The 2020 Thoroughbred racing season at Harrah's Louisiana Downs, which was originally scheduled to begin Saturday, May 2, will commence Saturday, June 6. An emergency meeting of the Louisiana State Racing Commission took place May 5 and unanimous approval for the revised opening date was granted.
Due to state mandates regarding COVID-19, Harrah's Louisiana Downs concluded its 2020 Quarter Horse meet Monday, Mar. 16, two days ahead of the scheduled final date. Thoroughbreds have been training there since Monday, Apr. 13 when a judge ruling allowed horsemen to be permitted on the grounds.
The stable area will open May 6 for horsemen who have been allocated stalls for the 2020 Thoroughbred season. Ship-in hours will be from 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and trainers must contact Natalie Moses at (318) 820-8324 prior to shipping. No exceptions will be permitted.
“We appreciate the patience of all of our horsemen and wish them a safe transition in shipping their runners to Harrah's Louisiana Downs,” said David Heitzmann, Director of Racing. “This has been an incredibly difficult time for our industry, and we will all be grateful to see the return of live racing here next month.”
The meet will be run spectator-free, until further notice, in accordance with sanctions by Governor John Bel Edwards.
The first condition book will be available on Equibase in the near future. Further information on the Thoroughbred stakes schedule will be forthcoming. The GIII Super Derby will not be contested in 2020 as previously reported by TDN earlier this week.
The 64-day meet will continue through Wednesday, Sept. 23 with live racing to run Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
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