Harrah's Louisiana Downs Announces Its 2019 Quarter Horse Stakes Schedule

The Mardi Gras Futurity(RG2), the first official futurity of the new year, is set for March 16.

Last year’s $310,466 Mardi Gras Futurity champion Edmundo Juarez’ Guidry Pride II will compete in the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile (RG2) on Saturday, December 8 at Fair Grounds in New Orleans.

In addition to the Mardi Gras Futurity for Louisiana-breds, the $75,000-added Harrah’s Futurity (G3) will be contested on March 20 and is an open 2-year-old championship.

Live racing will be conducted Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday with a 1:00 p.m. (Central) post time through March 20.

The barn area will open on Saturday, December 15 with training hours set from 6:30 am – 10:30 am. Harrah’s Louisiana Downs will also offer schooling races for 2-year-olds paid into the Mardi Gras Futurity in early February.

"We have received strong interest from returning horsemen including Vann Haywood, Josue Huitron, Orlando Orozco, Kenneth Roberts, Sr. and Lanny Keith," said David Heitzmann, Director of Racing. "Stall applications have been steady and we look forward to welcoming conditioners Michael Taylor, Robert Touchet, Ray Robbins and Phillip Calais, Jr. this year."

Louisiana Downs 2019 Quarter Horse Stakes Schedule

• JAN 05 — $15,000 Harrah’s Dash — 4 YO & Up — 350 YDS
• JAN 12 — $15,000 Marathon Stakes — 4 YO & Up — 870 YDS
• JAN 19 — $25,000 Billy Montgomery — 3 YO LA-Bred — 350 YDS
• JAN 26 — $15,000 Swift Stakes — 4 YO & Up — 350 YDS
• JAN 26 — $25,000 Party Girl Stake — 4 YO & Up F&M LA-bred — 350 YDS
• FEB 02 — $25,000 Magnolia Stakes — 3 YO & Up LA-Bred — 870 YDS
• FEB 09 — $15,000-a. LAD Maiden Stake — 3,4 & 5 YO LA-Bred — 350 YDS
• FEB 16 — $25,000 Mr Jess Perry — 4 YO & Up LA-Bred — 330 YDS
• MAR 16 — $100,000-added Mardi Gras Futurity — 2 YO LA-Bred — 300 YDS
• MAR 16 — $50,000-added Mardi Gras Derby — 3 YO LA-Bred — 400 YDS
• MAR 16 — $15,000 Leverne Perry Memorial — 3 YO & Up — 400 YDS
• MAR 20 — $75,000-added Harrah’s Futurity — 2 YO — 300 YDS

2019 Quarter Horse Trial Dates:

• JAN 19 — Louisiana Downs Maiden Stake
• FEB 23 — Mardi Gras Futurity
• FEB 24 — Mardi Gras Derby
• MAR 2 — Harrah’s Futurity

About Harrah’s Louisiana Downs
Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and was purchased by Caesars Entertainment in December, 2002. With annual Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing seasons, the track is committed to presenting the highest quality racing programs paired with its 150,000 square foot entertainment complex offering casino gambling, dining and plasma screen televisions for sports and simulcast racing.