LOUISIANA DOWNS

8000 E. Texas St.
Bossier City, Louisiana 71111
(318) 742-5555
http://www.ladowns.com

Louisiana Racing Dates
May 4 - October 20

Racetrack Information
Main track (dirt): 1 mile oval
Length of stretch from last turn to finish line: 1,010 feet
Turf course: 7/8 mile, 50 feet inside main track

Track History and Fun Facts: Louisiana opened on October 30, 1974 with approximately 15,000 fans in attendance for the first day of its inaugural meet. Built by the late shopping-center magnate, Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr., the track was a success from the start, setting numerous national records for handle and attendance throughout the 1970's and '80's. In 1980, the Super Derby, a 1¼-mile race run in the fall, debuted. The race attracted the best 3-year-olds in the country and with a $500,000 purse was the richest race ever for 3-year-old thoroughbreds. On Oct. 18, 1980, Belmont Stakes winner Temperance Hill won the inaugural Super Derby and became only the third thoroughbred in history to earn more than $1 million. In its first 24 running's, the Super Derby attracted four Kentucky Derby winners, four Preakness Stakes winners, five Belmont Stakes winners and seven Travers Stakes winners. Six previous Super Derby entrants have won the prestigious Breeders' Cup Classic and three Super Derby winners - Tiznow, Sunday Silence and Alysheba - have been voted the Eclipse Award as Horse of the Year, the industry's highest honor. The race has rightfully taken its place nationally as one of the most anticipated of the year.

Purchased by Harrah's Entertainment in December, 2002, the track continues its commitment to presenting the highest quality and most exciting Thoroughbred racing each and every day of the season while attracting some of the country's top trainers and horses year after year. Louisiana Downs also houses a gorgeous casino and the scenic Harrah's Club Restaurant with a panoramic view of the entire track.