Delta Downs unveils stakes schedule, Jackpot program

July 30, 2011 - Delta Downs has released its 2011-2012 Thoroughbred stakes schedule, which includes 30 races and over $4 million in total purse money.

The highlight of the 88-day season, which runs from October 19 through March 17, will come on Saturday, November 19. On that day the track will host eight stakes races and offer over $2 million in total purse money with the season’s richest race, the $1,000,000 Delta Downs Jackpot (gr. III), serving as the main attraction.

Last year’s $1,000,000 Delta Downs Jackpot program was historic, as it produced the highest single-day handle in track history of $3,817,849. The 11-race card also marked the first time the season’s richest race day was conducted during daylight hours, as the track’s regular programs are run at night. That tradition will continue this year as the first post time on the Delta Downs Jackpot Day card is set for 1:15 p.m.

Other highlights of the new stakes schedule include a pair of prep races on opening weekend, Saturday, October 22. The $200,000 Jean Lafitte will serve as a stepping stone to the $1,000,000 Delta Downs Jackpot and the $150,000 My Trusty Cat for 2-year-old fillies is a prelude to the $500,000 Delta Downs Princess (gr. III), which is the only other graded stakes race of the season. The Delta Downs Princess is also scheduled for November 19.

The richest night-time program of the season will take place on Saturday, February 4 with another edition of Louisiana Premier Night. The LAPN card features 10 stakes races for Louisiana-bred horses and over $1 million in total purse money. The highlight of LAPN is the $200,000 Louisiana Premier Night Championship for older horses competing at 1-1/16 miles.

Delta Downs’ 2011-2012 Thoroughbred meeting will feature live racing each Wednesday through Saturday. Post times each evening will be at 5:45 p.m.