In reaction to the region-wide impact of Hurricane Harvey, which devastated areas of the mid-South in recent weeks, Delta Downs has removed a number of open stakes races from their 2017 schedule, including the $1-million GIII Delta Jackpot Nov. 18, the track announced Tuesday. The 84-day meet will begin as scheduled Oct. 18, but without the presence of eight added money events, following a recommendation from the HBPA Board of Directors. The track plans to continue its full calendar of stakes races in the second half of the season as scheduled.
A fixture on the late-season 2-year-old racing calendar since 2002, the race was won by GI Haskell Invitational and GI Preakness S. hero Exaggerator (Curlin) in 2015 and GI Travers S. runner-up Gunnevera (Dialed In) in 2016. Other notable past winners of the race include champion Big Drama (Montbrook) in 2008 and two-time Breeders' Cup winner Goldencents (Into Mischief) in 2012.
“While we are disappointed to scale back our first-half calendar, we believe this decision is appropriate, given the tremendous amount of damage throughout the region and the current focus on recovery efforts,” said Steve Kuypers, Vice President and General Manager of Delta Downs. “By continuing our support of the stakes races for Louisiana owners and trainers, we will help ensure the well-being and livelihood of our state's hardworking horsemen during this difficult time.”
Additional information on Delta Downs' revised schedule can be found at the track's website.
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