Big hats, big money, and family-fun at Louisiana Downs

Louisiana Downs will host Derby Day to begin the thoroughbred racing season. The event will feature live horse racing on the track and viewings of the Kentucky Derby throughout the multi-level entertainment complex. Organizers held the kick-off luncheon on Thursday to discuss the details. This year’s meet is 60 days long and features seven races per card.

Director of Racing Roxanne Tanner said working for Louisiana Downs is sentimental to her because her dad won his first horse race there in 1978. She explains how the racing community all works toward this big money-making day and the special perks.

“I can tell you enough how much we love our horsemen, the jockeys, the trainers, the exercise riders, the groom, hot-walkers, owners, and breeders. They all make this race meet what it is. First thing is always the horse-racing, but second thing you got to have the outfit the show up with. You can’t tell me that a girl doesn’t like getting gussied up, putting on the dress and fun hats. ” Tanner said.

The first post time is scheduled for 2:35 p.m. on May 3.

The gates open for the best three-year-old thoroughbreds in the country to run in the Kentucky Derby at 5:57 p.m. Central Time.