OPELOUSAS, LA—SEPTEMBER 26, 2014—Evangeline Downs near Lafayette will again host the richest race in Louisiana (along with the Delta Jackpot at Delta Downs) during the 2014 fall Quarter Horse meet that begins on Wednesday, October 1. The $1 million LQHBA Futurity is one of 13 stakes races that will be held during the 46-night season that runs through December 20.

The LQHBA Futurity, worth $1 million dollars the last two years, is the richest race held annually at Evangeline Downs as well as the richest state-bred restricted race in the United States and just one of three seven-figure races held in the state of Louisiana.

The LQHBA Futurity is restricted to Louisiana bred two-year-olds and will be run at the distance of 400 yards on Saturday, November 29. An anticipated expanded night of LQHBA Futurity Trials will be held on Friday, November 7, with the ten fastest qualifying times earning a berth in the rich final, and the second ten fastest qualifying times returning for the LQHBA Invitational, also conducted on Saturday, November 29.

The total purses for the 2014 Stakes Schedule is approximately $1.5 million, an increase of more than 7% from last year’s total and also features a total of thirteen black type events, up from last year’s total of seven. Last year’s Leading Rider, David Alvarez is back to defend his title against a talented and deep riding colony that includes former leading riders Alfonso Lujan and John Hamilton, along with veterans Gilbert Ortiz, Donald Watson, Antonio Alberto, and Saul & Raul (Chico) Ramirez Jr.

Kenny Roberts, who set an all-time seasonal purse earnings record last year while recording his 7th career Leading Trainer title at Evangeline Downs, is back with a full barn of 40 horses. Miguel Rodriguez, Bobby Martinez, Heath Taylor, Trey Ellis, Anthony Arey and several others with sizeable and effective stables that figure to hit the winner’s circle often.

Chris Warren, Director of Racing Operations for both Evangeline Downs and its sister property Delta Downs, stated “We are excited about the upcoming meet and hope our bulked up stakes program is well received by the horsemen. Evangeline Downs has seen gains in both the recently concluded Spring/Summer Thoroughbred and last year’s Fall Quarter Horse meets and our optimistic of continuing that trend. Warren added,

“Our closing night promises to be a tremendous evening of racing with a total of five stake races including the EVD Futurity & Derby. Those two very popular events provide horsemen a chance to showcase their late-developing two-year-olds as well as offering their three-year-olds one final shot at a big payday.” Warren continued, “In addition to the extensive and lucrative stakes schedule, we will once again have a solid and varied overnight program which will provide plenty of opportunity for everybody.”

EVANGELINE DOWNS’ 2014 FALL QUARTER HORSE STAKES SCHEDULE

• Oct. 4 – Billy Montgomery Stakes (La) – F/M 3yo&up – 350 yds. – $30,000
  
• Oct. 25 – Amelia Belle Stakes (La) – 3yo&up – 350 yds. – $35.000
  
• Nov. 8 – EVD Dash 20 – 3yo&up – 220 yds. – $20,000
  
• Nov. 15 – Opelousas Stakes – 3yo&up – 400 yds. – $50,000
  
• Nov. 22 – Races and Aces Stakes (La) – 3yo&up – 870 yds. – $35,000
  
• Nov. 29 – Mojo’s Stakes (La) – 3yo&up – 300 yds. – $25,000
  
• Nov. 29 – LQHBA Futurity (La) – 2yo – 400 yds. – $1,000,000
  
• Nov. 29 – LQHBA Invitational (La) – 2yo – 400 yds. – $40,000
  
• Dec. 20 – Blue Chip Starter Stakes (La) – 3yo&up – 330 yds. – $20,000
  
• Dec. 20 – Sam’s Town Stakes – 3yo&up – 350 yds. – $25,000
  
• Dec. 20 – IP 870 Stakes – 3yo&up – 870 yds. – $25,000
  
• Dec. 20 – EVD Derby – 3yo – 400 yds. – $75,000
  
• Dec. 20 – EVD Futurity – 2yo – 400 yds. – $100,000

Note: Purses for both the EVD Derby & EVD Futurity are added, all others are guaranteed.

Note: Races with (La) are restricted to horses bred in Louisiana. >• ? Racing will be conducted primarily four-evenings a week, Wednesday-Saturday with a first post of 5:45 p.m. Central Time.