Racing Commission public meetings in 2020
11 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Racing Commission
The Louisiana State Racing Commission is deciding whether to relocate the 2020-21 Delta Downs thoroughbred meet to Louisiana Downs after Hurricane Laura. Delta Downs opposes the move, citing community recovery and economic impact, while some horsemen support relocation. Louisiana Downs has proposed a 12-day meet with conditions including no financial loss.
- Petition from 370+ horsemen opposes moving Delta Downs meet to Louisiana Downs
- Delta Downs plans to resume racing on November 24, 2020, after hurricane repairs
- Louisiana Downs proposes a 12-day meet starting October 26, 2020, with conditions
- Senator Ronnie Johns opposes moving racing dates from Delta Downs
- Delta Downs argues relocation would harm local businesses and recovery
The Commission approved racing dates, licenses, and wagering formats for Delta Downs, Evangeline Downs, Fair Grounds, and Louisiana Downs. It also ordered Delta Downs to submit a back-up reopening plan following Hurricane Laura damage and granted Fair Grounds a force majeure finding to reduce its required race days.
- Ordered Delta Downs to submit a back-up plan within 10 days or face fines up to $100,000 (9-0-1)
- Approved Delta Downs 2020-2021 thoroughbred meet licenses, dates, and wagering (9-1)
- Approved Delta Downs 2021 quarter horse meet licenses, dates, and wagering
- Approved Evangeline Downs 2020 quarter horse and 2021 thoroughbred meet items
- Approved Fair Grounds 2020-2021 thoroughbred meet licenses, dates, and wagering (9-1)
- Approved force majeure finding for Fair Grounds to reduce total race dates (8-2)
- Approved exception to ban Lasix in Fair Grounds 2021 stakes races (9-1)
- Approved Louisiana Downs 2020 thoroughbred and 2021 quarter horse/thoroughbred meet items
Racing Commission
The Racing Commission is considering an amended schedule for Evangeline Downs' 2020 quarter horse season, proposing 39 race days from October 1 through December 19 with a 5:35 p.m. CT post time. The agenda includes only this item, with no other business listed.
- Amended 2020 quarter horse race dates for Evangeline Downs: Oct 1–Dec 19, 39 race days, post time 5:35 p.m. CT
The Louisiana State Racing Commission approved a request to postpone the start of the 2020 Quarter Horse Meet and associated entry days at Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino. This action was taken in response to a restraining order obtained by Churchill Downs.
- Approved amendments to postpone 2020 Quarter Horse Meet and entry days, except for September 9, 2020 (10-0)
Racing Commission
The Louisiana State Racing Commission issued an emergency order on September 3, 2020, in response to Hurricane Laura's extensive damage to Delta Downs. The order allows thoroughbreds scheduled for Delta Downs to stable and train at Louisiana Downs and Fair Grounds, with personnel provided customary living quarters. It also sets training hours from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. with a half-hour break and allows horses at Fair Grounds to remain until October 15, 2020. The order is based on force majeure powers granted by state law.
- Emergency order to relocate thoroughbreds from Delta Downs to Louisiana Downs and Fair Grounds
- Personnel caring for horses to be provided customary living quarters
- Training allowed Monday through Saturday, 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. with half-hour break
- Horses at Fair Grounds can stay until October 15, 2020, then return to Delta Downs or Louisiana Downs
- LAHBPA will pay stall rent and bedding for relocated horses
The Commission approved an emergency order regarding the housing of displaced race horses. The order follows testimony from Fair Grounds and the Louisiana Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (LaHBPA) concerning stabling and maintenance expenses.
- Approved LSRC Emergency Order of September 3, 2020 (9-1)
- Deferred Agenda Items A.2. through D.8 to a later emergency meeting
Racing Commission
The Louisiana State Racing Commission is holding an emergency meeting to discuss a request from the Louisiana Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association for an emergency order regarding housing and movement of horses at Delta Downs, which suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Laura. The commission will also consider multiple routine approvals for upcoming race meets at Delta Downs, Evangeline Downs, Fair Grounds, and Harrah's Louisiana Downs, including 10-year licenses, racing dates, wagering formats, and steward appointments.
- Discussion/action on LHBPA request for emergency order for horse housing at Delta Downs due to Hurricane Laura damage
- Approval of first condition book for Delta Downs 2020-2021 thoroughbred meet
- Approval of 10-year licenses to own and operate racetracks and OTB locations for Evangeline Downs, Fair Grounds, and Harrah's Louisiana Downs
- Approval of 2021 quarter horse and thoroughbred racing dates and post times for multiple tracks
- Approval of wagering formats including minimum bets and exotic wagers for upcoming meets
The Commission discussed a request from the Louisiana Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association to require Fair Grounds to house horses displaced from Delta Downs by Hurricane Laura. The Commission deferred action on this and other agenda items to a subsequent emergency meeting.
- Approved meeting minutes from June 12, 2020 and July 10, 2020
- Deferred Agenda Items A.1. through D.8. to an emergency meeting on September 3, 2020 (9-1)
Racing Commission
The Louisiana State Racing Commission is holding an emergency teleconference meeting to discuss and act on several COVID-19-related items, including payment of purse funds for the cancelled 2020 Harrah's Quarter Horse Futurity, approval of slot purse funds from Delta Downs' quarter horse meet to be dispersed in 2021, extension of 2020 license expirations to July 31, 2020, and extension of the uncashed tickets deadline to 90 days after commission approval for three race meets.
- Discussion/Action on payment of purse funds for the cancelled 2020 Harrah's Quarter Horse Futurity
- Approval of slot purse funds earned in June and July 2020 of Delta Downs' Quarter Horse Meet to be dispersed at the next meet in 2021
- Approval of extension for 2020 licenses expiration to July 31, 2020 due to COVID-19
- Approval of deadline extension for uncashed tickets to 90 days after commission approval for Delta Downs, Fair Grounds, and Louisiana Downs meets
The Louisiana State Racing Commission approved the distribution of cancelled 2020 Harrah’s Quarter Horse Futurity funds to qualifiers. The Commission also extended license expirations and uncashed ticket deadlines due to COVID-19 pandemic closures.
- Approved even distribution of cancelled 2020 Harrah’s Quarter Horse Futurity purse funds and jockey fees among qualifiers
- Approved dispersal of Delta Downs June and July 2020 slot purse funds at the next 2021 meet
- Approved extension of 2020 license expirations to July 31, 2020
- Approved extension of uncashed ticket deadline to 90 days after July 10, 2020 for Delta Downs, Fair Grounds, and Louisiana Downs
Racing Commission
The Louisiana State Racing Commission is holding an emergency teleconference meeting to consider several key items, including approval of 10-year racetrack and OTB licenses for Delta Downs and Evangeline Downs, ratification of racing dates and wagering formats for upcoming meets, and approval of Fair Grounds' post-COVID re-opening plan and transfer of quarter horse race dates to Evangeline Downs. The commission will also ratify officials and condition books for multiple meets.
- Approval of 10-year license for Delta Downs to own/operate racetrack and OTB locations for 2020-2021 thoroughbred meet
- Approval of 10-year license for Evangeline Downs to own/operate racetrack and OTB locations for 2020 quarter horse meet
- Approval of Fair Grounds' post-COVID re-opening plan and transfer of 2020 quarter horse race dates to Evangeline Downs
- Ratification of designated races for Delta Downs quarter horse meet (e.g., Old South Derby, Lassie Futurity) and Evangeline Downs thoroughbred meet (e.g., Louisiana Legends series)
- Annual renewal of training track licenses for Benton Training Center, Copper Crowne, and Folsom Thoroughbred Training Center
The Louisiana State Racing Commission approved various racing meets, officials, and wagering formats for Delta Downs, Evangeline Downs, and Fair Grounds. The Commission also approved the transfer of certain quarter horse race dates and purses from Fair Grounds to Evangeline Downs.
- Approved 2020 quarter horse meet and 2020-2021 thoroughbred meet for Delta Downs
- Approved 2020 thoroughbred and quarter horse meets for Evangeline Downs (9-2)
- Ratified David Wedlake as State Steward for Evangeline Downs
- Approved Fair Grounds' Post COVID-19 Re-Opening and Operations Plan
- Approved transfer of 2020 Quarter Horse race dates and purses from Fair Grounds to Evangeline Downs (9-2)
- Ratified Heberto Castillo as Placing Judge for Harrah’s Louisiana Downs
- Approved license renewals for Benton Training Center, Copper Crowne, and Folsom Thoroughbred Training Center
- Approved previous meeting minutes from Jan 27, Feb 12, Mar 20, May 5, and May 20, 2020
Racing Commission
The Louisiana State Racing Commission holds an emergency teleconference meeting to consider requests from Delta Downs, Evangeline Downs, and Harrah's Louisiana Downs to amend their 2020 racing dates and approve post-COVID-19 re-opening and limited operations plans. The commission will also consider license renewals, wagering format changes, and appointment of officials for the thoroughbred meet at Louisiana Downs.
- Delta Downs: amend quarter horse meet dates to July 10-27 and approve re-opening plan
- Evangeline Downs: amend thoroughbred meet dates to June 5 - August 29 and approve re-opening plan
- Harrah's Louisiana Downs: approve re-opening plan, condition book, and officials for 2020 thoroughbred meet
- Approval of wagering format amendments for Louisiana Downs including Pick 4, Pick 5, and Pick 6
- Appointment of Roy Wood, Jr. as State Steward for Louisiana Downs thoroughbred meet
The Louisiana State Racing Commission approved amended 2020 racing dates, licenses, and COVID-19 reopening plans for Delta Downs and Evangeline Downs. The Commission also approved the 2020 thoroughbred meet operations and wagering format for Harrah’s Louisiana Downs.
- Approved Delta Downs 2020 quarter horse meet dates, licenses, and COVID-19 reopening plan (10-0)
- Approved Evangeline Downs 2020 thoroughbred meet dates, licenses, and COVID-19 reopening plan (6-5)
- Approved Harrah’s Louisiana Downs COVID-19 reopening plan, races, officials, and wagering amendments (9-0)
Racing Commission
The Louisiana State Racing Commission is holding an emergency teleconference meeting to consider requests from three racetracks to amend their 2020 racing dates and approve post-COVID-19 re-opening and limited operations plans. The tracks are Boyd Racing's Delta Downs (quarter horse meet), Boyd Gaming's Evangeline Downs (thoroughbred meet), and Harrah's Louisiana Downs (thoroughbred meet). The meeting will also consider wagering format amendments and approval of officials for the Louisiana Downs meet.
- Delta Downs: amend quarter horse meet dates to July 10-27, 2020, with minimum 9 races daily
- Evangeline Downs: amend thoroughbred meet dates to June 5 through August 29, 2020, with minimum 8 races daily
- Louisiana Downs: approval of post-COVID-19 re-opening plan and first condition book
- Approval of wagering format changes for Louisiana Downs including Pick 6 on last 6 races
- Approval of officials for Louisiana Downs thoroughbred meet, including Roy Wood, Jr. as State Steward
The Louisiana State Racing Commission held an emergency meeting to consider a request from Harrah’s Bossier City Investment Company, LLC. The Commission voted unanimously to approve the requested amendments to the 2020 Thoroughbred Meet dates due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Approved racing date amendments for Harrah’s Louisiana Downs (11-0)
Racing Commission
The Louisiana State Racing Commission is meeting to address how the COVID-19 pandemic affects licensed tracks and training facilities. The body intends to issue emergency orders to protect the health and welfare of license holders.
- Issuance of emergency orders regarding COVID-19 impacts on tracks and training facilities
The Louisiana State Racing Commission held an emergency meeting to address the impact of COVID-19 on licensed tracks and training facilities. The Commission voted to adopt the LSRC Emergency Order of March 20, 2020, with provisions to revise it as needed and work with the LaHBPA.
- Adopted LSRC Emergency Order of March 20, 2020 (7-0, 1 abstention)
Racing Commission
The Louisiana State Racing Commission will meet to consider a joint motion to approve a settlement agreement in a lawsuit involving Churchill Downs Louisiana Horseracing Company (Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots). The case, John Soileau et al. v. Churchill Downs, is pending in Orleans Parish Civil District Court. No other business is listed on the agenda.
- Consideration of joint motion to approve settlement agreement in John Soileau v. Churchill Downs Louisiana Horseracing Company (Docket No. 2014-3878, Div. G)
- Request to transfer settlement to District Court
The Commission approved an amendment and a joint motion to refer a settlement agreement regarding John Soileau, et al. v. Churchill Downs Louisiana Horseracing Company, L.L.C. back to the District Court. The agreement includes provisions for quarter horse purses and increasing the minimum race days from 10 to 15 over five weeks for future meets.
- Approved amendment to the settlement agreement (Motion by Calvert, seconded by Bernard)
- Approved joint motion to refer the amended settlement agreement back to the District Court (Motion by Reine, seconded by Calvert)
- Approved request to hold the next Commission Meeting in Opelousas, Louisiana (Motion by Cravins, seconded by Romero)
Racing Commission
The Commission will review a merger agreement for Harrah’s Louisiana Downs involving Eldorado Resorts, Inc. and consider a new 60-day penalty for quarter horses testing positive for Clenbuterol. The meeting also includes progress reports from several racing associations and adjudications regarding trainer violations.
- Approval of Eldorado Resorts, Inc. merger agreement relating to Caesars Entertainment Corporation
- Adoption of a 60-day Stewards List penalty for quarter horses with Clenbuterol positive tests
- Ratification of the 2019-2020 Thoroughbred meet race schedule
- Ratification of the 2020 Quarter Horse meet race schedule and condition book
- Consideration of settlement agreement in John Soileau, et al. v. Churchill Downs Louisiana Horseracing Company, L.L.C.
The Commission approved the merger of Eldorado Resorts, Inc. and Caesars Entertainment Corporation. Other actions included setting a methamphetamine threshold for urine tests and ruling on several trainer and jockey adjudications.
- Approved Eldorado Resorts and Caesars Entertainment merger (8-2)
- Set methamphetamine threshold at 10 ng/mL in urine
- Approved 142-day apprentice allowance extension for jockey Charles Roberts III
- Adopted 60-day Stewards List penalty for Quarter Horses positive for Clenbuterol
- Overturned careless riding ruling for jockey Devin H. Magnon (6-4)
- Upheld ruling for trainer Jose U. Lopez, Jr. with an additional $500 fine
- Upheld ruling for trainer Jose A. Garcia with a 60-day suspension
- Upheld ruling for trainer Carl J. Deville with a $1,000 fine