Racing Excitement at one of the South's biggest racecourses!

Louisiana Downs racecourse is a horse racecourse and racino located in Bossier City, Louisiana.

Louisiana Downs racecourse holds thoroughbred racing typically from early May through October and a quarter horse racing meet is held from January through March.

Louisiana Downs racecourse's marquee racing event is the Super Derby. It is a contest for nation's best three-year-old thoroughbreds running at a distance of 1 1/8th mile. The Super Derby is acknowledged to be one of the major prep races for prospective runners in the Breeders' Cup Classic.

Among the important stakes events run at Louisiana Downs racecourse are the following:

• Harrah's Louisiana Downs Breeders' Cup Handicap
• Independence Handicap
• Island Whirl Handicap
• LA Breeders' Derby
• LA Bred Quarter Horse Stake
• Fleur de Lis
• Dixie Miss
• Folklore Handicap
• Lady Luck

Louisiana Downs racecourse racino has 150,000 square feet of gaming space, devoted to slot machines. It does offer table games, though.

Louisiana Downs racecourse's thoroughbred racing meet is typically a showcase for a rich blend of horses from Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas.

Louisiana Downs racecourse Description

The Main Track at Louisiana Downs racecourse is a one-mile, oval track. The distance from the last turn to the finish line is 1,117 feet.

Meanwhile, the John Franks Turf Course measures 80 feet, all around. This turf track is one of the best in the nation, consistently maintaining its high-quality throughout the summer, allowing for a large variety of races to be run.

Louisiana Downs opened in 1974. It was built by shopping center developer Edward J. DeBartolo Sr., a longtime supporter of horse racing; it was third racecourse he developed, along with Thistledown and Remington Park. Harrah's Entertainment purchased the track in 2002.

Louisiana Downs racecourse History

• In 1973, Construction began at Louisiana Downs racecourse on a piece of reclaimed swampland near Shreveport, Louisiana. Holiday Inn Chairman Kemmons Wilson and real estate developer Edward DeBartolo were behind the project.

• In 1974, Louisiana Downs racecourse was opened on October 30.

• In 1980, the Super Derby was first run as a Grade 3 event.

• In 1984, the Super Derby was elevated to Grade 1 status.

• In 2001, The Super Derby was downgraded to Grade 2 effective the 2002 running.

• In 2002, Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. purchased Louisiana Downs racecourse.

• In the succeeding years, Louisiana Downs racecourse witnessed massive upgrading and renovation on its facilities, as its stature in the horse racing industry continued to be enhanced.