About Louisiana Downs Horse Racing

Louisiana boasts four horse racing tracks, one of which is Louisiana Downs. It was built in 1974 by Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr. and its website says it set national handle and attendance records in the 70s and 80s. The track was bought by Harrah's in 2002 and has been part of a casino and hotel complex since 2003.

  1. Location and Facilities

    • Louisiana Downs sits on 350 acres in Bossier City, Louisiana, which is near Shreveport on the northwest corner of the state. The facility can handle 15,000 viewers and admission is free in the grandstand when there's live racing. Reserved seats ranged from $30 to $50 as of 2010.

    Seasons

    • The thoroughbred season at Louisiana Downs runs from May through September, while quarter horse racing takes place from January through March. The main dirt track at is one mile long, while the turf track is seven eighths of a mile and 50 feet.

    Super Derby

    • The track's most famous race is the Super Derby, which is held each September. The grade II graded stakes race is the richest on the Louisiana Downs calendar with a purse in excess of $750,000. The Super Derby, which began in 1980, is for 3-year-olds and is considered one of the premiere races to prepare runners for the Breeders' Cup Classic.

    John Franks

    • The turf track at Louisiana Downs is named after legendary horse owner John Franks, who died in 2003 at the age of 78. He won seven Eclipse Awards for outstanding achievement. Franks, who entered the business in 1979, was the leading owner at Louisiana Downs every year from 1982 to 1999. His green and orange owner's silks graced the winner's circle there more than 140 times. He was also the nation's top winner in nine separate years, and the nation's top earner four times.

    Exotic Wagering Format

    • Any bet, other than a straight bet, is wagered in line with the Louisiana Downs specific exotic wagering format. The minimum wager is $1. Exactas and quinellas are available on all races and trifectas are available on all races with six or more entries.