Louisiana Downs

Officials at Harrahs Louisiana Downs in Bossier City, Louisiana, have released updated protocols as it regards its jockey leaving and returning to the track. The track has announced that any rider accepting a mount at another track will be asked to self-quarantine for a period of 14 days and will be required to submit a negative test for COVID-19 before being allowed to return. Inbound jockeys who have ridden at other facilities will be asked to do the same. The policy will be in effect until further notice. "After careful...

With Louisiana moving into Phase 2, Louisiana Downs will allow spectators as live racing kicks off Saturday. Patrons will be required to enter via a specially marked designated entrance and temperature checks will be conducted. Face masks are not required, but recommended. Only trainers, grooms and jockeys will be permitted in the saddling paddock and no more than six individuals will be allowed in the winner's circle following their race, based on social distancing recommendations. "We have been in daily communication with the Governor's office and were hopeful that we...

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...

Louisiana Downs will push back the opening of its spring/summer meet by one month, drop 20 dates from its schedule, and cancel the running of the GIII Super Derby because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Louisiana State Racing Commission (LSRC) voted 11-0 at an emergency meeting Tuesday to approve the track's request. The decision was the only agenda item scheduled and none of the scores of participants on the conference call spoke in opposition to the changes. Louisiana Downs had been slated to start racing May 2. The 20 dates...