The 2018 Thoroughbred season at Harrah's Louisiana Downs, which kicks off May 5, will be highlighted by the $300,000 GIII Super Derby. The 1 1/16-mile race will be held Sept. 2 and the card will be supported by an additional six stakes races.
“The Super Derby will always be a race with tremendous historic significance for Louisiana Downs,” said Trent McIntosh, Louisiana Downs assistant general manager. “Horsemen will have a solid prep race on Aug. 4 in the Super Derby Prelude with the winner earning a berth to the $300,000 Super Derby on Sept. 2. We appreciate the consideration from the American Graded Stakes Committee in granting graded stakes status to the Super Derby and look forward to presenting a quality field of 3-year-olds on Sept 2.”
Contested on the Frank's Turf Course in 2017, the Super Derby will revert to a main track feature this year and has been moved to Sunday of Labor Day weekend.
“There are few major stakes on Sunday,” McIntosh said of the move. “Most are run on Saturday or on Labor Day. We feel that the move to Sunday will create strong interest from horseplayers, here and on a national level. In addition, we will offer many family-friendly promotions to attract local fans looking for an enjoyable holiday outing.”
The track will host Louisiana Cup Day, featuring six stakes for state-bred horses, Aug. 4. The card will also include the $60,000 Super Derby Prelude.
Live racing will be conducted Monday through Wednesday and Saturday with a 3:15 p.m. CT post time through Sept. 26.
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