Delta Downs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Delta Downs |
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| No. of rooms | 200 | ||||||||||||
| Total gaming space | 48,000 sq ft (4,500 m2) | ||||||||||||
| Casino type | Racino | ||||||||||||
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Delta Downs is an exciting place in Louisiana where you can watch horse races! It has a racetrack, a casino, and a hotel. This fun spot is located near Vinton, Louisiana, in the southwest part of the state. It is owned by a company called Boyd Gaming. Here, you can see both thoroughbred and quarter horse races.
Contents
The Story of Delta Downs
How Delta Downs Started
Delta Downs first opened its doors in September 1973. It was started by Lee Berwick, who wanted a good place for Quarter Horse races. Before this, he held races on his farm. Delta Downs became a place for both Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred races.
Changes and Growth
In the 1990s, a developer named Shawn Scott bought the track. Soon after, it was sold to Boyd Gaming for a lot more money. This happened because a new law allowed slot machines at Delta Downs. Boyd Gaming then spent over $120 million to make the place even better.
Facing Challenges
In 2005, Hurricane Rita caused a lot of damage to the casino, hotel, and track. But they worked hard to fix everything! The casino and hotel partly reopened just two months later. The racetrack was ready for races again after about six months. Thanks to the money from the slot machines, the races at Delta Downs have become even more exciting. Many top horses have raced here in recent years.
A Memorable Race
On January 11, 1990, a jockey named Sylvester Carmouche rode a horse called Landing Officer. They won a race by a very long distance in thick fog. There was some discussion about how the race happened. The jockey was later not allowed to race in Louisiana for a few years.
The Racetrack Itself
Track Design and Surface
The main track is an oval shape, about 6-furlong (1.2 km) long. It has special starting areas for different types of races. There's a 550-yard (0.50 km) chute for Quarter Horses. There are also chutes for Thoroughbreds, one about 1.0625-mile (1.7099 km) and another about 0.625 miles (1.006 km). The track surface is made from a mix of sand from the Sabine River and clay. It also has a base of limestone.
Home for Horses
Delta Downs has stables for 1,200 horses. You can even see horse pastures from the entrance! Sometimes, you might spot draft horses, miniature horses, and Thoroughbreds on display. A Quarter Horse named Red River Rebel holds the track record for speed as of 2011. He has also won the most money of any Quarter Horse in Louisiana.
Fun at the Casino
The casino at Delta Downs has more than 1,600 slot machines. Because of state laws, it only has slot machines. If you stay overnight, the hotel has 370 rooms and 50 fancy suites.
When to Catch the Races
Racing Schedule
Delta Downs usually holds races from November until mid-July. The Thoroughbred races start in November. The Quarter Horse races begin in April.
Exciting Races to Watch
Delta Downs hosts some very important races. These include:
- The Grade III, $1,000,000 Delta Jackpot Stakes for two-year-old horses.
- The Grade III, $500,000 Delta Princess Stakes for two-year-old female horses.
- The Restricted Grade I Lee Burwick Futurity.
- The Grade II Firecracker Futurity.
