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Louisiana Downs Race Track

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Racing Excitement at one of the South's biggest race tracks!

Louisiana Downs race track is a horse race track and racino located in Bossier City, Louisiana. Louisiana Downs race track holds thoroughbred racing typically from early May through October and a quarter horse racing meet is held from January through March.

Louisiana Downs race track's marquee racing event is the Super Derby. It is a contest for nation's best three-year-old thoroughbreds running at a distance of 1 1/8 th mile. The Super Derby is acknowledged to be one of the major prep races for prospective runners in the Breeders' Cup Classic.

Among the important stakes events run at Louisiana Downs race track are the following:

• Harrah's Louisiana Downs Breeders' Cup Handicap
• Independence Handicap
• Island Whirl Handicap
• LA Breeders' Derby
• LA Bred Quarter Horse Stake
• Fleur de Lis
• Dixie Miss
• Folklore Handicap
• Lady Luck

Louisiana Downs race track racino has 150,000 square feet of gaming space, devoted to slot machines. It does offer table games, though.

Louisiana Downs race track's thoroughbred racing meet is typically a showcase for a rich blend of horses from Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas.

Louisiana Downs race track Description

The Main Track at Louisiana Downs race track is a one-mile, oval track. The distance from the last turn to the finish line is 1,117 feet.

Meanwhile, the John Franks Turf Course measures 80 feet, all around. This turf track is one of the best in the nation, consistently maintaining its high-quality throughout the summer, allowing for a large variety of races to be run.

Louisiana Downs opened in 1974. It was built by shopping center developer Edward J. DeBartolo Sr., a longtime supporter of horse racing; it was third race track he developed, along with Thistledown and Remington Park. Harrah's Entertainment purchased the track in 2002.

Louisiana Downs race track History

• In 1973, Construction began at Louisiana Downs race track on a piece of reclaimed swampland near Shreveport, Louisiana. Holiday Inn Chairman Kemmons Wilson and real estate developer Edward DeBartolo were behind the project.

• In 1974, Louisiana Downs race track was opened on October 30.

• In 1980, the Super Derby was first run as a Grade 3 event.

• In 1984, the Super Derby was elevated to Grade 1 status.

• In 2001, The Super Derby was downgraded to Grade 2 effective the 2002 running.

• In 2002, Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. purchased Louisiana Downs race track.

• In the succeeding years, Louisiana Downs race track witnessed massive upgrading and renovation on its facilities, as its stature in the horse racing industry continued to be enhanced.