By T. D. Thornton
Louisiana Downs will push back the opening of its spring/summer meet by one month, drop 20 dates from its schedule, and cancel the running of the GIII Super Derby because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Louisiana State Racing Commission (LSRC) voted 11-0 at an emergency meeting Tuesday to approve the track's request. The decision was the only agenda item scheduled and none of the scores of participants on the conference call spoke in opposition to the changes.
Louisiana Downs had been slated to start racing May 2. The 20 dates will be lopped off the front end of the schedule and will not be reallocated after the new June 6 start date.
The Super Derby, originally scheduled for Sep. 12, is traditionally the signature stakes race at the meet. The season will end Sep. 23 as previously planned.
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