Purses to increase at Louisiana Downs

Louisiana Downs will increase purses for the 2018 Thoroughbred meet effective June 30. Overnight races, with purses up to and including $12,500, will rise by $1,500. Other races will receive a $1,000 purse increase.

Officials attributed its four-day schedule, with racing offered Saturday and Monday-Wednesday, to its success with both on-track and simulcast players. The 84-day racing season began May 5 and the track’s two major stakes programs, Louisiana Cup Day on August 4 and Super Derby Day on September 2, are still to come at the Bossier City, Louisiana venue.

“We are pleased to announce this purse increase,” Racing Secretary David Heitzmann said. “While our Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby remains the richest race of the meet, we have a loyal core of horsemen who work hard to fill races throughout the season. We are hopeful that this increase will benefit both our horsemen and horseplayers.”

Joel Dominguez, who lost his apprentice status on May 23, won six of seven mounts at Louisiana Downs on Saturday and is currently tied for the lead in the rider standings with Emanuel Nieves. Both jockeys have 27 wins.

On Wednesday, July 4, Louisiana Downs will host Exotic Animal Races with Ostriches and Camels racing on the main track between live Thoroughbred races.