Louisiana Downs

Louisiana Downs is a thoroughbred racing track in Bossier City, Louisiana. It features live thoroughbred racing from May to November and quarter horse racing in November and December. It is considered to be one of the premier racetracks in the Southern United States.

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Louisiana Downs' signature race is the Super Derby. It is touted as a preparatory race for prospective participants to the Breeders' Cup Classic. The race tests the nation's best three-year-old thoroughbreds at a distance of one and one-eighth mile. It is the highlight of Louisiana Downs' distinguished stakes schedules. Among the other stakes events are the following:

John Franks Memorial
Chapel Belle
Fleur de Lis
Dixie Miss
Independence Handicap
Island Whirl Handicap
Folklore Handicap
Razorback Futurity
Lady Luck
Harrah's Louisiana Downs Breeders' Cup Handicap
LA Breeders' Derby
LA Bred Quarter Horse Stake

Louisiana Downs Track Facts

Main Track	:	one mile, oval
Turf Course	:	80 feet, all around
Distance from last turn to finish line	:	1,117 feet

History of Louisiana Downs

1973

Louisiana Downs started construction on reclaimed swampland near Shreveport, Louisiana. The reported cost was $20 million. Backing for the project came from Kemmons Wilson, chairman of Holiday Inn of America and real estate developer Edward J. DeBartolo, who also owned Thistledown racetrack in Ohio. He eventually built Remington Park in Oklahoma City.

1974

The inaugural day of racing was held on October 30.

1980

The track's centerpiece event - the Super Derby - was first run as a Grade 3 event.

1984

The Super Derby was given Grade 1 status.

1999

Edward J. DeBartolo's daughter Denise York assumed control of Louisiana Downs in March after winning a lawsuit against her brother Edward DeBartolo Jr. who had been involved in a gambling scandal.

2000

Edward J. DeBartolo's daughter Denise York assumed control of Louisiana Downs in March after winning a lawsuit against her brother Edward DeBartolo Jr. who had been involved in a gambling scandal.

2001

The Super Derby was downgraded to Grade 2 effective the 2002 running.

2002

On December 20, Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. announced that it has completed its acquisition of a controlling interest in Louisiana Downs.

2003

Improvements to the racing facility included upgrades to the racetrack turf rail system, barn and stable areas, turf course irrigation, paddock area, winner's circle, racetrack apron areas, exterior entry landscaping and a new VIP Lounge.

2004

The second phase of the expansion was completed in late May and included an additional 150,000 square feet of space that will house 1,500 slot machines.

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