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RacingBetter News |
| Tuesday 8th February 2022 | |
Louisiana Downs Announces Changes to 2022 Quarter Horse Schedule
The 2022 Quarter Horse racing season at Louisiana Downs began on January 10, and the Mardi Gras Futurity drew a lot of attention from horsemen (RG3).
Nominations for the year's first "official" futurity surpassed previous records, according to Bruce Salard, executive director of the Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association (LQHBA). He revealed that a record 223 payments had been received. With that level of interest, it was apparent that trials for the 300-yard championship could not be completed in a single day.
The Louisiana State Racing Commission (LSRC) approved a request for a schedule change from David Heitzmann, director of racing at the Bossier City racetrack. Asian sportsbook Vwin covered the following changes that have been approved:
- The Mardi Gras Futurity trials have been rescheduled for Saturday, March 5, and March 6. The drawing will be held on Saturday, February 26.
- The 2022 live racing season will end on Wednesday, April 6, rather than Thursday, April 8.
"We appreciate the LSRC's efficiency in approving the change in our schedule so that we can safely run all of the Mardi Gras Futurity trials," Heitzmann said. "Last year's purse was $349,946, but due to the high level of interest from horsemen, the ten finalists will compete for a record purse on March 27."
On Sunday, March 27, Louisiana Downs will also host the 15th running of the $50,000-added Mardi Gras Derby, with trials scheduled for Monday, March 7. The $75,000-added Louisiana Downs Futurity (G3) trials will be held on March 13, with the top ten qualifiers advancing to the final on April 3. On February 12 and 19, schooling races will be held for 2-year-olds who have entered the Mardi Gras Futurity and the Louisiana Downs Futurity.
Through March 2, live Quarter Horse racing will be held on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. The schedule shifts to Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday beginning March 6. On March 31, one Thursday race card will be added. Except for Mardi Gras trial dates, which start at 11:00 a.m., post time will be 1:00 p.m. (Central).
Dates for the 2022 Louisiana Downs Thoroughbred live racing season have also been set. The 84-day event will begin on Saturday, May 7, and end on Tuesday, September 27.
Schedule for the Quarter Horse Stakes at Louisiana Downs in 2022
- On March 27, a $100,000-added Mardi Gras Futurity(RG2) 2 YO LA-Bred 300 yards.
- $50,000-added 3 YO LA-Bred Mardi Gras Derby 400 yards.
- $75,000 was added on April 3. Louisiana Downs Futurity (G3) 2-Year-Old 300 Yards.
Dates for Quarter Horse Trials in 2022
- Mardi Gras Futurity will be held on March 5 and 6.
- The Mardi Gras Derby will take place on March 7.
- The Louisiana Downs Futurity takes place on March 13.
Dates for Schooling Races in 2022
The Mardi Gras Futurity takes place on February 12.
The Louisiana Downs Futurity will be held on February 19.
Louisiana Downs Information
Louisiana Downs, located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, opened in 1974 and is now owned by Rubico Acquisition Corporation. With annual Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing seasons, the track is dedicated to providing the highest quality racing programs complemented by its 150,000 square foot entertainment complex. The complex includes casino gambling, dining, and plasma screen televisions for sports and simulcast racing.
