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News from Louisiana Archives:

Average up slightly for the 2011 John Franks Memorial Two-Year-Old in Training Sale at Evangeline Downs - Opelousas, Louisiana – March 22, 2011 - The 9th edition of the John Franks Memorial Two-Year-Old in Training Sale at Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino on Sunday, March 20 recorded a slight increase in average sales price while also posting declines in horses sold and total receipts.

Napravnik likely to become Fair Ground’s first female jockey title winner; Jockey Albarado readies for return - NEW ORLEANS - March 14, 2011 – Good morning, New Orleans! Do you know who your leading rider is this winter? Here at Fair Grounds, the nation’s third oldest Thoroughbred race course and a local landmark for well over a hundred years, the soon-to-be crowned jockey champion at the 2010-2011 meeting which ends in two weeks will assuredly not be crowned as king but instead as a queen.

FAIR GROUNDS OAKS RAISED TO $500K - Five closing weekend stakes get purse bumps; overnight fields of 10-plus will run for 25% more - NEW ORLEANS - March 12, 2011 – The purse for the March 26 Grade II Fair Grounds Oaks at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots has been boosted to $500,000 (from $400,000), making it the richest prep race for 3-year-old fillies pointing to the prestigious May 6 Kentucky Oaks.

Asmussen, Peace Rules, Rachel Alexandra elected to Fair Grounds Hall of Fame - NEW ORLEANS - March 12, 2011 – Three new members have been elected to the Fair Grounds Hall of Fame: Steve Asmussen, a nine-time leading trainer at Fair Grounds; Peace Rules, the 2003 Louisiana Derby and 2004 New Orleans Handicap winner; and Rachel Alexandra, the dominant 2009 Fair Grounds Oaks winner. The first Fair Grounds Hall of Fame class since 2005 will be inducted March 24, the Thursday prior to the $1 million Louisiana Derby, at a ceremony in the Fair Grounds Clubhouse.

Letters from the backside - The Neighborhood story project presents: Exhibition of Letters, Photographs at Fair Grounds Louisiana Derby Weekend

NEW ORLEANS - March 12, 2011 – The Neighborhood Story Project, a local nonprofit in partnership with the University of New Orleans that facilitates local residents publishing books about their own communities, will present Letters from the Backside, an exhibition of open letters by racing’s behind-the-scenes workers accompanied by the photography of Aubrey Edwards, around the Fair Grounds paddock during Louisiana Derby Week, March 25-27. - Martin Brown portrait by Aubrey Edwards

James Graham Rides Four Winners Sunday; Albarado to begin galloping horses Saturday - NEW ORLEANS - March 07, 2011 – Jockey James Graham enjoyed a four-win day Sunday at Fair Grounds to move into a sole possession of third place in the local rider standings entering Monday’s 10-race Lundi Gras program.

FAIR GROUNDS’ RAINED OUT RACING PROGRAM RESCHEDULED - New Orleans - March 6, 2011 - Saturday’s racing program at Fair Grounds, rained out by a deluge that hit just after the first two races were completed, has been partially resurrected for Friday and Saturday of this week.

Blue Louisiana Jolla Pulls Away in Mr Jess Perry - BOSSIER CITY, LA – Feb. 26, 2011 - Paul Wilson and Elroy Potts, Jr.’s Blue Louisiana Jolla turned a wide-open $50,000 Mr Jess Perry Stakes into a personal showcase with his three-quarter-length win in the race for older Louisiana-breds on Saturday afternoon at Louisiana Downs. - by Ty Wyant / Glyshaw / Hodges Photography

Upperline Wins FG’s Allen Lacombe Memorial ‘Cap; Man of Strife Closes Late to Win Gentilly Stakes ; Lovenotlost Rules Sarah Lane’s Oates

NEW ORLEANS (Saturday, February 26, 2011) – Oakcrest et al.’s Upperline pressed the early pace, gained the advantage in the lane and drew clear late for a one-length win in Saturday’s fourth running of the $60,000 Allen LaCombe Memorial Handicap for older fillies and mares over Fair Grounds’ Stall-Wilson turf course. - photo by Hodges Photography / Lynn Roberts / By Graham Ross, Staff Writer

Election gives Louisiana horsemen's group a chance to enhance its image
Feb. 25, 2011 - Ballots will go out soon, and voting will take place in March for the Louisiana Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association president and board of directors.

LQHBA Names 2010 Racing Champions - ALEXANDRIA, LA - Feb. 22, 2011—The Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders' Association announced their 2010 racing champions with Van Haywood earning champion trainer honors and Alfonso Lujan was named top jockey. Jls Speedhorse Ranch, Inc. is the champion LQHBA breeder of 2010.

MARDI GRAS DERBY QH Trial Qualifiers - Broussard Has Big Day - BOSSIER CITY, LA - Feb. 20, 2011 - It was good to be trainer Kevin Broussard on Sunday afternoon at Louisiana Downs.

Broussard sent out six qualifiers to the Mardi Gras Derby for Louisiana-breds and did about everything but saddle the fastest qualifier.

MUCHO MACHO MAN A RISING STAR IN RISEN STAR
NEW ORLEANS - February 19, 2011 – Mucho Macho Man, owned by the partnership of Reeves Thoroughbred Racing and Dream Team One Racing, picked an excellent time to win the second race of his career from seven lifetime starts when he took on all comers to prove best in Saturday’s Grade II Risen Star Stakes – the designed prep for the $1 million Grade II Louisiana Derby to be run five weeks from now on March 26 at Fair Grounds. Photo by Lou Hodges, Jr/By Graham Ross, Staff Writer

KATHMANBLU DELIVERS IN RACHEL ALEXANDRA - NEW ORLEANS - February 19, 2011 – Five D Thoroughbreds & Wind River Stables’ Kathmanblu, making her first start on dirt as a 3-year-old, established herself as a serious contender for the Grade I Kentucky Oaks with a convincing 1 ¼-length win over Donver Stables’ Inglorious in Saturday’s Grade III Rachel Alexandra Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in New Orleans. Photo by Lou Hodges, Jr

Demarcation makes mark in Mineshaft Handicap; Expansion rules at $66.50 in Fair Grounds 'Cap
Also:
· Due Date Does Colonel Power Stakes
· Beautician Best in Pan Zareta Stakes

NEW ORLEANS (Saturday, February 19, 2011) – Amerman Racing’s Demarcation, void of early foot in Saturday’s Grade III Mineshaft Handicap, launched a strong bid after being set down for the drive, engaged Twin Creeks Racing Stable’s favored Mission Impazible inside the furlong grounds and outfought that rival to prove best by a head in the designed prep for the upcoming Grade II New Orleans Handicap at Fair Grounds on March 26. By Graham Ross, Staff Writer/photo credit Photo by Lou Hodges, Jr.

Mardi Gras Futurity QH Trial Qualifiers - A Toast To The Futurity Season - BOSSIER CITY, LA – Feb. 19, 2011 - The futurity season officially started with a toast. Toast To Patriot raced to the fastest-qualifying time from 15 trials to the $264,876 Mardi Gras Futurity on Saturday afternoon at Louisiana Downs when he won the fifth heat in :15.683 for 300 yards.

Borel wins jockey MMI jockey challenge - Feb. 18, 2011 - Calvin Borel won the Meydan Masters International jockey competition at Meydan Racecourse on Friday, a night when trainer Mike de Kock scored a one-two knockout in the Group 2, $200,000 Balanchine Stakes with River Jetez and Reem.

Pants On Fire back for round 2 in Risen Star - By Claire Novak, Special Contributor - NEW ORLEANS - Feb. 18, 2011 – Jockey Joe Bravo rode Pants On Fire for the first time at Monmouth Park in the summer of 2010. That didn’t last very long. “That afternoon in the post parade he shied from something,” Bravo recalled. “He’s so powerful and strong, next thing I knew, he dropped me on my keister. He’s real talented, just a big playboy.”

TOP RIDER DON SIMINGTON TAKES HARD FALL - Vinton, LA - Feb. 17, 2011 - Veteran jockey Don Simington will be out of action for a while after sustaining multiple injuries during a spill in last Thursday’s 10th race.

FOREST UPROAR WINS MARIE KRANTZ MEMORIAL - NEW ORLEANS - Jan. 29, 2011 – Sam-Son Farms’ odds-on favorite Forest Uproar, away fastest but quickly taken off the lead, responded boldly when asked for a run by jockey James Graham in mid-stretch and drew off late for a convincing three-length tally at Fair Grounds Saturday in the featured $60,000 Marie G. Krantz Memorial Handicap. - Hodges Photography / Lynn Roberts

Classy XO Kate Takes Swift - by Ty Wyant - BOSSIER CITY, LA - January 29, 2011 - Noel Balderas’ classy XO Kate scored her second-straight stakes win at Louisiana Downs with a runaway daylight victory in the $15,000 Swift Stakes on Saturday afternoon. - Hodges Photography

GAZILLIONAIRE GETS $240 WIN PAYOFF ON $2 WAGER - January 27, 2011 – Who wants to be a gazillionaire? Anybody who wagered substantially on Stephen Stigall’s Gazillionaire in Thursday’s second race at Fair Grounds might be halfway to becoming one, because the 4-year-old filly by Authenticate lit up the tote board with a $240 win payoff based on a $2 wager – largest straight price recorded thus far in the New Orleans 2010-2011 Thoroughbred Racing Season. Was the owner surprised?

BOUQUET BOOTH READYING FOR RACHEL ALEXANDRA STAKES FEB. 19 – New Orleans, Jan. 23, 2011 - Trainer Steve Margolis was all smiles Sunday morning on the clubhouse apron as he watched workouts with wife Sue by his side – and that was easily understandable.

Unrealistic Scores Fourth Straight - by Ty Wyant - BOSSIER CITY, LA - January 22, 2011 - Gerlad Libersat’s Unrealistic raced to her fourth-straight win and sixth victory from eight stakes to stand out in the $40,000 Billy Montgomery Stakes, part of a stakes doubleheader on Saturday at Louisiana Downs. (Cat Five Storm $20,000 Marathon Stakes, pictured - Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr.)

WILKINSON WINS LECOMTE STAKES AT FAIR GROUNDS - NEW ORLEANS - January 22, 2011 – Trainer Neil Howard had indicated that Gaillardia Racing’s Wilkinson may have been a little flat when he finished third in his last race at Fair Grounds on New Year’s Day, but the sophomore son of 1999 Belmont Stakes winner Lemon Drop Kid was sharp as a sword Saturday afternoon at the New Orleans oval when he captured the Grade III Lecomte Stakes by a head from the game pacesetter Pants On Fire, Aqueduct’s Count Fleet Stakes winner owned by George and Lori Hill. - Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr.

BOUQUET BOOTH GATE TO WIRE IN SILVERBULLETDAY - NEW ORLEANS (Saturday, January 22, 2011) – Right Time Racing LLC’s Bouquet Booth grasped an opportunity to control the early pace and held on determinedly to prevail by a neck over James M. Miller’s Daisy Devine in Saturday’s $100,000 Silverbulletday Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. - Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr.

GRAN ESTRENO GRAND AGAIN IN COL. E.R. BRADLEY 'CAP; Recapturetheglory Recaptures Glory in Louisiana Handicap, Wild About Marie Wins Dr. A. B. Leggio Memorial, Early Return Cruises in F. W. Gaudin Memorial - NEW ORLEANS - January 22, 2011 – Feel The Thunder Stable’s Gran Estreno, a two-time winner of the Grade III Washington Park Handicap over Arlington’s synthetic surface in Chicago, proved equally proficient in Grade III company on the grass by capturing Saturday’s Grade III Col. E. R. Bradley Handicap on Fair Grounds’ Stall-Wilson turf course with a clear-cut come-from-behind win by 1 1/4-lengths. - Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr.

'SPEED' GETS 'TICKET'; CHIEF JAY WINS 'JACKSON' AT FAIRGROUNDS - NEW ORLEANS - January 15, 2011 – Carl Moore’s Speedacious broke in stride to make the pace and continued willingly throughout to take Saturday’s $60,000 Happy Ticket Stakes for accredited Louisiana-bred older fillies and mares at Fair Grounds by 4 1/2-lengths. - Chief Jay pictured: Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr.

DECISIVE MOMENT RETURNS TO DELTA DOWNS TO CLAIM THE $200,000 JEAN LAFITTE - GRAN LIONESS SCORES BIG IN THE MY TRUSTY CAT - VINTON, LA. – January 14, 2011 - After finishing second to Gourmet Dinner in the $1,000,000 Delta Downs Jackpot (Gr. III) on November 20, Decisive Moment returned to Vinton, Louisiana and scored a resounding victory in Friday night’s $250,000 Jean Lafitte Stakes. - Gran Lioness pictured: Emily Stevens / Coady Photography

SOUTHERN REGION BEST AT FAIR GROUNDS FRIDAY - By Graham Ross - NEW ORLEANS (Friday, January 14, 2011) – Willow Lane Stable’s Southern Region pressed the early pace, took command in upper stretch and then withstood a late bid by the late-closing Hype, owned by Al and Bill Ulwelling, to capture Friday’s $51,000 5 ½-furlong sprint feature at Fair Grounds by a head.

National HBPA Horsemen's Alert: ICE Stepping Up Enforcement of Employer Immigration Regulations - January 11, 2011 - Special Agent Guevara of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agency met with Louisiana horsemen at the Fair Grounds earlier last week. Essentially, he gave horsemen fair warning that if they did not comply with the E-Verify or I-9 requirements – requirements which hold that employers must file reports that any foreign workers in their employ carry the required documentation – they (the employers) will now be held responsible under the new immigration laws. Employers who do not comply with verification requirements can be subject to fines and/or jail time.

KING MESA RULES MONDAY'S FAIR GROUNDS FEATURE - by Graham Ross - NEW ORLEANS (Monday, January 10, 2011) – Lucas Downs’ King Mesa broke in stride to make or force the pace throughout in Monday’s featured $49,000 allowance affair at Fair Grounds and prevailed by a head at the wire under strong handling by jockey Kerwin Clark, who was winning his third race of the day.

ILLUSION OF SPEED WINS SUNDAY AT FAIR GROUNDS - By Graham Ross - NEW ORLEANS - January 09, 2011 – Carl Moore Management’s Illusion of Speed broke in full stride to make all the pace and continued willingly in the stretch to win Sunday’s $43,000 allowance optional claiming sprint at Fair Grounds by 2 1/4-lengths.

Cash Refund-Backtalk duo run one exciting race - by Graham Ross - NEW ORLEANS, LA - January 09, 2011 – The much-anticipated matchup between Richard, Bertram and Elaine Klein’s Cash Refund and Gold Mark Farm’s Backtalk in a $53,000 allowance optional claiming Saturday at Fair Grounds lived up to its billing, giving guests at the local oval and simulcast fans across the continent one of the most exciting stretch duels seen during the 2010-2011 Thoroughbred Racing Season in New Orleans.

XO Kate Defends To Top Doubleheader - by Ty Wyant - BOSSIER CITY, LA - January 8, 2011 - Noel Balderas’ XO Kate fought to a narrow victory to defend her title in the $20,000 Harrah’s Distaff Stakes as Louisiana Downs on Saturday, opening day of the winter season. - Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr.

WILDRALLY WINS 'DIXIE'; ‘CASH’ BESTS BACKTALK - NEW ORLEANS, LA - January 08, 2011 – Charles Zacney and Eddie Johnston’s Wildrally, hero of the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Turf two seasons ago, returned to his winning ways in state-bred stakes company at Fair Grounds Saturday with a one-length tally in the featured $60,000 Dixie Poker Ace Stakes. - Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr.

2011 Quarter Horse Meet Kicks-Off At Louisiana Downs On Saturday - BOSSIER CITY, LA - JAN. 7, 2011 - The quarter horse meet at Louisiana Downs kicks-off on Saturday with a first race post time of 1pm. The 46-day meet runs thru March 23 with racing every Saturday thru Tuesday. There is also racing on Wednesdays during the final two weeks of the season.

PATIENCE DRIVE WINS FRIDAY AT FAIR GROUNDS - By Graham Ross - NEW ORLEANS, LA - January 07, 2011 – Melnyk Racing Stables Inc.’s Patience Drive challenged the pacesetting Age of Humor, owned by Skychai Racing and Twin Creeks Farm et al., in the vicinity of the furlong grounds and outgamed that rival the rest of the way to win Friday’s $51,000 filly and mare allowance/optional claiming feature at Fair Grounds by a half-length.

CANON MAN REPELS SIENTE EL TRUENO THURSDAY AT FAIR GROUNDS - by Graham Ross - NEW ORLEANS, LA - January 06, 2011 – B/L Racing Stable and Michelle Lovell’s Canon Man, in command quickly after the break, made the pace, withstood a challenge from Feel The Thunder Stable and David Cassidy’s Siente El Trueno at the quarter-pole and drew clear again to win Thursday’s featured $49,000 six-furlong allowance sprint by 1 1/4-lengths.

SCRAPPY ROO RULES MONDAY FAIR GROUNDS FEATURE - By Graham Ross - NEW ORLEANS (Monday, January 03, 2011) – Steve Asmussen’s Scrappy Roo, always well placed, came up to challenge H & H Ranch’s front-running Valid Message entering the lane, took command approaching the furlong grounds and drew off the rest of the way for a three-length tally in Monday’s $27,000 starter allowance optional claiming feature at about nine furlongs over Fair Grounds’ yielding Stall-Wilson turf course.

MACHEN IMPRESSIVE WINNER AT FAIR GROUNDS SUNDAY- by Graham Ross, Staff Writer - NEW ORLEANS (Sunday, January 02, 2011) – Courtlandt Farms’ Machen, allowed to settle early, rallied strongly approaching the lane, took command in upper stretch and drew off with authority to capture Sunday’s featured $45,000 six-furlong sprint for 3-year-old maidens by 5 ½ lengths.

Avie’s Tale flies to win in FG’s Blushing K.D. Stakes - NEW ORLEANS, LA - January 01, 2011 – Ivan Dalos’s Avie’s Tale, void of early foot, launched a bold bid when set down for the drive and drew off in the final furlong for a 3 1/4-length win in Saturday’s $60,000 Blushing K. D. Handicap – the New Year’s Day filly and mare feature at Fair Grounds. - photo by Hodges Photography / Lynn Roberts

MAX ME OUT WINS WOODCHOPPER STAKES AT FAIR GROUNDS - NEW ORLEANS, LA - December 31, 2010 – Max Me Out, owned by the partnership of D&G Racing, Diamond Racing and 4-Star Thunder, responded with some stretch-running thunder of his own and drew off late for a 1 3/4-length tally in the $60,000 Woodchopper Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots on New Year’s Eve. - photo by Hodges Photography / Lynn Roberts

Daisy Devine blooming in time for FG’s filly series - By Graham Ross, Staff Writer - NEW ORLEANS, LA - December 30, 2010 – James Miller’s Daisy Devine popped clearly into the picture for Fair Grounds’ upcoming three-race sophomore filly series with an upset one-length victory in Thursday’s $47,000 featured mile and 40-yard allowance test for juvenile fillies at the New Orleans oval.

FAST ALEX ON NEW ORLEANS 'CAP TRAIL AFTER MONDAY WIN - NEW ORLEANS - December 27, 2010 – Jim Tafel LLC’s Fast Alex has his connections thinking about the Grade II, $300,000 New Orleans Handicap in March after an impressive win in Monday’s feature, a $49,000 allowance for older horses at one mile and 70 yards over the Fair Grounds main track.

HERP WINS SUNDAY’S 2-YEAR-OLD ALLOWANCE FEATURE - NEW ORLEANS, LA - December 26, 2010 – Wayne R. Sanders & Larry Hirsch’s Herp came from off the pace and burst through on the rail to win Sunday’s $47,000 entry-level allowance feature at six furlongs by 1 ¼ lengths over Pin Oak Stables’ Divine Music.

Delta Downs gives $10K to local charities - Vinton, La. — Dec. 24, 2010 - Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel awarded $10,000 to local non-profit organizations that participated in the 3rd Annual “Trees of Hope” contest. Fifteen charities and non-profit organizations decorated 12-foot trees provided by Delta Downs. Over 3,000 votes were cast by the public from December 6 to December 15.

GREAT MILLS PROVES BEST IN JUVENILE TURF SPRINT - NEW ORLEANS - December 23, 2010 – Millennium Farms’ Great Mills stalked the pace set by Carl R. Moore’s Yankee Gone South, challenged the leader approaching the quarter-pole and inched clear to win Thursday’s $45,000 maiden special weight feature at 5 ½ furlongs over the Stall-Wilson turf course by 2 ¾ lengths.

Former employee of racehorse owners' assoc. pleads guilty - Dec. 22, 2010 - Cindy "Cricket" Romero, 50, admitted that while working for the Louisiana Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, she helped the organization's president and executive director rig a 2008 leadership election by identifying which members were likely not to vote, traveling to their cities of residence across the region and mailing falsified ballots from those locations.

GRAN ESTRENO WINS WEDNESDAY’S $54K TURF FEATURE - NEW ORLEANS (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) – Feel the Thunder Stables’ Gran Estreno, two-time winner of the Grade III Washington Park Handicap at Arlington Park, closed steadily in the final furlong and inched clear to win by a half-length over Stacey Moak’s Southern Anthem in Wednesday’s $54,000 allowance/optional claiming feature for older horses at 1 1/16 miles over the Stall-Wilson turf course.

Evangeline Downs to host the 9th annual John Franks Memorial Two-Year-Old in Training Sale - Opelousas, LA, December 21, 2010 - Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino will once again host the John Franks Memorial Two-Year-Old in Training Sale.

Fair Grounds to Host Claiming Crown for First Time in 2011 - Lexington, KY, Dec. 20, 2010 – Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in New Orleans, Louisiana will host the 13th running of the Claiming Crown on Saturday, December 3, 2011. Patterned after the Breeders’ Cup, Claiming Crown was designed to reward Thoroughbred racing’s “blue-collar” horses and will offer races at varying distances on both dirt and turf.

Alfonso Lujan wins his fourth consecutive riding title; Jls Mr Bigtime Horse of the meet at Evangeline Downs - Opelousas, Louisiana – Dec. 18, 20101 - In dramatic come-from-behind fashion, Alfonso Lujan recorded his fourth consecutive leading rider title at the 2010 Fall Quarter Horse season at Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino.

due date-early return entry one-two in bonapaw; central city still possible for trip to dubai - NEW ORLEANS, LA - December 18, 2010 – Richard, Bertram and Elaine Klein’s Due Date had one of his best days on Santa Super Saturday at Fair Grounds when he won the $60,000 Bonapaw Stakes, but the Klein family and trainer Steve Margolis had an even better one when entrymate Early Return bested Gold Mark Farm’s Backtalk by a neck for the runner-up spot. - Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr.

Reba Reba Corona Turns Tables - by Ty Wyant - Opelousas, LA - December 18, 2010 - Reba Reba Corona reversed a trial finish by pulling away from fastest-qualifier William Henry to win the $129,700 Evangeline Downs Futurity on Saturday at Evangeline Downs.

DAJOHNA WINS FEATURE AT FAIR GROUNDS FRIDAY NIGHT - NEW ORLEANS - December 17, 2010 – Divine Equine’s Dajohna broke in full stride to make all the pace and held on willingly to capture the $47,000 filly and mare allowance feature Friday evening at Fair Grounds by a length and a half during the first of four Starlight Racing programs at the New Orleans oval this season.

JOINEM WINS THURSDAY AT FAIR GROUNDS - NEW ORLEANS - December 16, 2010 – Henry Pabst’s Joinem, allowed to settle early, rallied boldly when set down for the drive and was up to best Louie Roussel III’s Tight Grip by a length and a quarter in Thursday’s $49,000 allowance optional claiming feature at about 1 1/16-miles over Fair Grounds’ Stall-Wilson turf course.

BE ME BEST SUNDAY AT FAIR GROUNDS - NEW ORLEANS - December 12, 2010 - Richard, Bertram and Elaine Klein’s Be Me, settled just behind the early leaders while racing along the rail early, came up to challenge for command in mid-stretch and drew clear late for a 1 3/4-length score in Sunday’s featured $47,000 allowance race at Fair Grounds.

BRUISED FEET MAY HAVE BOTHERED SUPERIOR STORM - NEW ORLEANS (Sunday, December 12, 2010) – Trainer Richard Jackson, conditioner of Jac Mac Stable’s Superior Storm, said Sunday that the daughter of Stormy Atlantic may have been compromised by bruised feet Saturday when she failed in her bid to become the first mare in history to become a four-time winner on a Louisiana Champions Day program at Fair Grounds.

STAR GUITAR SHINES BRIGHTEST ON LOUISIANA CHAMPIONS DAY - NEW ORLEANS - December 11, 2010 – Brittlyn Stable’s Star Guitar broke new ground in Louisiana Thoroughbred history at Fair Grounds on Saturday when he repeated his win of a year ago in the $150,000 Louisiana Champions Day Classic, becoming the first horse to win four Louisiana Champions Day stakes races on an afternoon that was the 20th anniversary of Champions Day. - Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr.

Heza Fast Dash Runners Score Big in Louisiana Champion day Stakes - NEW ORLEANS - December 11, 2010 –Louisiana Champions Day on Saturday at Fair Grounds in New Orleans featured stakes for state-bred American Quarter Horses, and stallion Heza Fast Dash had a big day as the sire of two winners, a runner-up and a third-place finisher in the trio of Quarter Horse stakes. - Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr. (Fast Dashin Dude pictured)

Acorn, Shake Em Special Pop Win Evangeline Derby Divisions - Opelousas, LA - Dec. 10, 2010 - Rose Mary Chandler’s hot gelding Acorn and the consistent Shake Em Special Pop took the two $40,000 divisions to the Evangeline Derby at Evangeline Downs on Friday afternoon.

JOIN IN THE DANCE WINS THURSDAY FEATURE AT FAIR GROUNDS - NEW ORLEANS - December 09, 2010 – Ballis, Swinbank and Lewis’s Join in the Dance, always well placed, rallied when set down for the drive to be best by three-quarters of a length in Thursday’s featured $47,000 second level allowance race at Fair Grounds.

FLAT OUT CLEARLY BEST SUNDAY AT FAIR GROUNDS - NEW ORLEANS - December 05, 2010 – Preston Stables’ Flat Out, allowed to settle early, angled sharply outside the leaders in upper stretch under left-handed whipping and drew off for a two-length tally in Sunday’s featured $49,000 allowance optional claiming race at Fair Grounds.

JLS Mr Bigtime Holiday Feast - Opelousas, LA - Dec. 4, 2010 – All American Futurity runner-up JLS Mr Bigtime feasted on Louisiana-bred competition in the Grade 1 (R), $526,594 Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association Futurity on Saturday night at Evangeline Downs.

STRIKE AGAIN WINS 'BUDDY D' SATURDAY; VALLI WITH A VOW CLIMBS TO TOP IN PAGO HOP - NEW ORLEANS -December 04, 2010 – Pin Oak Stable’s Strike Again caught even-money favorite Gran Estreno just steps from the wire to register a three-quarter length mild upset in Saturday’s fifth running of the $60,000 Buddy Diliberto Memorial Handicap. - Photo by Lou Hodges, Jr.

JEDEDIAH WINS FRIDAY'S FAIR GROUNDS FEATURE - NEW ORLEANS - December 03, 2010 – Marc and Jill Winston’s Jedediah, never far back, rallied outside the leaders when set down for the drive and was up to best John Duvielh and Keith and Earl Hernandez’s Butter Brown by a head in Friday’s $39,000 allowance feature for accredited Louisiana-breds at Fair Grounds.

Defendant enters not guilty plea in Louisiana Horseman's Association case - NEW ORLEANS - Nov. 2, 2010 - The first of three defendants in the Louisiana Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association fraud case appeared in federal court for arraignment Thursday, pleading not guilty to a 29-count indictment.

Dandyna wins Thursday at fair grounds - NEW ORLEANS - December 02, 2010 – Bluegrass Hall’s Dandyna got the first five-day week of the new Fair Grounds season off to a good start Thursday with a 1 3/4-length win in the first race of the afternoon. The grass test carried a purse of $45,000.

William Henery fastest in Evangeline
Downs Futurity trials qualifiers:

MAY ONE WINS SUNDAY FAIR GROUNDS FEATURE - NEW ORLEANS (Sunday, November 28, 2010) – Joseph Haddad’s May One, a 5-year-old daughter of Waquoit trained by Mike Stidham, responded gamely when roused by Fair Grounds’ current leading rider Jamie Theriot and proved best by three-quarters of a length in Sunday’s featured 1 1/16-mile $47,000 event for fillies and mares over the Stall-Wilson turf course.

ICE CLIMBER WINS SATURDAY'S FEATURE; FLASH MASH EMERGES AS OAKS CONTENDER IN RACE 1 - NEW ORLEANS (Saturday, November 27, 2010) –Allowed to settle early, Team Block’s Ice Climber commenced a rally outside the leaders when set down for the drive and wore down Last Call Racing Partnership’s Musicstreet Menace in the late stages to be best by a length in Saturday’s featured 1 1/16-mile $47,000 allowance feature over the Stall-Wilson turf course at Fair Grounds.

Jockey Jamie Theriot wins four Friday at fair grounds - NEW ORLEANS (Saturday, November 27, 2010) – Three years ago, Louisiana-born jockey Jamie Theriot rode most of the races on a cold, overcast November day at Churchill Downs, got into his car at the end of the day and drove all night to ride the opening day card at Fair Grounds. + Clark Handicap Winner Giant Oak Pointed to New Orleans Handicap · Super Derby Winner Apart Also New Orleans Handicap-Bound · Jockey Richard Eramia Rides Hat Trick Friday

HALLWAY HITS HIS STRIDE IN FRIDAY'S MR. SULU AT FG - NEW ORLEANS (Friday, November 26, 2010) – Heiligbrodt Racing Stable’s Hallway came from off the pace in Saturday’s $60,000 Mr. Sulu Stakes for a one-length win, denying defending champion Desert Wheat (owned by Wachtel Stable, Brous Stable and J. D. Lee) a third straight win in Fair Grounds’ 1 1/16-mile race restricted to accredited Louisiana-breds. Lynn Roberts/Hodges Photography

Fair Grounds seeks more high-quality races - New Orleans, LA - Nov. 26, 2010 - Coming off a season in which betting fell sharply and purses were cut, the Fair Grounds is focusing on offering more races for high-quality horses. Lowering the percentage of Louisiana-bred races is a related goal, racing secretary Jason Boulet said.

Mambo Galliano Waltzes in Thanksgiving ‘Cap - NEW ORLEANS (Thursday, November 25, 2010) – Former Fair Grounds owner Louie Roussel III was not present for the 85th running of the featured $60,000 Thanksgiving Handicap on Fair Grounds’ traditional opening day, but it was still a rousing hometown victory for the New Orleans native because he owns and trains the winner, Mambo Galliano. -Lynn Roberts/Hodges Photography

INTRODUCING KATIE MIKOLAY - FG's NEW TV HOSTESS - NEW ORLEANS (November 23, 2010) –- Who can turn the world on with her smile? Beginning Thursday, when Fair Grounds Race Course returns to its revered Thanksgiving Day opening, guests of Fair Grounds and fans of the New Orleans oval’s simulcast signal will find out shortly before the first race.

GOURMET DINNER WINS THE $1,000,000 DELTA DOWNS JACKPOT (Gr. III) - SOUTH FLORIDA JUVENILES DOMINATE RICH KY. DERBY PREP - VINTON, LA. – NOVEMBER 20, 2010 - The 8th renewal of the $1,000,000 Delta Downs Jackpot (G III) resulted in a sweep for two-year-olds shipping in from South Florida as 20-1 outsider Gourmet Dinner looped the field on the last turn to register an impressive 2 ¼ -length triumph over Decisive Moment. It was another 3 ¾ -lengths back to Clubhouse Ride. Running time for the 1 1/16th mile event was 1:45.23 over a fast track. - Coady Photography

Jackpot + Victory = Kentucky Derby - November 19, 2010 - On a day where there will be racing at Aqueduct, Hollywood Park and Churchill Downs, little Delta Downs in little Vinton, La., will be the most important track operating in North America Saturday.

LHBPA president and executive director charged with 29 counts - NEW ORLEANS, LA - November 18, 2010 - According to a federal indictment handed up Wednesday, LHBPA president and former Kenner city judge Sean Alfortish and LHBPA executive director Mona Romero are charged with 29 counts of conspiracy, fraud and witness tampering.

STARTING SPOT IN 2011 KENTUCKY DERBY ON THE LINE IN $1M DELTA DOWNS JACKPOT (GR. III) - VINTON, LA. – NOVEMBER 17, 2010 - Delta Downs’ racing office conducted its post position draw this morning for the eighth running of the $1,000,000 Delta Downs Jackpot (Gr. III). The 1-1/16th mile test for 2-year-olds will take place on Saturday during a special program that gets underway at 1 p.m. The headliner on the card is set for 4:15 p.m CST.

Delta Downs' revenue boosted by machines - Vinton, LA - November 17, 2010 - Delta Downs, has more than 1,600 slot machines yielding big purses at the 37-year-old racetrack.

Stolis winner draws post no. 3 for run at history - NEW ORLEANS - November 16, 2010 – Stolis Winner, the 4-year-old Texas-bred gelding likely to become the richest Quarter Horse in history with his next start, drew post position No. 3 and was made the 5-2 morning line favorite for Friday night’s Grade I Bank of America Challenge Championship. Post positions / Morning-line.

Fairgrounds hosts 2010 Bank of America Challenge Championship Nov. 19th - November 15, 2010 - The fastest horses in the world will meet in New Orleans for the first time when Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots hosts the Bank of America Challenge Championships with four Grade I races for American Quarter Horses on November 19. The Friday night program will feature 13 stakes races in all, with purses worth more than $1.1 million.

139th Thoroughbred Racing Season Opens Thanksgiving Day - The best that Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots has to offer will be bigger and better during the 139th Thoroughbred Racing Season, which runs from Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25, 2010, to March 27, 2011. The meet’s centerpiece event, the March 26 Louisiana Derby for horses making their last stop before the world-famous Kentucky Derby, has had its purse boosted to $1 million, from last year’s $750,000.

TRIUMPHANT STALL BACK AT FAIR GROUNDS - NEW ORLEANS (Tuesday, November 9, 2010) – Trainer Al Stall Jr. was back at his Fair Grounds barn Monday morning, two days after his star horse Blame upset the previously unbeaten mare Zenyatta in North America’s richest race, the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic. In a stretch run that’s being described as one of the most thrilling ever, Adele B. Dilschneider and Claiborne Farm’s Blame won by a nose after holding off a late charge by Zenyatta, who had closed from as much as 15 lengths behind. The Classic was the final race for both horses.

Jockey Theriot likes chances of BC breakthrough - Jockey Jamie Theriot's best finish in three Breeders' Cup mounts is a fourth place in the 2008 Juvenile with Terrain, but with three mounts at Churchill Downs this year, the 31-year-old Louisiana native thinks he could get his first victory.

RECORD NUMBER OF NOMINATIONS FOR $1,000,000 DELTA DOWNS JACKPOT November 20, 2010 - VINTON, LA. – Oct. 26, 2010 - A record number of 238 nominations for this year’s $1,000,000 Delta Downs Jackpot (Gr. 3) were announced by Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel on Monday.

Shaniko to Stand at Millennium in Louisiana - October 26, 2010 - Graded stakes winner Shaniko , a son of A.P. Indy , will move to Louisiana to stand the 2011 breeding season at Millennium Farms at Moon Lake near Elm Grove. His fee is $2,500. Shaniko formerly stood at Millennium Farms near Lexington.

Delta Downs begins its 2010-2011 Thoroughbred Season - October 26, 2010 - Live racing will take place Wednesday through Saturday nights through March 26 with post times throughout the season at 6:05 p.m.

MCM DASHMASTER CAPTURES LQHBA SALES FUTURITY - October 23, 2010 - McM Dashmaster prevailed by the narrowest of margins in the $301,919 LQHBA Sales Futurity (RG1) for Louisiana-bred 2-year-olds in a gutsy performance at Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino on Saturday afternoon.

Apart takes Super Derby - BOSSIER CITY, LA. - September 25, 2010 - In May, when Apart rolled to a more than seven-length win in a maiden special weight at Churchill Downs, his connections started thinking about making a certain Grade 2, $500,000 race this fall at Louisiana Downs. - Hodges Photography

FEATURE JESS ROCKIN WINS FAIR GROUNDS CHALLENGE - Mr Vikenson Takes Treme Stakes for Louisiana-breds; Lujan, Roberts Win Titles - NEW ORLEANS (September 25, 2010) – In a track record-breaking performance, Reed Land and Cattle Co. LLC’s Feature Jess Rockin led gate to wire and earned a berth into the Nov. 19 Grade I, $350,000 Bank of America Challenge Championship with a dominant one-length victory over Vrrroom in the $40,000 Fair Grounds Challenge Stakes on Closing Day of the Quarter Horse Racing Season at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. The 5-year-old mare, trained by Donnie Strickland, covered the 440-yard distance over a sealed sloppy track in :21.397 and earned a Speed Index of 112. Lynn Roberts / Hodges Photography

JES A GAME wins mid city stakes - NEW ORLEANS (Saturday, September 18, 2010) – Tony Doughtie’s Jes a Game led throughout to win Saturday’s featured $40,000 Mid City Stakes by a half-length over Heza Jodys Toast at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. Ridden by Bobby Ransom, the 4-year-old Game Patriot filly covered the 400-yard distance in :19.979 and earned a Speed Index of 102.

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