Super Derby Returns in 2023

The Super Derby, which was put on hiatus in 2022, will return to the Louisiana Downs stakes schedule in 2023. The nine-furlong race for 3-year-olds will be run Sept. 2 and will be worth $200,000.

“We are looking forward to a great Thoroughbred season and the return of the Super Derby,” the track's racing operations/ racing secretary Matt Crawford said. “Of course, Louisiana Cup Day will return [Aug. 5] with purses of $75,000 for the six stakes for Louisiana-breds. In addition, we will debut the $50,000 Alabama S. [June 24] and the $50,000 Cotton State S. [Aug. 19].”

Now under its second year of operation under Rubico Acquisition Corporation, president and owner Kevin Preston said he and his team are committed to making improvements to both the racetrack and onsite casino.

“As you know, we have made significant changes to the track and have enhanced many of the areas, including adding over 100 new slot machines to the casino floor, opening up two new restaurant concepts, adding our sportsbook and freshening up all aspects of the race track,” said Preston. “This year we have added many special features of our live race broadcasts. As we move into 2023, we have a lot of additional changes happening for this upcoming racing season.”

The 2023 Thoroughbred racing season at Louisiana Downs kicks off May 6 and the 61-day live racing season will run through Sept. 12.