By TONY TAGLAVORE, Journal Sports
For at least one day this fall, Louisiana Downs will be “Super” once again.
The Journal has learned that the Super Derby, last run at Louisiana Downs in 2019, will return.
Once the Bossier City racetrack’s signature event, the Derby returns Sept. 10.
“It puts us back on the map,” said Louisiana Downs owner Kevin Preston. “It shows that this new ownership group is serious about racing, and about bringing this track back to life.”
Preston, President of Rubico Acquisition Group, bought Louisiana Downs Casino and Racetrack earlier this year.
From 1983-2001, the Super Derby was a Grade I race, with purses as high as $1 million. As prize money began to decline, the Super Derby was eventually downgraded to a Grade 3 race.
The purse for this year’s race has not been determined.
“We’re definitely going to make a splash,” Preston said. “We want to make sure (the Derby) is on people’s mind for years to come.”
Previous Super Derby horses to cross the finish line first include Kentucky Derby and Preakness winners Alysheba and Sunday Silence, and Kentucky Derby winner Sunny’s Halo.
Louisiana Downs’ thoroughbred meet begins May 7, and runs through Sept. 27.
Photo by LOU HODGES PHOTOGRAPHY
