Delta Downs will again host $1 million Jackpot on special
daytime card
Delta Downs has released its 2011-2012 Thoroughbred stakes schedule, which
includes 30 races and more than $4 million in total purse money.
The highlight of the 88-day season, which runs from October 19 through March
17, will come on November 19. On that day the track will host eight stakes races
and offer more than $2 million in total purse money with the season’s richest
race, the $1 million Delta Downs Jackpot (G3), serving as the main attraction.
Last year’s $1 million Delta Downs Jackpot program was historic, as it
produced the highest single-day handle in track history of $3,817,849. The
11-race card also marked the first time the season’s richest race day was
conducted during daylight hours, as the track’s regular programs are run at
night. That tradition will continue this year as the first post time on the
Delta Downs Jackpot Day card is set for 1:15 p.m. (CST).
Other highlights of the new stakes schedule include a pair of prep races on
opening weekend, October 22. The $200,000 Jean Lafitte will serve as a stepping
stone to the Delta Downs Jackpot and the $150,000 My Trusty Cat for two-year-old
fillies is a prelude to the $500,000 Delta Downs Princess (G3), which is the
only other graded stakes race of the season. The Delta Downs Princess is also
scheduled for November 19.
The richest nighttime program of the season will take place on February 4
with another edition of Louisiana Premier Night. The LAPN card features 10
stakes races for Louisiana-bred horses and more than $1 million in total purse
money. The highlight of LAPN is the $200,000 Louisiana Premier Night
Championship for older horses competing at 1 1/16 miles.
Delta Downs’ 2011-2012 Thoroughbred meeting will feature live racing each
Wednesday through Saturday. Post times each evening will be at 5:45 p.m.