last in a field of ten and earning a one-length victory in a $32,000Borel, Albarado highlight Cajun Jockey Challenge

LIST OF THE FIRST THREE FINISHERS FROM THE RECENT 2 YEAR OLD TRIALS AT EVANGELINE DOWNS, THESE 2 YEARS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE D. S. "SHINE" YOUNG MEMORIAL FUTURITY ON LOUISIANA LEGENDS NIGHT, JUNE 30. THERE WILL BE 2 RACES IN 2007, A $100,000 FILLY RACE AND A $100,000 COLT RACE.

5/22/07 SMITTY’S SUNSHINE. Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana graduate, Smitty’s Sunshine made it four stakes wins in a row when she won the Mamzelle Stakes at Churchill Downs in the week leading up to the Kentucky Derby. Smitty’s Sunshine, who was bred by Jay Adcock and Neal McFadden was sold at the 2004 Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana Sale as a yearling for $21,000. She began her stakes streak with a win in November in Churchill Down’s Pent Up Kiss Stakes, returning to her home state for the Fair Grounds meet she added the A.B. Leggio Memorial Stakes and the Bienville Handicap before returning to Churchill Downs for the Mamzelle. Smitty’s Sunshine is out of the Premiership dam, Dandy’s Sunshine, who also produced stakes winner Fuse It. She is by Seeking The Gold’s son Seeking A Home. With her win in the Mamzelle she improved her record to six wins from ten starts and earnings of $311,070. Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana will be conducting its Annual Yearling Sale followed by a mixed session on October 15 and 16 at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center in West Monroe .

2/3/07 - The fourth edition of Louisiana Premier Night at Delta Downs proved very popular with both the horsemen and betting public. Giving away one million dollars in purses on one night will always be popular with the horsemen but the betting public proved that the card was worth the money. Betting for the night exceeded two million dollars for only the second time of the meet with the other on Delta Jackpot Night. One track handle was slightly higher than even Jackpot Night. Charles Castille’s Costa Rising gave us a demonstration of pure ability. Stalking the early pace of Mean Butterbean he just exploded in the stretch to win the $200,000 Louisiana Premier Night Classic by an ever widening 5 ¼ lengths. This race looked like a replay of the Louisiana Champions Day Classic with the same pair dueling. Costa Rising, a son of Double Dam Farm’s Royal Strand, increased his earnings to $544,946 with his tenth win from sixteen starts. He was bred by Double Dam Farm in Folsom, La. Raspberry Wine made the Louisiana Premier Night Distaff her second stakes win in a row at Delta Downs having won the Camelia Stakes there on January 13th . The daughter of Change Takes Time got up in the very last jump in the Camelia but won by a much more comfortable ½ length in the Distaff. Raspberry Wine increased her earnings to $278,271 for Sport of Kings Racing LLC (Michele Rodriquez et al). Raspberry Wine was bred by Phyllis Wood in Columbia, La. It took four tries but My Friend Bele finally got revenge for the three defeats handed to her by Huckie. Huckie had finished first in the first three races of My Friend Bele career, including the Crème Dela Crème at Delta Downs and the Louisiana Champions Day Lassie at Fair Grounds. But My Friend Bele’s competition in the Louisiana Premier Night Starlet came from Tensas Yucatan. My Friend Bele notched her first stakes win by ¾ length after leading from almost the beginning of the race. This win put My Friend Bele’s earnings at $110,600 win 2 wins from 5 starts. My Friend Bele was bred by JoAnn Thompson in Folsom, La. Tortuga Straits kept his record perfect with a win in the Louisiana Premier Night Prince. Six for six and earnings of $363,000. Tortuga Straits broke behind the leaders and was wide on both turns and still managed to win by 1 ½ lengths. Trainer Ralph Irwin is to be commended on the fine job he has done to keep this son of Gold Tribute at the top of his game for more than six months. Tortuga Straits was bred by Joseph Adcock of Coushatta, La. and Neal McFadden of Carencro, La. The Louisiana Premier Night Matron saw Indigo Girl zip five furlongs in 59:59 to win easily for owner Randy Davis and Associates and trainer Sam Breaux. The Leestown filly has now earned nearly $400,000. She was bred by her owner in Shreveport, La. Brother Bean showed us pure speed in the Louisiana Premier Night Sprint with a 5 ½ length victory in which he ran 5 furlongs in 58:44. Brother Bean was one of two winners and one second place finisher of the night sired by Double Dam Farm’s My Friend Max, a son on Danzig. Brother Bean’s full brother, Mean Butter Bean, chased home Costa Rising in the Classic and My Friend Bele won the Starlet. Brother Bean was bred by Brittlyn Stable of Houma, La. Louisiana Premier Night features four starter races. The Ladies Starter was won by Madison’s Music. The Gentleman Starter was won by Z Storm. The Ragin Cajun Starter was won by Constant Commotion and the Bon Temps Starter was won by Shugafoot.12/09/06 - COSTA RISING showed why he was made the even money favorite in the Louisiana Champions Day Classic. Taking the lead going into the backstretch at the Fair Grounds he had Mean Butterbean on his heels the whole way. In the home stretch he seemed to have put that one away but Mean Butterbean and Robby Albarado were relentless in their pursuit. Costa Rising showed his class as he had to dig deep to hold off the runner-up. Bred by Delmar Caldwell’s Double Dam Farm, Costa Rising is by the farm’s stallion Royal Strand.The Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile saw TORTUGA STRAITS remain undefeated in five starts this year. The Juvenile was his fourth stakes win of the year having previously won the Lafayette Stakes, the John Franks Memorial Sales Stakes and the Jean Lafitte Stakes. Having been sold as a yearling by breeders Joseph Adcock and Neal McFadden in the Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana sale makes Tortuga Straits eligible for the Bayou State Bonus which is a $100,000 bonus paid to any sales graduate that wins the Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile, the Crescent City Derby and the A.L. “Red” Erwin Memorial. There is a similar bonus for fillies with corresponding races. Six year old METEOR IMPACT was the only repeat winner on Louisiana Champions Day having won the Juvenile in 2002. Sent off as the surprise favorite over Thanksgiving Handicap winner Cort’s P.B., Meteor Impact stalked the rapid pace set by Brother Bean then took the lead in the stretch and was never threatened after that. Owner/Breeder Charlene Touzet Thorson’s son of Belek has now earned $440,217.DESERT WHEAT, who has been competitive in stakes races throughout the country made his debut start at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans a winning one by taking the Louisiana Champions Day Turf. The first running of the Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Sprint saw Stanley Seelig’s CARL'S FROSTY GIRL come from far back in a speed packed field to catch prohibitive favorite Cajun Mistress in the deep stretch to win going away.The star of the stable baton in the Krantz Stable has been passed from Destiny Calls, who disappointed in the Ladies Sprint, to her younger stable mate, BlUEYED LASS , who captured her first stakes in the Louisiana Champions Day Ladies.

A blue hen may have been born when HUCKIE, the first foal of her dam Heart River, won the Louisiana Champions Day Lassie. Huckie came from almost last going down the backstretch to a convincing 5 ½ length victory. Breeders Michelle and Jody Huckabay have a yearling half brother to Huckie who is by Red River Farm stallion Leestown.Trainer Tom Amoss and owner Temple Webber got the day off to a good start with a win by SAUCEY TIGER in the Louisiana Champions Day Handicap for horses that have started for a claiming price of $20,000 or less in 2006. Saucey Tiger was bred by Dr. Mary C. Thomspon.

11/26/06 - All-time Louisiana-bred earner Happy Ticket retired
Settled in her stall at Fair Grounds, Happy Ticket awaits a trip to
Glencrest Farm in Midway, Kentucky, after being retired on Friday
by her owner-breeder Stewart Madison.

As of Saturday, a stallion had not been determined for the Grade 1 winner, who closed out her career with a runner-up finish in the Emirates Airline Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) on November 4 at Churchill Downs. The only Louisiana-bred to place in a Breeders’ Cup race, Happy Ticket retires
with 12 wins from 20 starts and earnings of $1,688,838.
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“I think it’s time. She’s done everything we’ve asked her to do and a little more,” said trainer Andrew Leggio. “Mr. Madison just wanted to retire her while she is still healthy and sound.”

A five-year-old Anet mare, Happy Ticket did not race as a juvenile
but won all seven of her three-year-old starts, capped by a victory in
the Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Stakes, one of five stakes for
Louisiana-breds she won that season.

At age four, Happy Ticket took her show on the road and continued
her winning ways, capturing three of six starts including victories in
the Chicago Breeders’ Cup Handicap (G3) at Arlington Park and the
Ballerina Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course.

This year, Happy Ticket won the Fleur de Lis Handicap (G2) at
Churchill Downs. During her career she also placed in stakes at Oaklawn
Park, Calder Race Course, Del Mar, and Belmont Park.
“She took us on a world tour. It’s been fun,” Leggio said. “She took
us to the East Coast, the West Coast, and the middle of the country.
It’s been something. We just had so much fun watching her and going
all around the country with her.”
Frank Angst 8/21/06 - Louisiana Downs Champions Day a Huge SuccessCourtesy of Harrah Louisiana Downs Press Box
Handle, longshots and Louisiana-breds all big winners (Bossier City, LA) – Louisiana Downs Champions Day at Harrah’s Louisiana has come and gone, but the celebrating will continue well throughout the weekend – for not only horsemen but for Harrah’s Louisiana Downs as well. Approximately $3.1 million was handled on Louisiana Downs Champions Day , nearly a $1 million increase from the same day last year and a $1.5 million increase from last year’s state-bred festival. Such increases were due to a tremendous on-track crowd, the appearance of Happy Ticket and a great afternoon of racing. Costa Rising Takes Win Number Six In A Row – Maybe Super Derby next? Louisiana Downs Champions Day might have produced a Super Derby starter in Costa Rising. After taking five straight races on or near the lead, Costa Rising was forced to sit off the pace a bit in the Louisiana Breeders’ Derby. When asked to go by jockey Mario Reyes, Costa Rising responded and opened up in the stretch, gamely holding off all closers. The race shape did not concern his trainer, Joseph Boxie. “He’s come from behind before and Mario knows when to let the horse go,” said Boxie. “We’re just the cheering section. Every morning we go rub on him, play with him, he acts like a 14-year-old gelding.” Costa Rising is probable to start on Super Derby Day, but whether it is in the Super Derby itself or the Donnie Wilhite on the turf, will depend on how he bounces out of this race. Our Love Impressive in Walmac Farm Matchmaker Our Love was challenged early by Calista Ridge, but when her foe dropped back on the far turn, Our Love and jockey Gerard Melancon were left with a commanding lead for the run through the stretch. Blueyed Lass tried hard to make a late rally, but her attempt and all others came up short. Our Love has now won three races in a row and improved her 2006 mark to 3 wins from four starts. The 6-year-old mare showed her guts and class with the win. “I can’t take credit for this, she’s such a game horse,” said her trainer, Jeff Trosclair. Meteor Impact Upsets Zarb’s Dahar Trainer James Hodges was concerned bringing in Zarb’s Dahar, who was a mere 11-for-12 over the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs surface, without a prep-race. Zarb’s Dahar fought for as long as he could, but relinquished the lead late to Meteor Impact, who tracked the leaders from his inside post and ran them down late. Meteor Impact is trained by Connie Tassistro, who won with 6 of 18 horses coming into the day yesterday. Zarb’s Dahar ran well to finish second. Winning jockey Kerwin Clark knew his strategy going in. “It looked like on paper they had four or five horses for the lead, and this horse is a very good come-from-behind sprinter,” said Clark. “I just pretty much had to hang on and give the birthday girl a present.” Diggy Fresh Takes the Shiskabob The Shikabob ended up being a head-bob between Spruce’s Prince and eventual winner Diggy Fresh. The duo outran a pair of entries and began the thoroughbred races with a big price. Diggy Fresh had not won since a December 13 allowance race at Sam Houston. Donnie Meche was aboard for the ride, his first of two victories. Diggy Fresh paid $45.60. Tortuga Straits Scratched, Margarita Man Runs ‘Em Down When the prohibitive favorite Tortuga Straits scratched from the Stardust, others felt they had a legitimate chance to steal the show. But both Time Taker and Ruston Robber felt the same and dueled each other into defeat. Margarita Man with Donnie Meche waited behind the leaders and took charge into the stretch, scoring the win with a cagey ride. “He broke really sharp and I tucked him inside,” said Meche. “He closed in on them so fast so I eased him to the outside. It was a good trip.” Tensas Star Defeats Hottamolly With Jose Riquelme aboard, Tensas Star outran favored Hottamolly through the stretch and scored a win in the Victoria Stakes. Smitty’s Sunshine set suicidal fractions early and squandered a big lead in the lane, allowing Tensas Star to earn the win. The 4-year-old daughter of Forty Won gained the advantage and earned her second win in a row for trainer Harold Hahn. Cutie Sabrina Steals the Louisiana Breeders’ Oaks When no one challenged the 3-year-old filly Cutie Sabrina early, the race was over. Jockey Billy Patin, who rode the filly in her two most recent starts, nursed along the winner and held off all challengers for a decisive victory. Cutie Sabrina was also stretching out from two consecutive sprints for her trainer Abel Blanchard and legitimized herself as a serious horse for the division. Princess Deelite Wears Down Pacesetters Jockey Luis Quinonez is one of the most patient riders on the grounds and lived up to his billing with a well-timed rally aboard Princess Deelite in the Laurel Lane. Coming off three consecutive place finishes going 5 furlongs, the stretch-out to the six furlong distance made the difference. Princess Deelite stopped the clock in 1:12 1/5 for trainer Troy Young. Quarter-horses bring in the prices After Get It Reb won the first quarter-horse race of the day, Andelay Baby Andalay produced a big price when taking the second race. Trained by Beverly McNeely, Andelay Baby Andalay paid $41.20 for the win. “She’s a really nice mare, we started off this year with a win at Delta,” said McNeely. “After that she had a really bad cut, which is why she’s been off. This is her comeback race off that injury.”

Dashing Pana took the third race at $20.00 to win while Toast To My Mom took advantage of a better start to spring the upset in the 12th paying $57.60. The final race of the day went to Toastin Dash who broke sharp and would never relinquish the lead.

7/1/06 - LOUISIANA LEGENDS NIGHT STAKES RESULTSD. S. "SHINE" YOUNG MEMORIAL FUTURITY, $150,000, EVD, 7-1, (S), 2yo, 5f, :59 3/5, ft.
1--#WOOZY, 120, g, 2, Ide--Miniature Magic, by Miswaki. ($6,700 yrl '05 LOUOCT). O-Set-Hut LLC; B-Allen C Peltier (LA); T-Jerry Delhomme; J-W L Lozano Jr; $75,000. Lifetime Record: 2-1-1-0, $80,000.
2--Princess Deelite, 117, f, 2, Afternoon Deelites -- Social Service, by Green Forest. ($29,000 yrl '05 LOUOCT). $37,500.
3--Margarita Man, 120, c, 2, Mr. Shawklit--Dixie Time, by Dixieland Band. ($46,000 2yo 2006 TEXMAR). $18,000.
Margins: 1 1/4, HD, NK. Odds: 7.00, 7.20A, 1.00.JUNIUS DELAHOUSSAYE MEMORIAL SPRINT S., $75,000, EVD, 7-1, (S), 3yo/up, 6f, 1:09 2/5, ft.
1--#CORT'S P. B., 118, g, 6, Huff--Paula Gnome, by Mr. Paul. O-Larry Benoit; B-Horne C Rutledge (LA); T-Keith L Bourgeois; J-K P Leblanc; $45,000. Lifetime Record: 43-9-12-6, $239,507.
2--Meteor Impact, 116, h, 6, Belek--Jennifer's Meteor, by Buckfinder. $15,000.
3--All Wired Up, 118, c, 4, Wire Me Collect--Easter Bunny Honey, by Charging Falls. ($6,700 yrl '03 LOUSEP). $8,250.
Margins: 1 1/4, 4 3/4, 7 1/4. Odds: 10.90, 1.70, 1.90.POLA BENOIT MEMORIAL S., $75,000, EVD, 7-1, (S), 4yo/up, 1 1/16m, 1:45 3/5, ft.
1--WALK IN THE SNOW, 118, h, 7, In a Walk--Snow Starlet, by Snow Chief. O-Kat Racing Stable; B-Virginia S Cobb (LA); T-Keith L Bourgeois; J-K P Leblanc; $45,000. Lifetime Record: GSP, 40-14-14-4, $661,815.
2--Badtotheboneandrew, 116, c, 4, On the Sauce-- Singular Mischief, by Singular. ($3,500 yrl '03 LOUSEP). $15,000.
3--Destined to Star, 116, c, 4, Zarbyev--Star of Destiny, by Combat Ready. $8,250.
Margins: 4 1/4, HF, 1HF. Odds: 2.80, 5.10, 24.40.J. ARCHIE SEBASTIEN MEMORIAL S., $72,750, EVD, 7-1, (S), 4yo/up, f/m, a1m70yd, 1:43 3/5, ft.
1--CALISTA RIDGE, 120, f, 4, Belek--Tarpin Ridge, by Golden Act. ($2,000 yrl '03 LOUSEP). O-Trudy Alexander ; B-J Tim White III (LA); T-Noral J Tate; J-R J Faul; $45,000. Lifetime Record: 12-6-3-2, $174,803. *1/2 to Bebe Garcon (Excavate), SW, $146,153.
2--Blueyed Lass, 117, f, 4, Sky Classic--Blueyed Gal, by Unbridled. $15,000.
3--Miriam L., 116, f, 4, Kipling--Go See Moldy, by Bailjumper. $8,250.
Margins: 3/4, 9 1/4, 14 3/4. Odds: 0.50, 2.30, 6.00.FRANK A. "BUDDY" ABADIE MEMORIAL S., $75,000, EVD, 7-1, (S), 3yo, f, 1m, 1:39 1/5, ft.
1--GRAND FACILE, 122, f, 3, Zuppardo's Prince-- Sarah's My Angel (SP), by Sutter's Prospect. ($20,000 yrl '04 LOUSEP; $17,000 2yo 2005 TEXMAR). O-Southern Legacy Thoroughbreds LLC; B-Val C Murrell (LA); T-James E Hodges; J-T J Hebert; $45,000. Lifetime Record: 11-4-5-0, $211,910.
2--Carl's Frosty Girl, 115, f, 3, Pulling Punches-- Winning Lady, by Boyish Charm. ($23,500 2yo 2005 EVDMAR; $23,500 2yo 2005 LOUMAR). $15,000.
3--Hottamolly, 122, f, 3, Sky Classic--Jerold's Sister, by Zuppardo's Prince. $8,250.
Margins: 1, 1 3/4, 3. Odds: 2.90, 12.20, 0.70.

PIERRE LEBLANC MEMORIAL LADIES SPRINT S., $75,000, EVD, 7-1, (S), 3yo/up, f/m, 5 1/2f, 1:04 2/5, ft.
1--HELLO SARA LOU, 117, f, 3, Prince of the Mt.-- Princess Sara, by Chief Honcho. ($7,000 yrl '04 LOUAUG). O-Scott Garrelts & Philip Campbell; B-J & B Thoroughbred (LA); T-William Meaux; J-J Nichols; $45,000. Lifetime Record: 7-4-0-1, $139,468.
2--Tensas Star, 116, f, 4, Forty Won--Nuts About Mom, by Bates Motel. $15,000. 3--Destiny Calls, 120, m, 6, With Approval--Longue Vue, by Miswaki. $8,250.
Margins: 1 3/4, HD, 5 1/4. Odds: 5.20, 20.30, 1.30.

6/17/06 - Happy Ticket bests Oonagh Maccool in Fleur de Lis G2
COURTESY OF THE THOROUGHBRED TIMES TODAY

Stewart Madison’s hard-trying Louisiana-bred Happy Ticket emphatically rebounded from a pair of narrow defeats as she outbattled favorite Oonagh Maccool (Ire) to win in the $321,900 Fleur de Lis Handicap (G2) on Saturday at Churchill Downs.

The 11⁄8-mile race lived up to its billing as a showdown between the two talented distaffers as they dueled down the stretch, with Happy Ticket ultimately outgaming her rival—who previously was unbeaten this season—to win by a head in 1:49.23. With Julien Leparoux aboard for the first time, Happy Ticket rated in third as Oonagh Maccool, the 3-to-5 favorite, took the early lead. Advancing on the far turn, the five-year-old Anet mare engaged the leader in the stretch and took a slight lead on the outside. Oonagh Maccool, under Rafael Bejarano, dug in for the battle with her rival. The two continued to drive to the finish, with Happy Ticket prevailing in the final strides for her second win of the year. Trained by Andy Leggio Jr., Happy Ticket won the Ballerina Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course last summer. She launched her career with nine straight victories.

6/9/06 -- 1st - 4th place 2 YO TRIAL Qualifiers for the $150,000 Shine Young Futurity to be run July 1st.

2/19/06 - Happy Ticket makes successful return on Louisiana Premier Night
COURTESY OF THE THOROUGHBRED TIMES TODAYHappy Ticket returned to the track on Saturday and proved she had rebounded from a disappointing finish in the Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1) with a 5 ½-length victory in the $100,000 Louisiana Premier Night Distaff Stakes at Evangeline Downs.Trainer Andy Leggio Jr. also won two more of the six stakes for Louisiana-breds on the card, including the featured $150,000 Premier Night Championship Stakes for older horses with Prince T.The Louisiana Premier Night races typically are held at Delta Downs, which was significantly damaged when Hurricane Rita ravaged the region in September. The Vinton, Louisiana, track moved its winter Thoroughbred meeting to Evangeline, but had hoped to be back up and running by January 1. Those plans did not come to fruition, however, so Delta Downs' premier winter event was held about 90 miles to the west at Evangeline in Lafayette, Louisiana.Happy Ticket, winner of last year's Ballerina Stakes (G1) on August 28 at Saratoga Race Course and one of the prerace favorites for the Distaff, proved from the start that she had completely recovered from throat surgery in November to treat an entrapped epiglottis.Stewart Madison's homebred five-year-old Anet mare appeared to be comfortable throughout her one-mile trip under jockey Robby Albarado to win going away. She covered the distance in 1:38.78 on a fast track in her first start since the Breeders' Cup.Stakes winner Raspberry Wine was no match for her rival and finished second, 7 1/2 lengths in front of Bittersweet Bonnie, in the eight-horse field.As if that were not enough to make Leggio's night, Prince T. rallied from fourth on the backstretch under jockey Guy Smith and charged down the stretch to hold off Badtotheboneandrew by a neck in the $150,000 Louisiana Premier Night Championship Stakes.The four-year-old Royal Anthem colt, bred by Tom Ball and owned by Rancha Fresa, covered 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.54 in his second start of the season. Nitro Chip, who won the 2005 running of the race, finished third.Leggio's first victory of the evening came with Hud's Playmate in the $100,000 Louisiana Premier Night Prince Stakes, a six-furlong event for three-year-olds, which the bay B. J.'s Mark colt won over Carson Bay at odds of 14.20-to-1 under Smith.Larry Campagna's Leesa Lee captured her first career stakes victory when she took over in the stretch to claim the $100,000 Louisiana Premier Night Starlet Stakes for three-year-old fillies.

In the evening's two $60,000 stakes, Wire 2 Wire Stables's Brandon's Marfa picked up his second career stakes triumph with a neck victory over All Wired Up in the Louisiana Premier NightSprint Stakes for older horses, and Vickie Krantz's homebred Destiny Calls, a two-time winner of the Premier Night Distaff, prevailed in the stretch to claim the Louisiana Premier NightMatron Stakes for older fillies and mares.