About Louisiana Downs

Louisiana Downs likes to be known for having a very fair racing surface and as such as kind to handicappers who love to test themselves while wagering. Clock watchers can keep close tabs on those training at the Downs.

Hosting meetings from May through September every racing season on TVG Louisiana Downs has no shortage of thoroughbred action, though even on dark days the track shows racing action from around the world by way of the simulcast system.

Bettors are invited in to place their wagers on all other tracks to keep the revenue coming in, though there is more than one way to have a bet here.

As well as hosting some quality thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing, there are 1,300 slot machines inside Louisiana Downs making this another one of Americas ‘racinos’, catering for everyone who feels the need to have a wager or two.

Louisiana Downs is also a favorite of horsemen with top class facilities provided for riders, trainers and stable staff as well as the equine stars themselves.

Louisiana Downs History

Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. of Cleveland, Ohio, known as a shopping center developer though always supporting the thoroughbred industry, built Louisiana Downs with the track’s first year of operation being back in 1974.

Over $23million was wagered in the Downs’ first year at an average of more than $75 a time but by the time the mid-80’s rolled around this figure was more like $224million at an average of $172 each proving that the areas of Shreveport and Bossier City needed such a facility.

Part of the reason for the high revenue at first was the busy schedule, with 125 days of racing at Louisiana Downs at its peak although that has settled to closer to 80 days of action now. Harrah’s Entertainment, owner of several other racetracks and casinos, bought Louisiana Downs in 2002.

In terms of big race days, Louisiana Downs is home to the Super Derby which is run every September (since 1980) over the Breeders’ Cup Classic distance of 1¼ miles and is the richest race held at the track with a purse of around $200,000 guaranteed.

The other big race on the calendar these days is the Tiznow Handicap over 1 1/16 miles which is now part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge series meaning the winner automatically qualifies for the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile in the fall.

Louisiana Downs Track Details

The main track is a one-mile dirt oval with a chute on the home stretch, with a seven-furlong turf course to the inside as standard.

Biggest Races

Super Derby – three-year-olds, on turf, 1 1/16 miles, Grade 3 (September).
Tiznow Handicap – three-year-olds and over, 1 1/16 miles (September).

Wager At Louisiana Downs With TVG!

Now you’re clued up on the track, don’t forget you can wager on races there with TVG. Head to our schedules page to check out the latest race times then bet and watch live!

Address

8000 E Texas St, Bossier City, LA 71111, USA

Contact

contact@ladowns.com